Key Elements of a Digital Classroom to Know

In older times, a four-walled room with desks and chairs was considered a classroom, but as the years passed and technology evolved, a modern study space was much different than a conventional classroom. And this is because modernism in a study space provides many learning benefits while also being helpful for the teachers. A digital classroom is the most common phrase you will hear in the current times and even more so after the pandemic hit and everything went virtual.

But what is a digital classroom, and how is it different from ordinary old-school classrooms? There are many benefits of digital classrooms for students and teachers, and in this article, we will cover all the elements of a digital classroom to build a modern study place.

Spaces

You often see how one or a few kids in the classroom are always quiet, taking in the lectures, doing their work, not talking much, and leaving for home. At the same time, some pupils are too talkative and learn in a more open and engaging environment. Some are too private with their work and wouldn't even like to study if they cannot find their favorite pen. This is the aspect of the digital classroom that pays the most attention.

A digital classroom helps customize spaces for individuals with different modes of learning. You will find all kinds of study methods, from personalized, open, group private, static or anonymous. This helps each pupil strive and flourish in their preferred learning mode and doesn't put unnecessary pressure on anyone.

Multiple Sources of Learning

As is clear, pupils in a digital classroom have a wider range of learning options than just the teacher. It lessens reliance on a single person and turns the entire internet into a classroom for kids. A student in a digital classroom has three options for asking a question: directly to the teacher, via Google, or through Quora (or any online platform with reliable information). No matter who provided the answer, all three sources will provide pertinent responses, and the students will ultimately learn. Decreased dependence benefits both parties.

Teachers can now concentrate on the trickier problems while students can instantly get their questions answered. Unfortunately, while this is one of the great digital classroom advantages, it can also create a learning gap among students where some peers are more open to deep learning while some superficially grasp the concept.

Equipment

One key element of a digital classroom is the digital classroom equipment. From (expected) technology elements to other ergonomic features in a digital classroom, there is a lot of focus on comfort and flexibility.

Each student has an office monitor where they can search, surf the web, ask questions, take notes and write down details. However, there is no limitation on using a physical pen or paper. Students also have their ergonomic keyboard and mouse, preventing any strain on the wrists and encouraging smooth and quiet typing operation.

Then you will also find headphones, microphone and voice recorder helpful for recording lectures to take notes other than real-time and also ask questions when needed. For isolated and distant digital classrooms, a webcam also helps bring a sensation of learning and being physically present in the classroom.

Ergonomics

One thing you will learn about digital classrooms is that they are ergonomic to the finest. You won’t see a kid loading themselves with a heavy backpack, nor will you find them sitting in uncomfortable, twisted, and tilted positions on a hard wooden seat. Most digital classrooms have a separate desk with an ergonomic conference room chair – to provide the comfort of office likes. They also get facilities like proper lighting, wireless chargers, and ergonomic accessories such as a seat cushion (in case of a non-ergonomic chair) and a mouse pad.

Greater Learning Efficiency

A digital classroom will always be more effective at educating students than a real one. With access to better resources, teachers can deliver complex concepts more quickly by either abandoning duplicate tasks or handing the lessons to other sources that will produce the same results.

Feedback Loops

Can a single teacher pay attention to 30 individuals, learn about their strengths and weaknesses and then take corrective measures? Well, humanely, that sounds impossible and it indeed is. However, digital classrooms are great at identifying this issue as well. Moreover, with a digital classroom, the feedback loops are more precise and straightforward, which is impossible in a conventional classroom.

The feedback loops in a traditional classroom include teachers correcting homework (sometimes days later) and teachers giving vocal feedback right away, which is constrained because teachers can’t scale and interface with every student right away – so a general performance is reflected.

On the other hand, a method used in a game-based learning assignment in a digital classroom offers real-time feedback that reacts to each student's input as soon as it is made. For example, learning platforms can immediately inform a student that a response is incorrect by displaying a red X animation or by providing a pop-up dialogue box with a hint.

Expansive Learning

Learning in schools is no longer straightforward. So much goes behind the scenes, and children should be able to understand the web connection between learning and the real world. Also, this needs to be done in a manner that doesn't pose any stress or additional load to the minds of the little learners. A digital classroom helps achieve this skillfully.

Digital classrooms provide so much more learning potential. Additionally, the curriculum in digital schools includes lessons on developing skills, raising social awareness, teaching critical thinking through games, and simulating real-world events online. Overall, these classrooms modernize instruction and provide more exposure using the tools at hand. As a result, students develop as independent thinkers and lifelong learners.

Workflow

The workflow in a digital classroom is much different than in a conventional classroom. It is mainly focused on conceptual learning and doesn't comprise features like one assignment for all, where the weaker ones could feel hurt or left out when unable to understand the assignment given. Instead, in a digital classroom, you will find groups of students working together on an assignment and then turning in their work. The teacher also helps children with their assignments, and some tests can be open books without a time crunch so students can learn the art of problem-solving rather than just filling in the answer spaces.