Not Just Whiteboards!

The teacher is in the virtual classroom throughout the lesson and can assign differentiated tasks in order to maintain interest. The teacher is also available throughout the lesson for the student to ask questions without the conversation being displayed to the rest of the class. This builds rapport and helps the less-confident learner to make progress. We use a number of different pedagogical techniques to stimulate learning and drive up attendance rates, including the use of short academic films, music and interactive blogging which has been demonstrated to be particularly effective with reluctant writers. We are continually developing or range of learning features to ensure that learners are exposed to topical issues, in a user-friendly and effective way. Lessons may start with a piece of music, short topical film or even a quiz. Lesson objectives are set out clearly on the whiteboard at the opening of each learning session. Students log in promptly and welcome the chance to use the chat facility to communicate with each other for a few minutes before the lesson begins.