Peter Purg, Osnovna šola Benedikt, Benedikt
There are many technologies that enable the learning experience outside the school premises and time frames. Selecting the most suitable seems easier at first glance, than it actually is. When choosing the right virtual classroom, a subject matter, type of tasks for pupils and creation of continuity and clarity of the use of channels of learning should be considered. Otherwise, we can trigger a wave of resistance instead of excitement. Classroom is a fast developing online tool. Despite the somewhat demanding initial establishment, its use is incredibly simple and intuitive, very well received among the pupils. The above arguments are given on the basis of the test, which was carried out at the OŠ Videm pri Ptuj with the English teachers. According to their requirements IT teacher set up the tool, which allowed individualized editing work. He trained the other teachers with the entire progress of the test. The idea of switching to a web-based tool was a response to the request for additional access window to pass on knowledge. It provides students with a number of additional resources and ways to practice English through links with interesting stories, appropriate video content and tasks of different types. The test took place the whole school year. Students were extremely motivated to do the task. They enjoyed discovering prepared links, which in most cases were not perceived as work, but as entertainment, informal and a new way of feeding. They were awarded with extra knowledge and they learned to use the new ICT. This way school work and free time are more connected. This kind of work takes place on two levels – educational and entertaining at the same time, it is an excellent tool for formative assessment. We recommend this test for all who want to use online classrooms in the future. Among all different tools this kind of classroom was proven best at the above mentioned school.
