Virtual Classroom software for live interactive online classes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the history of virtual learning?

The history of virtual learning environment goes back to as early as the 1700s when lessons were sent weekly to the interested audiences by mail in the US. The correspondence used to be in writing. It was the University of Wisconsin – Madison that first used the term “distance education” in 1892. Later, the University of Houston offered its first college course in 1953 on public television in the United States. The live telecasts aired for 13-15 hours each week at night so that working students could watch the classes.

In 1969, the US Department of Defense commissioned ARPANET – a packet switching network to implement TCP/IP (the foundation technologies of the internet). In 1970, the Havering Computer Managed Learning System was developed in London, and over 100 teachers and 10,000 students were using it by 1980. In 1984, the faculty and students at the University of Waterloo developed applications together by using networked IBM PCs. A year later in 1985, Nova Southern University’s Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences awarded accredited graduate degrees through online courses. In the mid-nineties, when the idea of personal computers was still in infancy, distance learning seemed to cross the boundaries of traditional education. Students relied on discussion boards, chats, and digital documents for learning.

It was only when the University of Phoenix and Kaplan University offered two-year accelerated bachelor degree programs, the US-based institutes saw a huge influx of international students in their virtual courses. And it was in the 2000s when online education industry started growing leaps and bounds with the advent of personal electronic devices. The industry saw an unprecedented growth in the increased use of smart mobile devices. It was projected to have hit $107 billion in 2015.

How to deploy virtual classroom software?

There are two options available:

• On-premise: On-premise virtual classroom software is the one installed and running on the premises of the organization using it. This may or may not be licensed software but is considered more secure than those which are publicly hosted. You have the flexibility to create your functionality and customize the platform according to your need. However, you trade ease-of-use for customizability. Also, it calls for a massive investment of resources and time. You’ll also need a full-fledged IT infrastructure and support to make this arrangement work.
• Cloud-based: This is an off-premise option, known as SaaS – Software as a Service. It is hosted in the cloud, and you practically don’t need anything on-site other than a basic computing device and an internet connection. The customizations can be done only by your service provider. With the cloud-based option, you can go live within minutes after you purchase your subscription. It works like any rented service and can be started, stopped and scaled at any time. That’s how WizIQ works.

1. Open-source SaaS platform: If you choose to go with SaaS online classroom software, you’ll have to choose between the open-source and subscription-based software. You can download and install open-source software for free. However, you might need to struggle with customizations and deployment. You’ll either have to rely on the community of developers or hire an IT expert for support.
2. Paid SaaS platform: As the name itself suggests, it’s a paid service. The plus side is everything right from the product to customization, maintenance and support are made available to you. You get the time and resources to focus on your core business function; your service provider takes care of the rest. The support is typically available 24/7. WizIQ virtual class software works on this model.

What are the difference between traditional and virtual classroom?

Here are the differences: