E-Learning / Virtual Classroom

For trainers and learners alike the switch to vitero is quite simple. Thanks to its ergonomics which have been researched by the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft the users get adjusted quickly to the virtual room. The reason for this lies in the unique and patented graphic user interface which is close to reality. As a matter of fact, moderator and participant sit around a virtual table which serves - depending upon its equipment - as a whiteboard, language lab, video screen or presentation screen for software and multimedia. Established learning concepts and methods from reality can be reproduced one-to-one. This has also positive effects on user acceptance. Moreover, other advantages arise which are present only when teaching online: automatic documentation of attendance, audio-visual recording for analysis purposes, as repetition or to recycle, and paper-free implementation of contents and media. 

In order to fully benefit from the advantages of e-learning, a virtual classroom software is necessary that can cope with the multitude of training concepts and e-learning approaches. So, when it comes to select an adequate tool it would be a dire decision to go with a tool that can realise only certain training concepts such as lectures. With vitero there is a well-engineered tool that can keep up with changing trends thanks to its many functions and fields of application.

For traditional learning approaches that are often built around a slideshow presentation by the teacher, vitero provides the adequate moderation tools. In this way, contents can be presented, highlighted and referenced on. For effective and structured conversation in class communication via token principle is possible or the moderator controls the speaking right centrally. Additionally, presentations and software programmes can be integrated via application sharing spontaneously, and video footage can be played with the video player.

With vitero not only the moderation of learning sessions is optimized but also diverse exercises from the real world can be done in the virtual room. Especially more recent learning concepts focus on variety, whereby the term 'variety of methods' is granted a central role. Here are some examples what different methods are possible with vitero:

• Brainstormings, perfectly supported by push-to-talk, text fields and application sharing
• Several types of card queries (anonymous, personalised, open, covered)
• Breakout rooms for work in smaller groups or exercises with serveral phases
• Sophisticated polling tool for multiple choice queries¹
• Webcam recorder and video recorder for role plays and soft skill trainings
• Language lab for learning languages

Even though the advantages of need-oriented learning are undisputed it is often not realised. It is considered to be costly and time consuming. Instead, trainings are often provided en bloc, learners try (unsuccessfully) to hoard new knowledge. Thanks to virtual classrooms, learners can learn need-oriented and in due course. Instead of learning en bloc the contents can be broken down into smaller 'chunks' that are relevant at a certain time. Practicing and self-study units can be accompanied by short repetitions. Thus, the transfer process is seamless and the learned contents can be applied to current situations.

vitero can be connected to any Learning Management System thanks to the vitero Web Service Interface. User information, contents, group assignments and roles are taken over by the LMS. The virtual room can be booked and directly accessed from the LMS via single sign-on. There are already a number of connectors to Learning Management Systems ready for use.