Video conferencing is the communication through audio, live video, and data between two or more distant locations. Collaborative learning, on the other hand, refers to an educational approach to teaching and learning that involves groups of learners working together to solve a problem, complete a task, or create a product.
As such, video conferencing is an effective tool for promoting collaborative learning. This is because video conferencing creates an avenue that enables learning institutions together with students to open up to faster and more connected ways of breaking down boundaries and solving issues. For this to be achieved, learning institutions need to design student orientation software to guide students in accessing video conferencing tools.
What Is Required For Collaborative Learning Through Video Conferencing?
These days, with the rise in technology, learning doesn’t have to be confined to four walls. Video conferencing is taking over traditional classrooms by storm. With the presence of student orientation software, online learning can happen in different ways for both small and large groups.
For effective learning through video conferencing, you need relevant technology tools to shorten the distance between two or more participants. The essential tools include an internet connection, an electronic device like a phone or computer, a mic, and a speaker.
So, how is video conferencing useful in collaborative learning?
● Enhances Student Participation
Using video conferencing for education means that a more visual approach is applied to learning. This, in effect, enables students to engulf themselves in the lesson and, as a result, creates a more participatory environment.
● Facilitates Distant Learning
With effective student orientation software, distant learning becomes empowered. This helps students from different locations to connect over the course material. Importantly, students from a classroom can exchange notes with students from a diverse classroom or even engage in debates with students from another location.
● Collaborate on student projects
With video conferencing, students have the advantage of learning and connecting with each other. Also, students can do group work and discussions comfortably without the need for physical meetings.
● Virtual Field Trips
Video conferencing offers keen students the opportunity to learn and grow from where they are. This is because it creates a platform for students to connect with professionals overseas and collaborate with students from different schools and people from other countries.
● More Power In Problem Solving
A video chat option in video conferencing software facilitates communication between students from different groups, improving how work gets done. Further, it allows students to share and compare strategies and ideas. Using online meetings, screen-sharing, and whiteboards to discuss complex ideas helps breach barriers.
Conclusion
Video conferencing plays an influential role in supporting collaborative learning. It helps students to learn from each other and enhances communication skills. It is inclusive and unites students regardless of where they are.
Consequently, given the massive benefits of video conferencing to collaborative learning, it is crucial that learning institutions develop student orientation software to ease access to video conferencing and promote collaborative learning.
