IELTS and the Benefits of a Virtual Classroom

IELTS and the Benefits of a Virtual Classroom

IELTS and the benefits of virtual classrooms go far beyond the computer screen. With nearly two and a half million IELTS examinations administered alone in 2015, IELTS is one of the most sought after standardized tests worldwide and a test that needs preparation. Traditional IELTS training has been in the classroom, taught by talented and highly trained professionals that focus on developing skills needed when living abroad in an English setting. There has been a shift over to the internet as a platform for learning, but it has been slow. There are quite a few benefits with virtual learning and IELTS. This article will discuss these in detail providing a different alternative to IELTS education.

Virtual Classroom

A virtual classroom, or otherwise known as a virtual learning environment, is a teaching and learning environment where participants can interact, communicate, view and discuss lessons, and engage with learning resources in an online setting. The medium is often through a video conferencing application that allows multiple users to be connected at the same time through the Internet, which allows users from virtually anywhere to participate. Virtual classrooms are popular with continuing and post education accommodating students from various parts of a country or even across the world. Virtual classrooms are supervised and are instructor-led meaning that the student and instructor interact throughout the lesson. There are several benefits of virtual classrooms that outweigh the more traditional learning environments. Let’s have a look at some of the more useful attributes of a virtual classroom, especially for IELTS education.

Cost

By far, cost is the most appealing aspect for learning in a virtual classroom, especially with IELTS. Language schools across the globe offer private sessions and group courses that students can enroll in. There is a cost and for most institutions and it is quite expensive especially in the private tutoring sector. Alone in Melbourne, Australia, private classes range anywhere from $35.00 to $75.00 per hour with the average being $45.00. Australia isn't the only country that offers IELTS classes or courses at this price. London, England course rates range anywhere from 30 to 50 pounds. However, virtual classroom educators can offer the same professional level of education at a fraction of the cost. Because the overhead is limited to website and internet fees, instructors can offer students a more affordable rate. This means that students can purchase more hours at a reduced cost than in a traditional classroom which in turn, provides the student with more opportunities for additional studies.

One on one

Learning in a virtual classroom also provides a student with more of the personal attention. Often, traditional classrooms are large, and students have to wait a significant period of time for their turn to ask questions, use resources or get help. In fact, some teachers in large classrooms find it practically impossible to give one-on-one attention to every student. In contrast, virtual classrooms typically allow time for one-on-one teacher/student interaction, and students often find it easier to get help when they need it. Without the often-hectic atmosphere of a large classroom to deal with, teachers are better able to focus on each student’s unique needs and provide a more customized approach to learning.

Intensive

Intensive study is very effective for IELTS and virtual classrooms is an ideal environment for such. Most students preparing for the IELTS examinations need help with one or two specific skills such as writing or speaking. In a virtual classroom, the students and instructor can effectively approach that specific skill thoroughly covering all the major aspects of that skill in a shorter period of time. Though the approach within a course styled lesson are adequate for long termed learning, they are unproductive when students have time restrictions, especially if he or she has other commitments such as university studies or employment. Virtual classrooms provide the opportunity to concentration on one specific weakness and reinforce it before moving on to another.

Flexibility

Flexibility is another significant benefit of virtual classrooms. Traditional classrooms typically require students to learn based on a rigid schedule. Likewise, students must adapt to an average learning pace in order to make the classroom environment easier to manage. Virtual learning, however, allows students create learning schedules that work for them based on their hobbies, activities, and travel and work schedules. As such, students have more opportunity to pursue their passions and develop a full range of interests. In addition, they aren’t held back by the need to conform. Students learn at their own pace and take breaks when desired. If a student masters a topic quickly, he can move on when he or she is ready rather than getting bored waiting for others to catch up.

Resources

The resources available in a virtual classroom are endless. Students have access to audio and video media, whiteboard collaboration, voice chat, text editing, and much more. The main benefit of a virtual classroom is simply the fact that it provides a viable option to incorporate all of these educational tools for learning from home. Adults have been learning education online for years, obtaining degrees and taking enrichment classes in the comfort and safety of their own homes. Virtual learning provides the same opportunities for teenagers, allowing them to use technology to learn and grow in the familiarity and comfort of their home environments.

My IELTS Solutions

At My IELTS Solutions, I have integrated a highly effective and modern virtual classroom dedicated in providing exceptional education for both one on one and small group sessions. The experience in education that I have built over a course of 16 years is offered to anyone around the world wanting to develop any aspect of English. IELTS is not the only subject offered with TOEFL, TOEIC, SAT-verbal, and general English subjects available for studying. I strongly believe that virtual learning is a powerful tool towards educational success. With virtual classrooms, the opportunities to gain valuable skills are in your reach. I welcome any comments or questions. Come visit www.myieltssolutions.com and see what virtual learning is all about.