The days of complicated software, endless installations, and frustrating technical difficulties are in the past. Several virtual classroom platforms offer a user-friendly interface and a simple setup process to host an online educational event.
Whether you are a teacher who’s just starting out, or an experienced trainer, with the right technology by your side, you can now create your virtual classroom faster than ever. A quick virtual classroom setup will leave you with plenty of time that you can use to engage your students.
In this guide, we will walk you through how to set up a virtual classroom in 10 minutes and the essential tools & technology you need to make your online classroom effective, engaging, and successful.
6 Easy Steps to Set up your Virtual Classroom in 10 Minutes
Here’s a guide on how to go about getting your virtual classroom ready to go, on any virtual platform. The steps are based on how most virtual platforms function, and should guide you effectively.
First Step (1 Minute)
First, organize the files you want to display on the screen, such as a PowerPoint presentation, a PDF document, or any web page. Set them up on your screen so you can quickly access them to display to your student during the session.
Second Step (2 Minutes)
Next, go to the virtual classroom platform you have chosen and log in. Sign up to a new account by entering your email ID and password, or sign in with your Google or social media account, like Facebook.
When you log in, you will normally be directed to the “Event Dashboard” or “Admin Panel” page, where you can create a new event from scratch.
Third Step (2 Minutes)
Once you’re on the event creation page, fill in the basic details like event title, date, time, duration, speaker name, and more.
A description box is often provided where you can briefly describe your topic and its objective, so that your learners get a proper understanding of the subject matter.
If you need to make any last-minute changes to the event, click on the “Edit” button and make the necessary changes with ease.
Fourth Step (3 Minutes)
Several event platforms offer branding and customization features to tailor your virtual classroom to your unique brand identity. Upload your brand logo, color, and theme using this feature, personalize the virtual classroom, and strengthen your brand presence among your students.
Add a welcome video and create a grand entry experience for your attendees. Also, upload your background image to a live stage, which will be displayed before the session begins.
Fifth Step (1 Minute)
Implement additional features that you want to use during the live session, such as gamification capabilities like Leaderboard, Points & Badges, to give students an entertaining experience, breakout rooms to split students into groups to engage them in group projects or activities, and more.
Sixth Step (1 Minute)
Once your event setup is done, a unique event link is created. Copy it and share it with your students via email or WhatsApp. If you’re inviting a guest speaker to the event, share the link with them and give them access to the backstage area.
And voila! Your virtual classroom is all set, and you can get ready to deliver value to your learners!
Essential Tools and Technology Needed to Set up a Virtual Classroom
Setting up a virtual classroom requires a combination of necessary tools and technology. The right tech resources not only make online teaching effective but also create a great learning environment for students. In fact, they play a vital role in helping instructors deliver lessons smoothly and effectively.
Let’s explore the necessary tools and technology you need for setting up an effective virtual classroom:
1. Virtual Classroom Platform
Virtual classroom platforms are an important tool for communicating, interacting, and engaging with students in an online learning environment.
It allows you to conduct online classes from anywhere and schedule them at a convenient time. You can educate students worldwide and engage with them in an interactive manner.
A virtual classroom software will empower you with all the flexibility, tools, and features you need to educate your students professionally.
Consider the following when choosing the best virtual classroom platform
- Assess whether the platform supports HD video streaming and crystal audio
- Ensure that the platform has an intuitive UI & UX and is easy to use, for both teachers & students
- Check whether the platform offers essential interactive features such as screen sharing, interactive whiteboards, breakout rooms, live chat, polls, and Q&A
- Make sure the platform has session recording capabilities
- The platform should support multiple devices, such as desktops, mobiles, and tablets, so that students can join the session from their preferred device.
- Most platforms offer a free trial, so make sure the platform includes a test run so you can make an informed decision
- Ensure the software is capable of handling a large number of participants and can scale effortlessly, whenever needed
- Ensure the platform complies with standards like GDPR, FERPA, or HIPAA, and provides secure login and password protection
2. Learning Management System (LMS)
Learning Management System (LMS) is a central hub of virtual learning, as it not only automates administrative tasks and delivers educational courses, but also tracks the students’ performance & progress. Instructors can upload study materials in text, audio, video, and quiz format, create assignments, and properly structure the study material.
Plus, teachers can identify training and learning gaps using the analytics dashboard and refine their strategy to improve students’ performance.
3. Interactive Digital Whiteboard
In the realm of online learning, a digital whiteboard plays a crucial role in fostering an interactive and collaborative learning environment. In fact, it makes virtual learning more engaging and enjoyable.
Teachers can use this tool to draw, write, annotate, and clearly explain their lessons to students with ease. A digital whiteboard can also be used for group problem-solving exercises.
4. Content Presentation Tool
Teachers need a presentation tool like Google Slides, Microsoft PowerPoint, and more to professionally present their content in an engaging way.
With these tools, instructors can present specific information about the topic in multiple formats, including text, images, and infographics, and effectively teach and explain the subject matter in real-time.
5. Tech Equipment
- Computer or Laptop
You need a computer or laptop because, as a trainer, you will have to use multiple tabs and tools through the session. A device like a laptop allows you to comfortably use a virtual classroom platform, manage a large number of students, and effectively present slides and deliver multimedia elements such as video, images, & infographics with ease.
Instructors can also easily perform their administrative tasks like submitting assignments, reviewing, annotating, and providing instant feedback to the learners. Plus, they can effortlessly use LMS to track students’ progress and analyze their overall performance.
- HD Webcam
A high-definition webcam is essential in a live virtual classroom. It provides a crisp and clear image, allowing students to better understand the trainer’s facial expressions, body language, and gestures
Teachers often have to write on a whiteboard while explaining certain topics. In such cases, an HD webcam with good resolution captures these details clearly, allowing students to better absorb the concepts.
In short, a high-quality webcam captures HD footage in a virtual space, allowing students to emotionally connect with the teacher and learn effectively.
- Microphone
When teaching in a virtual classroom, a microphone is necessary so that your voice can be heard clearly by the students. A good quality microphone can help students better understand your speech, pronunciation, and the training content overall.
A good microphone also allows students to contribute to the discussion, as they can hear you clearly. Instructors can teach their students naturally and in a calm voice, maintain discipline, and better manage the online classroom.
- High-speed Internet Connection
In online classrooms, high-speed internet is important to offer students a hassle-free learning experience. Reliable internet connectivity helps teachers continuously stream the lectures, which is critical for maintaining student engagement and focus. In fact, it also prevents live sessions from buffering or experiencing video or audio lag.
A fast internet speed ensures that the online lecture will run smoothly, without any interruption. Teachers often share study material with students, such as presentation slides, project files, and videos. Strong WiFi and internet make it easy for instructors to upload the large media files in the live session and share them with learners.
- Good Lighting
Good lighting is one of the core aspects of a successful on-camera performance for any online educator. When there is adequate light, it ensures that students can see the instructor clearly in a virtual classroom.
In fact, professional lighting solutions can also contribute to creating a more professional, effective, and engaging learning environment.
Final Thoughts
Setting up a virtual classroom in a matter of minutes is no longer stressful and complicated. With just a few steps, you can quickly set up an online classroom and connect with your students. Virtual classroom platforms have built user-friendliness in mind, allowing you to set up and schedule an event as fast as possible. You do not require any prior event setup or tech expertise.
Regardless of the virtual classroom platform you use, the steps outlined above will help you launch your next virtual classroom in 10 minutes. Just make sure you have all the tools and technology ready in advance, including a computer or laptop, HD webcam, microphone, LMS, content presentation tool, strong internet connection, good lighting, and robust virtual classroom software.
FAQs
- Invest in an event platform that has an easy-to-use user interface
- Use a single meeting link for the entire course
- Send out a clickable link that can redirect students to the event joining page
- Share with students in advance a guided video or a tutorial on how to join the online classroom
- On the day of the session, have a “tech support” staff member available to help students in case of any issues.
- Strong WiFi connection
- Good lighting
- A clean and professional background
- A laptop charger
- A set agenda
- Presentation slides
- All necessary files and apps are organized for easy access
You can invite students by sharing a meeting link through email, message, or WhatsApp, or even share a link on the school portal.
Airmeet allows you to easily and quickly set up an online classroom as it has an intuitive UI and UX and offers an easy & fast event setup. Instructors can simply sign up with their Google account and create an online classroom in minutes, even if they are first-time users.
By clicking on the event link that you share with them, students will be redirected to the account sign-up page. Further, students will fill in some personal details like name, email address, and contact number, and then they will enter the virtual classroom.
