To interact, you need special electronic equipment, such as a helmet with a screen inside or goggles. It is a computer-generated simulation of an environment or 3-dimensional image where people can interact in a seemingly real or physical way. People interact in those environments using, for example, VR goggles or other mobile devices. Participants are isolated from each other without any live contact.Virtual reality or VR is a technology that creates a virtual environment.Feedback may take time Interaction between participants is limited.Learning can take place at a convenient time and individual tempo.Allows for sufficient time for work with study materials and formulation of meaningful questions and answers.
Easy adaptation in the learning environment.A high degree of interactivity – immediate answers to questions that have come up and intensive interaction with the other participants (cognitive and social constructivism).Due to the opportunities offered by the virtual learning environment participants contact each other and communicate at one and the same time.Įxample of a synchronous online session in the VEDAMO Virtual Classroom: Learning is conducted by a tutor who in real time teaches in group or one-on-one mode depending on the particular case using the tools of the respective virtual learning environment among which is the video or audio conference connection.
The synchronous environment allows participants and the tutor to take part in one-on-one or group learning forms conducted by means of lecture sessions, discussions, and demonstrations. Synchronous virtual learning happens in real time, in a virtual learning environment, online seminars or other forms of online communication, mobile connection including. “Synchronous virtual learning happens in real time, in a virtual learning environment, online seminars or other forms of online communication, mobile connection including.”
The interaction between participants in the learning process is based on written asynchronous forms (forums, personal messages, mails), which slows down feedback and creates conditions for an insufficiently efficient communication. All available materials are accessible in the online platform throughout the learning period – the learner can study at any time during the day, choosing from video lessons, reading resources, online forums and participation in discussions, where direct contact with tutors and the other participants is optional. The learning process is not dependent on fixed time intervals which serve to regulate the sequence of activities. Learning is not restricted by place and time. In asynchronous virtual learning the learner enriches their knowledge at their own tempo at a time convenient for themselves. “In asynchronous virtual learning the learner enriches their knowledge at their own tempo at a time convenient for themselves.” As far as time of learning is concerned, however, virtual learning comes into two main forms: synchronous and asynchronous. As a kind of distance learning, virtual learning presupposes a different location for the learners and tutors. The specific conditions for conducting virtual learning are connected with two main factors – participants’ location and the time when learning takes place.