Is it possible to replicate the traditional classroom experience in a virtual setting? In my opinion, it depends on who is teaching the course. I have been in several online classes that had a required synchronous online classroom setting in addition to the asynchronous portion of the class. All students sign into the learning management system to access the virtual classroom using either a link from the instructor or accessing a previously set up classroom at a given time and date. As the student logs in, his/her attendance is noted, and he/she is frequently given access to a chat feature and a microphone that the instructor can mute if desired. The instructor can utilize a virtual whiteboard and PowerPoint in the same way that it can be used in the traditional classroom. In addition, the instructor can share his/her desktop as well as search and display websites. Finally, there are break-out rooms where small group discussions can take place. Each break out room has audio, chat, and whiteboard capability.
Having these features is necessary if the goal is to replicate the traditional classroom experience, but I found that using the whiteboard too awkward and time-consuming to be of value. Unlike in a traditional classroom where students can have side discussions while waiting for the next assignment to be prepared, in an online class, distractions are plentiful, and it is easy to lose focus and difficult to return to the discussion.
The range of style in a virtual classroom
As far as the skillful use of the virtual classroom by the instructor, it has varied from straight lecture to full discussion. In the straight lecture class, there were occasional small group discussions, but they felt more like interruptions than of added value to the class. I found that the classes taught in this style dragged on forever.
The temptation to do other work and only half-listen were strong. At the other end of the spectrum was an instructor who assigned somewhat complicated case studies that required financial analysis on a biweekly basis. These case studies were due before class started. This style required constant student attention and focus. The depth of these discussions was greater than in any traditional class that I have attended. The online setting made you feel that it was a discussion between you and the instructor. In addition, I think that students who may not be comfortable speaking up in a traditional classroom felt more comfortable doing so in a virtual setting. More information on discussion boards is provided here.
Voice over PowerPoint
Many instructors do voice-over PowerPoint to provide the lecture component of a class. As someone who has a preference for audio delivery of content, I appreciate that it is provided, but feel that the discussion component to an online class is what makes it on par or better than a course taught in a traditional classroom.
After completing a course where all lectures were delivered in a voice-over PowerPoint format, I really missed the ability to interact with the instructor, hear his stories, listen for emphasis on topics, and get explanations when needed. Perhaps if instructors were paid the same for teaching online classes as traditional, there would be more instructor involvement in these courses.