Virtual Classrooms

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-Do-Virtual-Classrooms-of-Distance-Learning-Work?&id=1625398

The article that I read for this subject was titled How Do Virtual Classrooms of Distance Learning Work? The audience that this article targeted was one that was extremely unfamiliar with virtual classes and how they work. Virtual classrooms were explained to be learning environments that are set on the Internet. Students are able to submit assignments online, communicate with fellow students, and take online quizzes and tests. The programs used for distance learning are generally very easy for the students to navigate through and are also easy for teachers to create lessons on. Another advantage of virtual classrooms, besides the convenience, is that working adults can go to school without having to give up their jobs. Personally, I think that virtual classrooms are great. I have taken at least five in the 2 1/2 years that I have been going to FGCU and they are extremely helpful. I live off campus, have a part time job, and I am a wife; so any chance that I get to save on gas and time I will take. This technology directly relates to education. I don't really know any other way that it can be used, but in education. Teachers are able to teach students online as opposed to in a classroom.
I would like to see further research in the area of younger students. I do feel that virtual classrooms should be reserved for higher learning, but it might be a good idea to introduce younger students(high school and middle school) to the idea by having virtual lessons. This not only helps them become even more familiar with computers, but is also preparing them for future possibilities in their academic careers.

Streaming video

http://ezinearticles.com/?Streaming-Video&id=278139

The article that I read was titled Streaming Video and was written by Damian Sofsian. In the article, streaming video is basically described as being a video file that can be watched while it is being downloaded. Streaming videos are beneficial because they can allow news channels to broadcast their news through the internet. Many movie productions take advantage of streaming video as well in order to market their upcoming movies through trailers or previews. Streaming video relates to education because, as the article describes, professors can broadcast live lectures or previously recorded lectures online. This way, just like pod casting, students can watch a lecture over and over rather than only having one shot to get down all of the information. Personally, I think that video streaming is quite amazing. Just look at youtube! Youtube has allowed me to see commercials and clips that I never would have even thought I would see again because I didn’t know exactly what to look for. In the area of lectures it is definitely beneficial. Several people when discussing pod casting had mentioned how sound with a visual would be more effective with the learning process. Video streaming matches that criterion. The article discussed how some websites are even broadcasting live videos of roadways so that commuters can keep clear of certain heavy traffic areas. This is an area that I would like to see further investigated. I live half an hour from FGCU and this would be incredibly useful for me and those who have to travel even longer.