WIKI #3

Virtual class sessions generally have smaller audiences and more flexibility
than a webinar. With that in mind, what approaches could you use in a
virtual class to maintain student interest that were not as feasible with a
webinar?

1. Lectures
A lecture is the most common instructional strategy used for higher educational
online courses. The online instructor can use lectures to convey information,
boost comprehension, and trigger students’ interest.

2. Discussions
Online whole group discussions support learning and active engagement of
students participating in an online environment. Discussions give students the
opportunity to ask questions and communicate their ideas while they are in the
process of learning. This type of instructional strategy helps build students
analytical and cognitive learning skills. The online instructor poses questions and
discusses the course materials using real-time chats and web-conferencing tools.

3. Demonstrations
 Demonstration is an instructional strategy that teaches by showing students what
is expected of them for an assignment or activity in an online course.
Demonstrations are the pillars when it comes to the transfer of concepts and
processes. The instructional method is enhanced by the virtual learning
environment. Online instructors will often upload recorded video demonstrations
for the students to view.

4. Simulations
Simulations allow students to test practical skills and knowledge remotely when
presented in a realistic digital environment. This instructional strategy is used to
prepare online students for fieldwork that is traditionally carried out in a face-to-
face setting. An example of this is an online biology lesson where students can
use simulations for dissection.

5. Games
Games let online students gain practical experience in an accessible digital
environment. The game instructional strategy is used to increase student
participation and engagement. Educational technology developers integrate
game-building applications into the LMS directly to simplify the design processes.
6. Case Studies
Case studies promote research, problem-solving, and high-level cognitive skills.
This type of instructional strategy uses collaboration and allows students the
opportunity to interact with one another to enhance learning. The online instructor
suggests reputable online resources that students can consult for information.

7. Problem-Based Learning Projects

Problem-Based Learning Projects encourage students to practice high-level
cognitive and communication skills while actively solving problems. This
instructional strategy consists of teams of online students using collaborative
document programs like Google Drive to manage their work and share their
findings. WebQuest is an online resource that allows instructors to find, create,
and share the type of inquiry-based assignments used in PBL projects.

8. Guided Design
 Guided design is another instructional strategy that is used in an online education
environment. This is an inquiry-based instructional method that familiarizes
students with the resources that are available within their local communities.
Students solve open-ended problems in guide design.

Think of small class settings you have had in a face-to-face environment.

What interactive activities did you do in those classes that made the lesson
more enjoyable? Can those activities be translated into the virtual class
environment? Why or why not? If so, what tools would need to be used
(possibly located inside of the virtual classroom) that would allow you to
conduct these activities?

In one of my small class settings, the class interacted by using the Polleverywhere app.
This allowed us to actively interact with everyone in the classroom. It was very engaging
and fun. I believe this can be used in an virtual class environment. For the
Polleverywhere app you would need to download the app, an interactive whiteboard,
internet connection, smart phone, tablet, or a laptop.

I have seen first hand the Wisdom from Others activity in a small classroom setting.
This activity involves several steps. First, the students are asked to complete a
brainstorming activity. Then they are paired with another students to share their results.
Finally, the teacher calls for volunteers to share the partners’ ideas that they think were
interesting. I believe this activity could be used in an virtual class environment. You
could have students share their ideals via text, email, or etc. Tools for this activity would
include a computer, laptop, internet connection, smartphone, email address, or some
other type of messaging software.
At the end of a face-to-face class, you can utilize an Exit Ticket or Exit Slip that students
complete. This activity allows different questions to be asked. Teachers can use
questions like, “What do you think was the most important thing that you learned
today?” or “ Was there anything that you didn’t fully understand?”. Then, the next time
students come to class the teacher usually starts a conversation about things they
learned or didn’t understand. I strongly believe this activity can be used in an virtual
class environment. Teachers can have students email or IM their Exit Tickets at the end
of the session and then go over them in the next session. Tools needed for this activity
include a computer, laptop, internet connection, email, messaging software,
smartphone, and an email address.

Outside of teaching a synchronous online class session or a webinar, what

other uses could you use a virtual classroom for?

1. Business meetings

2. Personal group meetings

3. Employee orientation

4. Tutoring session

5. Do It Yourself workshops
6. Leadership conference
 Resources

Instructional Methods for Online Learning. (n.d.). Retrieved February 20, 2019,

from https://www.onlineeducation.com/guide/instructional-methods

Finkelstein, J. (2006). Learning In Real Time: Synchronous Teaching and Learning Online. San

Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Hewett, B. L. (n.d.). Computers and Composition. Retrieved February 20, 2019, from

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S875546150500085X

Knapen, R. (2018, June 13). 2o Interactive Teaching Activities for the Interactive Classroom.

Retrieved February 21, 2019, from

https://www.bookwidgets.com/blog/2018/06/20-interactive-teaching-activities-for-in-the-
interactive-classroom