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Virtual Classrooms - Blackboard Collaborate

What is it?

Virtual classrooms (also commonly referred to as Synchronous classrooms and online classrooms) are becoming increasingly popular in educational settings. They allow students and instructors to communicate synchronously using web-based video conferencing technology. Most synchronous classrooms provide video conferencing, teleconferencing, public and private chat, quizzes, whiteboards, polling and emoticons. These web conferencing sessions require no special software for the staff or students and can be recorded for viewing at a later date. CQUniversity has adopted Blackboard Collaborate is its preferred virtual classroom solution.

Why would I use it?

Synchronous classrooms allow real-time interaction between staff and students who may be geographically dispersed. Group interaction, collaboration, discussion and problem solving can be facilitated in a real-time virtual classroom environment.  Virtual Classrooms can be setup for students to use for group-work activities without the presence of their teacher. 

How can I use it with my learning and teaching?

Lectures can be delivered and recorded using synchronous classrooms along with tutorials and study groups. Blackboard Collaborate integrates with the Moodle learning management system. This means that a virtual room is created at the start of term within Moodle that allows the students to interact in real time throughout the term with other members of their Moodle groups when working on group projects.

Where can I get more information?