After the pandemic, the number of activities that have turned virtual has significantly risen. From remote jobs to online education.
When you consider online education, it’s not like a dessert buffet. So many options to choose from. Recorded sessions, live sessions, virtual classroom, self studying, etc.
In this blog we’re gonna discuss all about virtual classrooms and online self-paced learning.
What’s a Virtual Classroom?
A virtual classroom is simply like a normal classroom with a teacher. Except in a virtual classroom, the whole thing is done through a screen, which means instead of going to your desk, you have to go sit in front of a laptop or a computer and learn/.
In virtual classes, you must log in at one specific time where a real teacher is there an many other learners join at the same time. You can all ask questions, discuss and do everything in real time
This kind of studying is mostly a guided class with the teacher in real time.
How to make Virtual Classes more interesting
If you’ve been in a virtual classroom, you probably know how boring it can get to stare at a screen blankly listening and the struggle to keep your attention from going in all directions.
The secret ingredient to make virtual classes better is ‘Engagement’
In a virtual classroom, it’s important you keep your eyes and brain wide awake since there’s no teacher around to call your name.
You can stay engaged by,
- Asking questions
- Taking notes actively
- Putting effort to understand
- Summarize the key points
What Does Research Say About Virtual Classes?
Research from places like Harvard and Stanford shows how real time interaction online really increases one’s motivation to study. It also helps a lot with remembering what you learn
Getting quick feedback and answering questions does too.
The human brain releases dopamine in those moments, the same hormone that is responsible for motivation and focus.
Your brain just responds well to being noticed. It prefers when people see you, hear you, and reply right away.
Experts name this ‘the social presence effect’. It's the desire to be seen. It sparks curiosity too improving how well you perform in your academics.
Live virtual classes pull you in on an emotional level by involving relevant hormones. An emotional pull leads to stronger memory. It builds a better understanding as well.
Based on studies, students who join live virtual sessions finish courses more steadily.
What’s Self -Paced Learning?
Now let's talk about self-paced learning.
Imagine you wake up at 11 AM. And you prepare your coffee, open your laptop and log into your course, you can pause whenever you feel sleepy and come back later.
That's basically what online self learning is. You gain access to all the course related materials. Whether it's videos, reading, quizzes or whatever it is, and you have the freedom to decide when you want to go through each of them. There are no schedules. You have complete freedom.
Science of Online Self -Paced Learning
Based on cognitive research, our average attention span for focused study is around 25 to 45 minutes, after that our brain starts thinking about snacks and reels.
If you’re planning to study on your own at your own schedule, focus of study blocks.
You don’t have to pull a full on 5 hour study marathon, your brain hates that. Instead, focus on breaking it into chunks.
Remember, consistency beats intensity.
It’s better to study for 1 hour every day instead of binge studying for 6 hours once a week.
How to make the most out of online self studying
Self studying can be great until your ‘I’ll start tomorrow’ turns into ‘I haven’t studied for 3 weeks’
These are few tips you can follow to make this type of learning actually work.
- Set small goals everyday
- Use timers to study in blocks of time
- Study at a dedicated space
- Keep a checklist and track your progress everyday
- Plan the night before
When this method of learning is done properly, it becomes very rewarding not only in your studies but also in your confidence.
Virtual Classes or Self Paced Learning: What Fits You?
People often pick virtual classes when,
- They enjoy studying alongside others.
- They need those set deadlines to keep motivation going strong.
- Guided explanations help them more than solving things alone.
- They like asking questions right away and getting feedback on the spot.
Go for self learning when,
- Life throws multiple things at you, like work or family duties.
- You do better learning in a quiet, independent way.
- Self-discipline comes naturally to you, so building your own routine works fine.
- Fixed schedules might hold you back since you want to speed up or slow down as needed.
If you count yourself as a self-starter who does better handling things at your own pace, self studying options turn into the perfect space for you
