Student Lab Work
Students MUST do labs that take them through each process. Learning, at least at the level that is required to be a Linux Admin, requires the student to actually perform the tasks that are to be acquired. Especially for Windows Administrators moving to Linux, completion of Labs is a requirement. One of the most powerful aspects of the Virtual Classroom is that ability to have students perform labs and then review the labs when they are complete. In addition, students who have problems with a lab can allow the instructor access to their screen in order to walk them through the solution. Labs can be demonstrated step-by-step so students can see where to make decisions.
Communication with Instructor
Communication in a virtual classroom can be just like any classroom with each student not only able to listen to the instructor but have access to the input from other students. Communication can be via voice or text message. Having taught Linux classes both in a physical classroom and a virtual classroom one of the things that we have noticed is that those students who are concerned about their lack of skills in the class often prefer text messages to the instructor during a class rather than speaking in front of others. This provides instructor access to students who would not speak up in a physical classroom. One of the necessary aspects of any teaching situation is to engage students in the process. In this aspect, the Virtual Classroom provides a learning advantage for those types of students. Again, this is most evident with Windows Administrators who are moving to the challenges of the Linux command line.
Student Evaluation
One of the new projects that we are working on for the Virtual Classroom is a evaluation process for students. We are developing a CentOS image with evaluation built into the image so that when a student completes a Lab, they select an option that evaluates the answer and sends the score to the instructor via email. This can then provide an evaluation of student progress to the organization that needs to know their employees are competent in specific Linux administration tasks.
Scalability
The virtual classroom can scale to any size. Tools like GoToWebinar can scale to 1000 participants. Of course, classroom training should be limited to a number the instructor can interact with, less than 25 typically, but it does provide a company with options to perform specific training company wide one time. For companies with a global footprint this is an advantage often overlooked.
Is the Virtual Classroom perfect? No, certainly not. But the Virtual Classroom has strengths that are major advantages to the cost, time in travel, lodging and work lost of the traditional model in training. In fact, most companies not only want the training completed by their employees, but they want them available to keep their current job flowing as well. The Virtual Classroom can help companies save money, train employees and even be available to maintain their job.
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