Contrary to what some critics challenge as a disadvantage of online learning, there is interaction and collaboration between students and teachers in an online class, and it is not too different from what is normally experienced inside the four walls of a physical classroom, if not perceived as better by some students who have taken online classes. Although heavily dependent on writing and drawing, online classes are designed such that it is able to simulate or recreate the highly interactive environment of a physical academic environment.

At the start of the class, the teacher gives an overview of the course by posting the topics and the manner by which the class will proceed over the next several weeks. Discussions are posted on the side screen so students can read them or go back to them anytime they want to. The screen also offers a view of the “seating” arrangement of the students and with the interactive tools, students can exchange messages with one another or chat, participate in discussions through the boards, post or leave questions and present reports on their monitor.

Participation is an area of marked improvement in online classes because teachers basically serve as “guides” instead of doing their traditional role of delivering lectures. Questions are posted weekly and students are required to leave their answers, or even add more questions to the discussion threads. Aural learning is not greatly impeded as well because of the use of headphones and microphones and other videoconferencing systems so that the experience of both sight and sound is complete. The instructor may give out assignments or projects in groups, but should always provide feedback for any activity done during the class. This helps the individual student assess his or her progress, and for the teacher this provides a unique opportunity for individualized instruction and evaluation as interaction may be one-to-one. Students can also agree to meet at certain times for group studies or group meetings. The instructors are also usually available for consultations and may be reached through the same forms of medium.

In some studies it has even been noted that the online classroom setting may be more effective especially for students who are shy, have language difficulties or are slow to open up. With a degree of anonymity provided by the Internet, students tend to participate more than they would normally do in a traditional class. Friendships are also formed through regular communication via chats, e-mail and occasional phone conversations.

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