Can we simulate a real-world learning experience online?

What elements make real-world / in-person learning so effective? (please list)
How can we translate these into a virtual learning environment?

Start with the two questions in issue #8 and review the repository description as an expanding reading list. Research which elements make in-person learning effective and how they could translate online; done would be a concrete, agreed scope for the virtual learning experience, but the issue does not name files or tests.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.