Online lab model of learning

In this model of blended learning the entire course is delivered online but it takes place in a brick and mortar location. Very often, the students who take part in this model of learning also opt of traditional courses. The online labs are referred to as 21st century classrooms.
The classroom should have the following resources:
#A codec (which compresses and decompresses data.)
#Monitors and projectors.
#nteractive white board.
#A minimum of 25 tablet computers and
#A wireless port or router.
Online model consists of online teachers and it is usually supervised by paraprofessionals who have little content expertise and in this model of learning, the instructions for each individual subject is delivered entirely online in a school based computer lab. The students log into their online courses during regular class period within school hours and they opt for one or more of online courses which will be monitored by the lab facilitator.
Online lab model of learning makes the online learning flexible within the school space and time. For a effective learning process the labs should be quite, well structured and comfortable with sufficient space. The role of lab supervisor is to coordinate the interaction between the students and the online teachers, properly manage the classroom and support the students in their learning process. For this model of learning students with strong self-motivation, self-direction, good time management skills and reading skills perform much better comparing to others. Self-motivation and self-direction are required to remain absorbed and on track without face to face interaction with the teacher. Ability and willingness to learn independently plays a significant role as the student may not have peers taking the same course online in their lab hour and also student may not get enough time to interact with the peer online.
Strong reading skills are needed to absorb large amount of information on-screen.
Excellent written and communication skills play a significant role in interacting with the online teachers to receive their support in clearing doubts or question to remain on the pace of learning. Strong academic records assist the student ability to succeed in online lab model of learning.
Advantages
Online lab model of learning offers number of advantages to the students such as:
#Through this model the student gets access to more number of different courses and teachers.
#Scheduling is more flexible compare to the traditional schools.
#Students have more control over their pace of learning and sequence of the course.
#Opportunities to improve academic outcomes.
Disadvantages
Online lab model of learning, which involves teaching online, faces several challenges to have a effective teaching and learning experiences as it requires:
#It requires knowledge and comfort in use of technology.
#Re-envisioning course goals, activities and assignment, going online with a course requires redesign which takes considerable amount of time and energy.
#Building a community of learners.
#Facilitating discussion online is not easy as the learners may not be able to respond to the questions put forward by the teacher when teacher expects a response.

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