FEDERATION University Australia is exploring the idea of lessons in a virtual classroom, a new digital learning model.
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Virtual classrooms give students the opportunity to learn from a remote location or comfort of their own home.
Federation University online and teaching futures team leader John Supple said anyone in the world could study at the university as part of a virtual class.
He said the university had a student in South Sudan who used a generator to use her computer so she could attend a class in Ballarat.
"It's about engaging students and providing the opportunity for them to interact online which retains students at the university," Mr Supple said.
Lessons in a virtual classroom was one of many topics Federation University staff discussed at an e-learning showcase on Wednesday.
Hosted by Centre for Learning Innovation and Professional Practice (CLIPP) Associate Professor Nina Fotinatos, the event featured presenters from Ballarat and Churchill campuses.
Presenters shared their experiences in forming virtual connections for learning and teaching.
Mr Supple said the initiative, called BOLD Connections: Engage, Interact, Retain, focused on innovative strategies and technologies to foster blended, online and digital learning delivery.
He said the university was delivering more courses that were blended - a mix of face-to-face and online learning.
"Research shows blended delivery is more engaging for students and they learn more with face-to-face and online," Mr Supple said.
Federation University students provided perspectives and insights about their experiences of e-learning.
"It was good to get students to stand up and tell us what we are doing right and what we are doing wrong," Mr Supple said.
"We take this into account for future development."
Other topics the showcase explored included taking outdoor education into the virtual world using Google Maps, social media and online discussion forums.
Between 60 and 70 people attended the elearning showcase at the university's Mt Helen campus.
It was the fourth showcase, which is held twice a year.
"It seems to be going from strength to strength. It's my job to promote technology and innovation and I can see the skill level rising everytime we run this," Mr Supple said.
"It's a good time for learning at FedUni."
