Since remote or virtual learning requires internet access, it inherits the same dangers that come with an unprotected internet connection. While this sounds disheartening, there’s no cause for panic. A vpn is a security every teacher needs to have when teaching in remote virtual classrooms. Why? Using a VPN gives you a better browsing experience because it eliminates bandwidth throttling, enables access to any website or content you want, enhances your browser speed, makes you anonymous online, and protects your data.
In this context, we’ll discuss the relevance of VPN in a virtual classroom setting.
VPN Meaning and How it Works
VPN is a term that most netizens are familiar with. In fact, a VPN is commonly used among several internet users because of its functions and attractive features. However, for those remote learners who aren’t familiar with it, you should know that VPN is an initialism derived from Virtual Private Network.
The Virtual Private Network is an application that protects the connection between a user’s device and the network it connects to or between two or more networks. Many of us connect to public Wi-Fi at cybercafes, train stations, or airports. This is a prime example of unsecured internet access, and connecting to this Wi-Fi without some level of protection leaves you vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
The VPN tunnels your internet connection by immersing your data packet in other data packets, encrypting your internet connection, and making you anonymous digitally.
VPN in Remote Virtual Classrooms
With the shift of education from the traditional setting to a technology-enabled setting, many educational institutions have adopted remote learning, and virtual classrooms are hosted on PCs and via the internet.
Okay, but what does this have to do with VPN? As mentioned earlier, for remote learning to work, the students and tutors must connect to the internet to teach or learn remotely. The issue with this is that there are several cyber predators (scammers, hackers, and thieves) lurking on the internet for unsuspecting and vulnerable potential victims.
Whenever you surf the net without protection, your information or data is out there, making it easy for anyone to track or trace your digital footprint. This is why you hear of several cases of social media accounts being hacked, bank card information being stolen or intercepted, and so on. Should this scare you? Not necessarily, but it should make you cautious and more eager to use VPN before logging on to your PC for virtual learning
We’ll paint a quick scenario for you. Kid A goes to school on his own every day. On a fateful day, he crosses paths with a kidnapper and gets taken. Kid B goes to school with any of their parents or a group of friends. Nothing happens because the kid is protected and most likely oblivious to the danger lurking around. Which kid will you like to be? Kid B, right? Well, Kid B is the same as a VPN user.
Why Use VPN in Remote Learning?
Protects your Internet Usage
You wouldn’t want to be caught to be a victim of a scam, hack, or identity theft. Using a VPN prevents all these because it gives your internet connection extra layers of security and privacy. While other students are vulnerable and exposed to cyber predators, you get to partake in remote learning safely and anonymously.
Keeps you Anonymous
The best protection is anonymity. You’re easy to target when you’re known, and vice versa. It will be hard for a cyber-predator to attack you when they can’t detect your online presence. It’s like trying to fight a ghost. Using a VPN keeps you anonymous by hiding or masking your IP address which is your digital identity. This keeps your data private and concealed from cyber predators.
Improves your Internet Connection
Aside from the security and anonymity a VPN offers, it also makes your internet access quicker and seamless. ISPs tend to throttle internet connection when you visit certain websites. You may experience buffering when you have virtual classes, which can ruin your learning experience. A VPN encrypts your data traffic from your Internet Service Provider, routes it through its server, and feeds it to the network you’re trying to connect to. This results in secure and quick access that eliminates buffering and enhances your virtual classroom experience.
Final Thoughts
It’s wrong to think that VPN is exclusively for video streamers who want unrestricted access to content or random internet users who want to hide their information from the government. The VPN can be used by anybody, including remote learners, to protect them from criminal elements online. If you’re confused about the VPN to go for, search for the best VPNs on the market. A look at their reviews should point you in the right direction.
