Dubai-based Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University (HBMeU), the first e-learning institute in the Arab world, has launched a virtual classroom system via mobile devices for the first semester of the academic year 2013-2014.

The new technology, which enables learners to access virtual classrooms from anywhere via a smartphone or tablet, reaffirms HBMeU’s focus on maximizing the flexibility of e-learning. The state-of-the-art technology has been generating excellent feedback from learners.

The cutting-edge technology ensures synchronous learning by enabling a cohesive e-learning platform that uses tools like multi-way audio, live video streams, integrated chat, application sharing, and file transfer to name a few.

Just as in a physical classroom, at the scheduled class times, the faculty can make presentations, draw or write to the class, and show videos to the class. The learners can even raise their hands to ask questions or post comments in real time, bringing in a true sense of classroom learning.

“The new virtual classroom technology is a definitive step towards making learning truly accessible in these modern times. We believe that through the mobile app that allows instant access to the virtual classrooms, we will be able to negate the effects of unnecessary hindrances that pose challenges to our task of spreading knowledge,” said Dr Mansoor Al Awar, chancellor.

“As a new paradigm of education is emerging, we are confident of fostering a culture of lifelong learning through this relatively novel and alternative approach to learning.”

HBMeU also pointed out that with the deployment of the new virtual classroom technology, instructors can divide the learners into groups and each group will be in their own virtual classroom discussing and working on their instructor-assigned tasks.

The instructor can also ask yes/no questions and learners can provide their answers on the system immediately (instantaneous poll). Moreover, all the virtual classroom sessions are automatically recorded and archived so that learners can access and view them later at their convenience. – TradeArabia News Service