Virtual Classrooms
A virtual classroom experience is when students learn with a teacher and other students via web conferencing technology.
Teachers lead a virtual classroom where students from different locations access at the same time.
They typically include interactive exercises, which are an effective way of transferring knowledge and embedding skills.
It is different from online delivery because students and teachers are connected in real-time via web-conferencing.
Virtual classrooms during COVID-19
Virtual classrooms are more widely available to support the current need for social distancing.
Practical and interactive activities are a part of learning in a virtual classroom. However, modified face-to-face delivery will continue when it is needed, with practical exercises adjusted for social distancing and hygiene practices.
Teachers will provide students with the specific details of how their classes in Term 2 will run, incorporating connected learning, modified face-to-face training and other methods.
Benefits for students
Virtual classrooms enable students and teachers to connect and continue their learning program while practising social distancing. Students benefit from:
- A teacher guiding their class through all of their learning activities
- Individual support from their teacher to help them stay on track
- Access to classmates and social interaction with peers within a virtual classroom
- Learning valuable remote working skills, which are increasingly important in modern workplaces.
Through the use of virtual classrooms, students and teachers are able to build skills highly valued by employers such as digital literacy, remote working, problem solving and resilience.
Getting ready for virtual classrooms
TAFE NSW uses several web conferencing technology platforms to connect students and teachers. Examples include Microsoft Teams and Adobe Connect.
While teachers will provide students with personalised updates on class times and platforms, the Getting Ready for joining a Virtual Classroom Guide provides a general summary of:
- what to expect,
- what students will typically need to get ready, and
- tips for troubleshooting.
Participating in a virtual classroom
The same rules of apply within virtual classrooms as in other TAFE NSW learning spaces. This Virtual Classroom Expectation Guide helps you understand how you can successfully participate, respect others and stay safe.
If you are experiencing difficulties with access to a virtual classroom, please call the TAFE NSW Student Technology Service Desk on 131601 and follow the prompts.
Students who may be Deaf or hard of hearing, can seek assistance through the National Relay Service or may lodge an enquiry using the Get Technology Help Form.
Frequently Asked Questions
A virtual classroom is when students learn with a teacher and other students via web conferencing technology as part of a virtual classroom.
Teachers lead a virtual classroom that is accessed by students in different locations at the same time. They typically include interactive exercises, which are an effective way of building knowledge and embedding skills.
Virtual classrooms are different from online delivery in that student and teachers connect in real-time via web-conferencing. Online learning is more self-paced and self-directed.
Virtual classrooms have grown in popularity in recent years, mostly due to ongoing benefits and the positive and engaging experiences that students have.
While getting started may be a little challenging if you aren’t used to it, students will benefits from:
-
A teacher guiding them their class through all of their learning activities
-
Individual support from their teacher to help them stay on track
-
Access to classmates and social interaction with peers within a virtual classroom
-
Learning valuable remote working skills, which are increasingly important in modern workplaces.
To make the transition as easy as possible, start with Getting Ready for Connected Learning. This useful guide provides a general summary of what to expect, what students will typically need to get ready, and some tips for troubleshooting.
At the moment, there is no face-to-face training in the Greater Sydney area.
Once TAFE NSW can, it will recommence face-to-face delivery in Greater Sydney.
You will need a device to connect to the class from home – preferably a laptop or computer. You can use a mobile phone but it isn’t ideal for long periods of time.
There are more details in the Getting Ready for Virtual Classroom Guide. It provides a general summary of what to expect, what students will typically need to get ready, and some tips for troubleshooting.
Ideally, you will have a private, distraction free environment. Make sure people around you know you are at class. It is a good idea to turn on your camera before class to check the background is appropriate.
You will attend a TAFE NSW campus or Connected Learning Centre to connect with your teachers and other students in a virtual classroom where you will participate in learning activities via video or web conferencing technology. Much like a regular class, you will have scheduled times of attendance. Depending on what you are studying, your course may also include some online units or practice training though our network of Mobile Training Units.
Connect with your teachers and other students in a virtual classroom to participate in learning activities via video or web conferencing technology. You will be able to join the class from anywhere with a good internet connection, such as your home or a TAFE campus. If you would like to join from TAFE, please contact your local campus to book a space. Much like a regular class, you will have scheduled times of attendance. Depending on what you are studying, your course may also include some online units.
Getting Ready for Virtual Classrooms
