Virtual learning environments during pandemic

By Rushan Ziatdinov

Nobody could predict the impact that COVID-19 would have on our world; it changed so much of our daily routines. The stigma of living in the new normal is haunting. As unhinged, to some extent, as it might seem, and maybe even unrealistic, the world doesn't stop revolving and functioning even as such a detrimental health crisis falls upon its shoulders. A lot of changes have had to take place within the ongoing duration of the COVID-19 virus outbreak.

One of those changes made online learning a must, but it's quite a win-win situation. It's common knowledge that today's generation is greatly knowledgeable when it comes to technology due to living in a highly-digitized world. It's rational to utilize the wonders that technology brings into continuing the practices adopted and implemented by the education sector globally, but now through online learning programs.

Its implementation makes sense and was rightful because of schools physically closing due to health restrictions. The world of academia is not the only one switching its methods in such precarious times, but it is a very major change nonetheless. Online education is primarily centered on internet-powered platforms, and not every teacher and student has equal access to such services.

More so, a bigger concern faced by teachers has to do with teaching methods in the online learning set up. Virtual classes can be intimidating and seem to limit the ways that teachers can impart knowledge to students, forcing them to be creative in the teaching methods they use in order to promote a collaborative and interactive learning environment.

Also, the online education set-up entails a higher average of screen-time which leads to health issues such as poor vision and posture. Similarly, excessive screen-time and long video-conference hours can lead to “Zoom fatigue.” In simple terms, Zoom fatigue, or fatigue from any video platform, is the feeling of tiredness that a person encounters after a conference call. Related to this, online teaching can take a toll on the mental health of teachers.

Like students, teachers can also feel burnt-out from the constant exposure and workload that happens through screens and technological systems. Stanford University has published an article identifying four factors that contribute to such fatigue. Namely, those are: 1) The overwhelming amount of screen time, 2) The uncomfortable ability to see one's self during conference calls, 3) Typical motion exaggeratedly decreasing due to video chats, and 4) Video calls increasing the difficulty of cognitive tasks.

The first one, when explained, had to do with the stress and social anxiety that comes with the awareness of people staring at you during video chats. The second reason is likened to being constantly followed in a real-life scenario but, instead of actually being followed, people are constantly interacting with you through a screen for a lengthy period of time.

Thirdly, it's typical that people stay in one place during a video call, and research is continuously coming up with evidence that cognitive performance is better when an individual performs motion. Lastly, in order to get a message clearly delivered during video calls, more effort is exerted because methods of interaction are limited to the screen and technology in use, unlike in face-to-face interactions.

Virtual learning environments (VLE), such as Virbela and vAcademia, allow vast opportunities in educational collaborations through the means of virtual environments. Through such VLEs, we are given the chance to use advanced teaching methods by the means of voice-powered technology, presentation options, 3D recording, and academic environment simulations.

Through the use of VLEs, teachers are able to promote inclusivity and accessibility for their students. VLEs are highly flexible. Also, little by little, the more students engage with them, the more they become attuned to and are at ease with online classes. Another way that educational organizations benefit from VLEs is through providing an environment that fosters students to have a wider view of the world.

VLEs are highly marketable to students across the globe. The San Diego Times released an article in 2020 showing how the 3D technology of Virbela had a new user growth rate of 78 percent, with half of that coming from the international market. It has proven how 3D technology has paved the way for an upgrade of virtual gatherings, meetings, and events.

At the same time, the platform allows a virtual space where students can interactively meet while still being remote; a virtual campus of sorts like that of Stanford University. This virtual campus offers a similar interface to RPGs such as Club Penguin and The Sims, with similar features allowing users to choose outfits, interact, and go to classes.

Through buttons, users are given the options to let their avatar perform simple actions like nodding and waving, all made possible through Virbela. Davenport University also did the same thing, using Virbela to conduct their online classes through a virtual university, as featured in a Detroit Free Press article.

In a 2017 study conducted by Alves et al., it was found that students who have access to virtual learning environments are equipped to achieve a good academic performance, and that the higher the accessibility rate is to virtual learning environments, the better their performance will be.

Rushan Ziatdinov (ziatdinov.rushan@gmail.com) is a professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering at Keimyung University, Daegu.