Virtual Learning
Schools are facing some tricky times during the Covid-19 pandemic. Each school has different policies, but virtual learning is a part of just about every plan. The OYOclass platform can be used for virtual learning in a variety of ways, and we've added new features and tools to make things easier than ever!
OYOclass and Virtual Learning
OYOclass is a platform that can be used to learn programming, computer science and engineering skills, but it's much more than that. OYOclass can be used to host and create curriculum of all subjects, as well as manage virtual learning. With online courses, challenges, badges, and Learning Paths, the platform serves not only as a supplement to the classroom, but as a virtual learning space accessible from anywhere.
Here's how it works...
Learning Paths serve as a type of syllabus that students can follow to engage learning and classwork. It organizes courses, where students learn information, and challenges, where students create projects and submit classwork, into a progression. As students work through Learning Paths they will earn badges which serve as digital certifications. Once a Learning Path is completed, a student will earn a Mastery Badge which represents level of knowledge and skill the student has achieved.
All teachers have the ability to create courses, challenges, and Learning Paths on the platform. And not only can teachers create their own learning assets, but they can mix them with kidOYO's content to make blended Learning Paths. This flexibility allows all subjects to be taught online, and helps integrate coding/computer science skills into ALL subject areas.
The Virtual Learning Tool
The Virtual Learning tool was added to our text-based code editors to make it easier to lead a classroom of students through coding projects. It works by allowing the instructor to see into a students code and run it. If a student asks a question or has a problem during a virtual class, the Virtual Learning feature makes it easy for the instructor to see the problem and help. It can also be used in a live lesson so teachers can view a student's code without having to look at/touch their computers or have their students share a link to their project when they have a bug.
Follow the instructions below to see how to use this feature as an instructor and as a student.
As an Instructor
As an instructor, you can create a virtual room and share the room code with your students. The students will then be able to submit their project file to the virtual room using the room ID.
1. Save your file. (Click File --> Save)
2. Click File, then select Virtual Learning.
3. Click I'm Instructor
4. Name the room and click Create.
A little window will pop up with a code that you can give to your students. You will also see 2 buttons appear, a red Close this Room button and a green Monitor this Room button. While this room is open, if you click on File -> Virtual Learning again, you'll have this window appear.
5. Click the Monitor this Room button. In a new tab, you'll see a monitoring room appear.
6. When you have finished your lesson, click on File --> Virtual Learning and select the red Close this Room button. If you do not close the room, it will close automatically about 24 hours after it was opened.
As a Student
Joining as a student is as easy as creating a file and entering it into the virtual room with the room ID.
Steps:
1. Create and save your file. (Click File --> Save)
2. Click File, then select Virtual Learning.3. Click I'm Learner.
4. Enter the ID number your teacher gives you. Then click Join.
If you want to change to a different file and still be in the same virtual learning room, you will have to create the new file and rejoin the room again with the room code.
Using the Virtual Room:
- The Enable Notifications button, will allow you to get little popup notifications whenever someone enters or leaves the room. If you are using Google Chrome on Windows, these will appear as system notifications. In other browsers, these will appear as browser notifications.
- If you have multiple teachers or student-mentors helping with your session, who may help debug, you can share the link to the monitor room with them and they can see everyone's code as well.
- In this room, you can also search by a student's alias to see only their code.
- You can also type in a bit of code in the other search bar and only students who do not have that specific line of code will show up.
- In general, the little view of each student's code will jump to wherever they are typing. If you are unable to see this on your own screen, try refreshing the page.
- When you click to view an individual student's code, it will pop up in a little window. Here, you can run the code and edit it yourself. However, it will not change the student's code in their file. This will allow you to find and solve their errors.
