eLearning

Virtual Classroom Teaching and Learning Tips (Ultra)

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A virtual classroom is an online learning environment that allows for live interaction between the instructor and students, regardless of location, through a video conferencing system. The university's video conferencing system, Zoom, can be used to host:

  • virtual lectures for large classes where students are mostly passive learners
  • interactive tutorials (with approx. 35 participants) where students are active learners
  • individual consultations where a student can meet with the instructor one-on-one

Zoom has a range of functionality to help facilitate an interactive and engaging virtual learning environment. Zoom allows you to:

  • share your screen or specific applications (i.e. a presentation through PowerPoint)
  • annotate on top of your shared screen or using a shared virtual whiteboard
  • view other participants' screens (subject to settings)
  • conduct polls to gage prior knowledge or opinions on a particular topic
  • encourage student feedback through reactions
  • communicate with participants through the in-meeting chat
  • facilitate group work with breakout rooms

The following guide includes a range of tips to support staff in facilitating a virtual classroom environment:

  1. Preparing for a Virtual Classroom
  2. Pre-Session
  3. Introductory Session
  4. During the Session
  1. Post-Session
  2. Tips for Virtual Consultations
  3. Tips for Virtual Tutorials and Seminars
  4. Example Virtual Classroom Plan

6. Tips for Virtual Consultations

  • Use an online scheduler, such as World Clock, to determine the best consultation times depending on different time zones.
  • Once the time has been determined, schedule all consultations directly through Zoom, as the calendar invite should convert the time zone automatically for students in their Outlook calendar (depending on their Outlook time zone settings). Refer to the Organising a Zoom meeting guide by ITS. 
  • During consultations, you are able to provide feedback on student work by allowing them to share their screen. Students can also share their work via Google Docs so you are able to enter comments in real time. Refer to the Sharing a screen in a Zoom meeting guide by Zoom.