This visual interface of a 'VIRTUAL CLASSROOM' could serve to facilitate classroom applications of computer technology. This interface would offer a generic format which could be personalized and adapted with the imput of each instructor. Visuals and on-line reference catagories could be accessed via this 'All-In-One' classroom environment. The instructors could be familiarized with the possibilities of incorporating computer technologies in an interactive, 'user friendly' virtual environment. The instructor could interact with the students and the students could interact directly with one another as a whole class or as individuals by using this format. The instructors would only have to request their choices for specific WWW linkages and classroom visuals (ie. fields, farms, labs, greenhouses, etc. to personalize their virtual classroom. The instructor's responsibility would not have to be overwhelming or overbearing, even for those with limited experience with computer interface technology. Such things as grades , classroom bulletin boards, assignment notes, syllabus outlines, classroom readings and homework /grades would be monitred by the instructor. Hands-on Virtual Classroom review sessions for instructors and T.A.s could be conducted by the AIM lab. A printed manual instructor guide could be given to each instructor/T.A. involved in the process of incorporating current and futuristic computer technologies within the classroom. This is a suggested format with flexible applications and broad usage possibilites which would provide an interactive, high tech' and fun virtual environment. The virtual classroom interface could increase the understanding of faculty, staff and students of the exciting instructional and conferencing capabilities of the WWW Internet, First Class E-mail, gopher and other Net Services.
Visual Concept: 3D Classsroom with students and instructor
Reference/Resource Center in Bookshelf Space
CONTAINING THE FOLLOWING:
Grade Book
Note: Most Instructors currently use Lotus Excel spread sheets to record their student's grades. Each student could have a personal code to log into the 'Virtual Grade book" to check on their class grade status/ progress report.
Suggestion Box
Note: Students could post suggestions in the same manner as is done in the First Class format which is updated as appropriate. The instructor/T.A. could stay 'tuned in ' to student suggestions/ complaints, etc. and the suggestion box would also serve as a 'forum' for expressing their needs and concerns.
Homework Assignment 'In' and "out" Boxes
Note: Students could click on / log onto this space to review class assignments. The students could deposit their homework assignments via electronic submissions to the 'In' box. After the submission has been "graded' by the instructor, the students could receive their homework assignments via the 'Out' Box. The instructor could update this space as appropriate.
Group Conference Chatspace
Note: Students could engage in virtual group discussions as a whole class or as designated clusters or groups. Such activities as virtual debates and group problem solving skills would be exercised here.
Student Mail Boxes and Student WWW Home Page
Note: Students could each have their own e-mail address as a log in to their messages from each other. Messages directed to the instructor/T.A could be directed to the instructor/T.A. mailbox and/or the 'Help/Question Desk'.
The student figures themselves could also be used as entry places to post and view the student WWW homepages. The student WWW homepages could also be posted on a special WWW Home Page Bulletin Board or window space.
Help/Question Desk
Note: The desk or the instructor figure itself could be active. The students could post questions, comments, inquiries to this space. The response from the instructor (or other students) could be received here or directly to the student's mailbox.. If it is a matter which is deemed to be of concern or relevance to the entire class, the responses could be posted on a special classroom 'bulletin board.'
Classroom Bulletin Board
Note: This space could serve as a place to post guest speaker schedules, performances, open house, and related events to the entire class. The instructor as well as the students could post messages here.
Other Features
Note: Other WWW sites could be posted as the instructor deems appropriate. On-line linkage could entered via such spaces as the following;