Exploring the Benefits of Virtual Classrooms in Student Insight
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Chapter 1: Understanding the Shift to Virtual Learning
The virtual classroom has transformed the way we perceive our students, even if it feels less personal.
While reflecting on the pandemic's impact on education, I penned an article discussing the diminished intimacy of traditional classrooms (which I will link below). Although virtual learning may lack the closeness we once enjoyed, it has allowed us to gain deeper insights into our students' lives. During my master's program, I initiated a project to document how students engage with technology in their daily school routines. The pandemic has made this exploration particularly relevant.
Section 1.1: The Loss of Classroom Intimacy
Many practices that once fostered closeness in schools have become restricted.
Subsection 1.1.1: A Study in Student Interaction with Technology
The course I took focused on post-humanism, prompting me to analyze how my students interacted with technology. This led me to observe the stark differences between physical and virtual classroom environments. Even though virtual learning can feel impersonal, it offers a valuable lens into our students' home lives, allowing us to understand them in ways previously impossible.
Section 1.2: Gaining Insight into Student Environments
While we may not know students personally through virtual interactions, we gain a clearer picture of their surroundings. Observing their homes can reveal aspects of their upbringing, but it only paints part of the picture of their identity.
Chapter 2: Observing Family Dynamics Through a Screen
The first video, "The Next-Gen Virtual Classroom: Transforming Teaching and Learning," delves into how virtual classrooms are reshaping education. It discusses strategies for effective teaching in a digital environment and the importance of understanding student dynamics.
The second video, "How to Create Belonging and Community in A Virtual World," explores methods to foster connection and community among students in a digital landscape.
Chapter 2.1: Insights from Student-Parent Interactions
In my journal, I've documented various interactions between students and their parents, offering rich insights into these relationships. For instance, one student, known for his playful humor, often interacts with his dad in a lighthearted manner. During a virtual class, he jokingly instructed his father to be quiet while he spoke, which highlighted the playful dynamic they share.
Before the shift to virtual learning, interactions with parents were limited to specific events such as back-to-school nights or occasional phone calls. Now, we can observe parenting styles firsthand, providing a more comprehensive understanding of students' home lives.
Section 2.2: The Home Environment as a Reflection of Identity
While observing parenting styles is invaluable, it’s not the sole takeaway from virtual learning. We can also gauge family dynamics based on what is visible in students' homes. The quality of a student’s camera, for example, might hint at their family's financial situation, although it's not definitive.
During virtual meetings, students often showcase their toys, revealing their interests and preferences. For instance, one student proudly displayed his Toy Story collection, indicating his passion for the franchise. Similarly, another student demonstrated his impressive Lego constructions, suggesting a potential future in engineering or architecture.
Conclusion: A New Perspective on Student Identity
Although virtual learning may not facilitate the same level of personal connection as in-person classes, it offers profound insights into students' lives. We can observe their day-to-day environments, gaining access to details previously hidden from view. However, this understanding is only one facet of a student's identity. While we may learn about their interests and backgrounds, we still lack the depth of knowledge about their personal habits and mannerisms. Ultimately, the virtual space reveals much about a student's life but falls short of capturing the essence of who they are as individuals.