The use of virtual classroom software for flexible learning

Maneesh Mathur, Online Adviser, Learning Connection, University of South Australia, Adelaide, 5095. Telephone: +61 8 8302 3487. Email: Maneesh.Mathur@unisa.edu.au

Ian Reid, Coordinator: Online Services, Flexible Learning Centre, University of South Australia, Adelaide, 5095. Telephone: +61 8 8302 1286. Email: Ian.Reid@unisa.edu.au

Keywords

Flexible delivery, virtual classroom, synchronous collaboration.

Abstract

Flexibility in educational provision is one of the many benefits that can result from the use of the World Wide Web in higher education. Of particular concern is the need to blend face-to-face and technologically mediated experiences, and to provide the capacity to mix synchronous and asynchronous collaboration as part of a flexible learning program. This paper summarises the results of a pilot study that implemented the Centra Virtual Classroom tool at the University of South Australia, as a means to provide high quality and flexible learning experiences to students learning at a distance in conjunction with face-to-face interaction.