How can the traditional classroom enable students to learn successfully?

This is an interesting question. There's a lot of conversations in education circles about what classrooms are doing wrong and how they are losing their relevance and effectiveness as a method of learning. However, despite all the technologically augmented methods of learning now available, I think the traditional classroom still offers a wealth of education opportunities to students. Firstly, it opens conversations. Not just an exchange of words mediated via technology but a nuanced, participative, face to face encounter with other people who are learning the same content. Perhaps one day this kind of experience will be achievable via technology but today I think the simple act of sitting in a room with other people and discussing what you are learning is irreplaceable. Secondly, a traditional classroom allows what I like to think of as "economies of scale" in teaching. A teacher can present an idea once and respond in real time to questions as they occur. The act of teaching, I feel, is more efficient in a classroom setting. Finally, (and I know I sound hopelessly old fashioned here) a classroom is a microcosm of life. It puts people in a community as they learn. It confronts people with a diversity of viewpoints and styles of thinking. I believe it encourages students to accept and embrace diversity as they learn. This results in knowledge that is more adaptable, resilient and applicable to society. That has to be a good thing!