Teaching in a Virtual Environment

Planning, teaching, and learning in teaching in a virtual environment is drastically different than doing it face-to-face in a classroom. One of the main differences in the virtual environment in a face-to-face environment is that in a classroom you're learning at the teachers Pace during the school day. Unlike in an online classroom, students start working through the curriculum at their own pace rather than at the teacher's face in a classroom. The online instructor acts as a facilitator, encouraging students to interact with each other to discuss the material. The teacher is not the only source of knowledge, as students are encouraged to bring their own ideas and experiences to the discussion. This learning environment can help encourage independent thought and even better engagement with the material. Many students like face-to-face learning environments because they are already familiar with that learning style. Students already know how to behave in a classroom, while people taking online classes for the first time may not know how to take advantage of the learning opportunities that having an online class offers. To help with the transition instructors must make sure that students know how to access all learning resources that the online call offers and encourage them to join in discussions with their classmates on online discussion boards for the class. 

 Some advantages to having an online class is that it is much more convenient than going to a building and having a schedule fixed around going to that building rather than an online class where students have the freedom to study and finish the coursework anytime, anywhere. Learning online provides an environment that helps to balance work, family, and free time. Students also get instant feedback on exams and tests is another great advantage of virtual classrooms, once enrolled in an online class you don’t have to wait for days or weeks to receive your scores. However there are a few disadvantages like teachers needing extra training for all of the tools that are online as well as getting used to the platform and not seeing the student face-to-face with another group. There's also the issue of how teachers set up a curriculum and study material for a student online if they can't really do a lecture or group activities. 

I personally prefer face-to-face learning rather than online or maybe a well blended mix of both because of the issues of how class work gets done online rather than how it is done face to face. 

Studies have found that motivation to learn is a key factor in student success. The “self-determination theory,” says that if we are deeply engaged and feel that we are acting according to our own will on behalf of goals we find meaningful. This theory identified students’ sense of relatedness as a key factor in their motivation. Relatedness refers to our emotional ties. It involves our basic need to feel connected with, and acknowledged by, others. In fact, many studies found out that encouragement and guidance by teachers as well as real-time feedback from digital curriculum have a positive effect on student motivation and, as a result, achievement. One of the biggest challenges facing teachers in a virtual environment is making sure students are engaged, and choosing the right digital curriculum is important. Some ways to engage students are to communicate regularly with students, provide opportunities for students to collaborate with peers, set clear expectations, work with students to set goals, and encourage a collaborative learning environment.

Sources: https://www.focuseduvation.com/how-does-online-instruction-measure-up-to-face-to-face/
https://ep.jhu.edu/faculty/learning-roadmap-for-new-online-instructors/comparing-face-to-face-and-online-teaching
https://www.eztalks.com/elearning/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-virtual-classroom.html
https://www.apexlearning.com/blog/engaging-and-motivating-students-in-virtual-learning-environment