Virtual World

Virtual Reality Pros & Cons

       Virtual Reality is imaginably more personal than electronic mail or instant messaging, or even a letter or a telephone call. It is a great social leveler, it may find a common ground across differences in age, culture. People are drawn together by similar interests instead of purely by geographic location. Communication are both challenging and rewarding, more effective and productive, and thus more enjoyable 

       Virtual reality offers tremendous opportunity for every 'connected' person to find his or her field and/or discipline .After using a medium that provides total freedom of expression face-to-face communication may be found to be too confining. When applied to therapeutics, virtual reality can allow people with disabilities to experience places and tasks that are otherwise unavailable to them. A person in a wheelchair can play a basketball game with the aid of Virtual reality. A person undergoing psychotherapy to confront a past event can do so safely in a virtual reality world without the fear of physical harm.
The advantages of virtual reality extend to the realms of design and architecture. Computer-aided design allows architects to build and envision a structure to eliminate any potential problems before money is spent actualizing the design. Fashion designers can put together fantastic creations and see how they move and look before mass-manufacturing their collection. Those who design safety features such as emergency exits or rescue equipment can see their designs in play without having to manufacture a prototype and conduct costly testing. Learning how to react to any given situation, especially a life-or-death situation, is one of the prime advantages of virtual reality. Military exercises performed in a virtual reality environment save lives. Exercises designed to train military personnel allow service members to experience a high-pressure situation without the threat of danger or death. These exercises can be performed over and over again until the person feels comfortable and confident in that situation, a scenario that is improbable and not feasible when engaging in real-life training exercises. Productivity also benefits from virtual reality. “Telepresence” refers to a type of technology that allows a person to feel as if he or she were present in another location. Used in the business world as a form of telecommunications, telepresence allows a person to conduct intimate business transactions in all corners of the world without ever leaving his place of residence.

 Even the most basic virtual reality hardware and software highlights another of the disadvantages of virtual reality, namely the cost. Socially, some of the disadvantages of virtual reality as entertainment have already started to surface, even without an experience that fully removes a person from his or her surrounding stimuli. One issue is social isolation, in which the user of virtual reality relies more on interactions that take place in a virtual world than on experiences in the real world. This lack of true, physical interaction has the potential to create incorrect associations that are not part of real social settings. The isolation could eventually cause depression, disassociation and other conditions, if it is severe enough. Another of the possible psychological and social disadvantages of virtual reality is desensitization. If some users were to use virtual reality for entertainment extensively, then they could run the risk of failing to recognize the true consequences for actions in which they are taking part or are viewing. When translated to the real world, in an extreme case, this could cause a lack of understanding of the effects of some actions when performed outside the virtual environment.

It is an inescapable aspect of social life is the formation and maintenance of interpersonal relationships. People assume interaction to be substituted for community. It provides a communication environment in which the dangers of deception and the benefits of creativity are amplified beyond the levels that humans currently experience in their interpersonal interactions. It could lead to low self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness and insignificance, even self-destructive acts. One of the largest disadvantages of virtual reality is that the technology required for an immersive or natural experience has remained elusive.

Virtual classrooms

Virtual class rooms

Definition: A virtual classroom is an online classroom that allows participants to communicate with one another, view presentations or videos, interact with other participants, and engage with resources in work groups.

Description: A virtual classroom allows both learners and instructors around the world to participate in live classes to collaborate and interact. The low costs of virtual classrooms are considered to be a major advantage. Learners can save money by not having to worry about travel expenses. Participants also save time since all that is needed is an internet connection.

Online classes also allow to record class as it happens, including audio and visuals. This means that the content is accessible even after the class . Synchronous learning is a learning environment where everyone takes part in the learning at the same time. A traditional lecture is an example of this type of learning, and has been used for hundreds of years. Online learning enables this same type of experience, but with far more conveniences and tools.

Virtual classrooms can be used to deliver lectures or even tutorials online. They are also great options for impromptu meetings and group projects where members need to check-in on progress and bounce ideas of one-another. With the virtual environment, ideas and collaborators are never far away.

Small video on Virtual classroom:

Advantages of Virtual classrooms:

• Immediate assistance, if needed
• multiple audiences can be addressed
• classroom/ lesson can take place anywhere
• visual learning
• Talk/ listen to multiple teachers simultaneously
• Flexible Learning,
• Practical and Proven,
• Affordable,
• Non-Restricting.

Disadvantages:

• Separated by room, possibly less interaction/ less focus
• Response is less immediate, due to separation of rooms
• Possible listening problems
• Technological malfunctions

http://www.lingolearn.com/learn-languages/learn-hebrew?id=151:virtual-education-advantages-and-disadvantages&catid=72:marketing-articles

http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/virtual-classroom

microblog

Microblogging

Definition: Microblogging is a wide networking service that allows users to send, receive, and publish data over the internet. These publications include short text, links, images, short videos, and other media. Also universities using this technology to build more effective learning environment by enhancing rapid communication.

Introduction: Microblogging is the act of posting short messages to the Web. A microblog post, which is called an update, can be a maximum of 140 characters, including spaces. Most microbloggers do it to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers.

Bloggers can usually use a number of services for the updates including instant messaging, e-mail, or Twitter. The posts are called microposts, while the act of using these services to update blog is called microblogging.  Social networking sites, like Facebook, also use a microblogging feature in profiles. On Facebook this is called "Status Updates".

Watch a video on micro blogging.

Advantages of Microblogging in learning:

- Collaborative learning through Microblogging platforms is tools that come in handy for an educator.

-.Microblogging allows for creating specific communities for a particular class to exchange information or get clarifications.

- All Microblogging platforms have inbuilt project management features. Students can create a workflow by documenting the different stages involved in their assignment in the form of tweets.

- Microblogging allows teachers to find out the opinion of students, or can set a survey for arriving at a conclusion.

- Students can set polls for initiating debates and discussions on varied subjects.

-Microblogging encourages participation.

Reference: http://www.bloggingpro.com/archives/2013/01/21/using-microblogging-platforms-for-educational-purposes/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microblogging

OERs

Open educational Resources (OER)

Definition: Open Educational Resources (OERs) are any type of educational materials that are in the public domain or introduced with an open license. The nature of these open materials means that anyone can legally and freely copy, use, adapt and re-share them.

Description: Open Educational Resources are teaching , learning and research resources that reside in the public domain or have been released under an intellectual property license that permits their free use or re-purposing by others. Open educational resources include full courses, course materials, modules, textbooks, streaming videos, tests, software, and any other tools, materials or, techniques used to support access to knowledge. Users of open educational resources have free (no-cost) access to the materials and free (no-cost) permission to engage in their activities when using them.  OER is a way to make sure every student has access to course material, with cost taken out of the equation. Also OER allows faculty to create material that is customized for Their Classes. Where most textbooks will have their strengths and weaknesses, OER material allows a faculty member to pull only strong material into their class.

History: In 2001, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), in an unprecedented move, announced the release of nearly all its courses on the internet for free access. As the number of institutions offering free or open courseware increased. Open Educational Resources have been available online for the more than a decade. In recent years, several foundations have made significant financial investments to produce new high-quality Open Educational Resources that can be used in both formal and informal learning environments.

Small video on Open educational resources:

Advantages:

·         Saves costs for students 

·         Adapt and improve the Open Educational Resource so it better meets your needs

·         Helps preparation for course and retention of knowledge after course

·         Showcases research to widest possible audience

·         Enhances a university’s reputation as well as that of the teacher or researcher

·         Social responsibility – provides education for all

·         Shares best practice internationally

·         Maximizes the use and  increases availability of educational materials

·         Raises standard of educational resources by gathering more contributors

Leading OER’s (Open Educational Resources):

·        MIT OpenCourseWare

·        Connexions

·        MITx

·        OER Commons

·        National Academies Press

·        Khan Academy

·        

Reference: https://training.instructure.com/courses/1276118/pages/what-are-the-benefits-in-using-oer

Virtual Reality

VIRTUAL REALITY

Virtual Reality (VR), which can be alluded to as immersive mixed media or PC mimicked life, imitates a situation that reproduces physical vicinity in spots in this present reality or envisioned universes. Virtual reality can reproduce tangible encounters, which incorporate virtual taste, sight, notice, sound, and touch.

Some of the commendable uses of Virtual Reality in the real world:

Gaming:

Gaming is one of the spectacular innovation, adding virtual reality takes it to next level
it gives us a chance to get the undeniable ones off the beaten path initially, Gaming is a field that could all that much profit by Virtual Reality. While some simply don't see it, most will concur that being transported into a different universe, where you can do whatever you need (Sticking to the Game Rules, obviously) and having capacities that are unrealistic here in this present reality, is a supernatural affair.

You may fly, run, assault, loot, shoot, investigate, whatever you need on the grounds that you are not in this present reality. Yes, you can do these things in recreations as of now, yet envision having the capacity to do these things in a situation that is as near to this present reality as it can be.


Training and Testing:

Need to prepare a pilot without taking the danger of placing them in a plane? The answer is VR. Also, Virtual Reality is as of now being utilized by pilots, the military, and so on for preparing furthermore for testing new moves, weapons, and so on in an uncommonly outlined reproduction that has the same properties as that of this present reality.

Investigation:

Virtual Reality can be utilized to investigate places that are far away, or not available or those that don't exist by any means.

You can glance around and investigate the niches and crevices of the spots you wish to see, in spite of not having admittance to them in this present reality. You may investigate places where humanity hasn't ventured on, or places where you need to go..

The Eiffel Tower or Neptune, everything is conceivable with Virtual Reality. Furthermore, it can be as genuine you need, or as otherworldly/incredible you need it to be, it is your reality, it is VR, nothing is incomprehensible.


Does Virtual Reality seems real?? check the Video below:

Conclusion:

There are a couple utilizes we have abandoned, for example, remedial uses, however the real employments of Virtual Reality are secured here.

Virtual Reality will be huge and we are going to discover uses for it in spots we didn't even know we required it. Virtual Reality tackles numerous issues for utilization and it will be a standout amongst the most persuasive and extraordinary transformations, joining any semblance of the PC and The Internet, i.e changing developments that changed the way we do things, to improve things.

Virtual Classroom

VIRTUAL CLASSROOM

A virtual classroom is an internet learning environment. The earth can be online and got to through an entry or programming based and oblige a downloadable executable record.

Much the same as in a true classroom, an understudy in a virtual classroom takes part in synchronous guideline, which implies that the educator and understudies are signed into the virtual learning environment in the meantime.

Numerous schools and organizations have taken off virtual classrooms to give synchonrous separation instruction. Virtual classroom programming applications frequently utilize various synchronous advancements, for example, web conferencing, feature conferencing, livestreaming, and online VoIP to give remote understudies the capacity to work together continuously. To improve the instructive procedure, applications might likewise give understudies offbeat specialized apparatuses, for example, message sheets and talk capacities.

Some important things to maintain virtual classrooms more appealing: 

-Examine your current guideline and your gathering of people

- Three crucial things to notice:
        -Alter
        -Center
        -Arrangement

-Virtual crowds won't sit through a long instructional fragment. Most significant TV national news stories are just two to more than two minutes in length, and nearby pieces get just 30 seconds. Endeavor to make your virtual guideline modules around 45 to 60 minutes in length. Try not to make your modules under 20 minutes. Participants have a tendency to feel that anything under 20 minutes is insignificant and not justified regardless of their time.

Dissect your crowd 

You have to decide what number of members will go to, who they are, particularly how the guideline is significant to them, and their history with respect to the theme. Additionally, be clear about what you would like participants to do in light of your guideline, for example, purchase an item or fix a product glitch. At that point center your virtual guideline on what is most essential to them, so you can accomplish the objective that is critical to you.

Make and complete a virtual guideline arranging structure 

Take a seat with your instructional resources (e.g., presents, web connections, and media) and focus the nature of your materials. It is safe to say that they are serviceable? If not, you should begin starting with no outside help. In the event that they are, make an instructional arrangement that obviously distinguishes what you expect to do, when you mean to do it, and what virtual meeting or guideline instruments you will utilize. I suggest that you record your arrangement in a graph distinguishing each of the above components for each theme.

Precisely outline your virtual educational module 

As of right now, you have examined your current vis-à-vis guideline and the gathering of people for your virtual direction. You have additionally made an arranging structure to guide your endeavors. The following step includes a few outline choices.

To visit or not to talk? 

When you are showing to huge groups of onlookers, you may incline toward the control that you have when you utilize visits. You or your maker/arbitrator can figure out which inquiries or remarks you show and react to. You might likewise choose to gathering and answer them amid a characteristic break point in your guideline.

Who can converse with whom? 

Fashioners frequently accept that all voices should be heard amid examinations. That works fine with little gatherings of people. With bigger crowds, nonetheless, it makes political agitation. In those cases, give participants the capacity to make inquiries or make remarks through the maker/arbitrator. You might likewise wish to give members the capacity to visit with different participants on a constrained premise.

Webcams are an intriguing thought, yet would you be able to truly live with them? 

You may be lured by the capacity of others to see your sparkling face, however do you additionally need them to see you perusing your notes? Will you generally look your expert best? Consider it. Likewise, webcam encourages can run agonizingly gradually. As webcams improve and Internet associations speedier, this constraint will be to a lesser degree a worry.

Advantages:

-Schedule Flexibility
-Knowledge Retention
-Immediate Feedback
-Increased Participation and Engagement


Video on Virtual Classrooms:

Reference:
http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/virtual-classroom
http://www.learningsolutionsmag.com/articles/1084/?utm_campaign=lsmag&utm_medium=emailet&utm_source=lsm-news

ONLINE TUTORIALS

ONLINE TUTOR

Internet mentoring is the procedure of coaching in an on the web, virtual environment or organized environment in which instructors and learners are isolated by time and space.

Requirements of an Online Tutor:

To turn into an online Tutor you would require:

-Educating, preparing or coaching knowledge

-Learning of the subject you would be instructing

-Extremely able ICT aptitudes.

Contingent upon the sort and level obviously, you could be required to demonstrate your subject information by having one of the accompanying:

●A significant degree, proficient or professional capability an applicable capability no less than one level over the level of the course you coach – for instance a degree to show A level or other level 3 capabilities significant applicable work experience.

●Section necessities differ generally, so it’s best to check with businesses.

●For coaching under-18s you would require an up and coming Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) freedom.

●Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) increased through an Initial Teacher Training course (ITT)

●QTS increased through school-based introductory instructor preparing (SCITT).

Advantages of Online tutor:

* Telecommute (or anyplace): The most evident point of interest of internet coaching is the open door for the coach to work in the solace they could call their own home. With a PC and a web association, can associate with understudies and give the assistance required while never leaving their home.

*Take a shot at Your Own Schedule: Without needing to meet understudies at different areas, web mentoring offers the mentor the chance to set their own calendar. Once more, travel time isn't an issue. A coach can give understudies times they are accessible for mentoring, and on account of the time spared in travel, they can calendar consecutive booking times between diverse understudies.

*Achieve a Larger Market: Since you aren't constrained by geology with internet mentoring, you can conceivably achieve a much bigger number of understudies. This is particularly preference in the event that you live in a residential area. This is additionally a noteworthy favourable position if your coaching is exceptionally specific, since there may not be a high amassing of understudies that would profit by your administrations in your general vicinity, yet there will probably be sufficient in the territory that you can reach through the web.

*Innovation & Learning Tools: Coaching online can give both the coach and the understudy with the opportunity exploit what innovation brings to the table. A few illustrations are online lessons, feature talking capacity, utilizing an online whiteboard, and a large group of supplemental guides the mentor can use to upgrade an understudy's capacity to get it. A coach can even record the mentoring session for future reference.

ONLINE TUTORIALS

Disadvantages of OnlineTutuor:

1.  

     Correspondence Difficulties: 

      1.Albeit internet mentoring has some extremely helpful preferences, the coach does miss out on the capacity to truly interface with an understudy's necessities when they're not in that spot eye to eye with them

2. Understudy Distractions: A few understudies can get exceptionally diverted by being on a PC due to the numerous different things they need to be doing. In the event that they're utilizing their PC at other time to play recreations or interface with companion through social networking, an internet coaching session may be the exact opposite thing they'll have the capacity to concentrate on.

3. Technical Difficulties: Finally, with online tutoring, there is always the possibility for technical difficulties, such as poor internet connection or microphone failure. A tutor doesn't want to be working through the issue of a web camera not working during the valuable time that a student needs to be tutored.

Future of Online Tutorials:

There is most likely bringing and incorporating computerized advances into instructive procurement is an intricate procedure. Numerous elements need to meet up to guarantee that e-learning projects are effective for grown-ups with LLN needs. Our discoveries from our survey of the writing, online workshops, partner meetings and contextual analysis underscore that achievement happens when the e-learning fits:

●The grown-up's way of life

●The coach's educational objectives

●The coach's e-learning capability

●The reason and society of the instruction and/or preparing association


●Every single other area where learning happens, including the home