While regular schools still exist, the virtual classroom plays an important role in today's learning community. (Para.1)
Meaning: Though there are regular schools, the virtual classroom has a very important position and job in today's education.
play a role in: have a position or job in...
People have come to understand that computer is playing an increasingly important role in our life. 人们开始意识到计算机在我们生活中起着越来越重要的作用。
community: n. a group of people living together and/or united by shared interests
the academic community 学术界
the black community 黑人社区