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As the world has moved towards digitalization, so has the world of education. With online classes becoming more and more popular, it is essential to have the right tools for virtual learning. Selecting the right online classroom software can enhance your learning experience. Online classrooms allow teachers to conduct classes, provide personalized study material to students, record lectures for future reference, and organize teaching methods to suit different subjects and learning styles.
In this blog post, we will be discussing the top 6 online classroom software for Windows that can help enhance your virtual learning experience.
Video Tutorial:
What is Online Classroom Software?
An online classroom software is a tool that enables teachers to conduct live virtual classes with audio and video communication facilities between teachers and students. It allows real-time interaction and sharing of study material such as videos, audio clips, and assignments.
An online classroom software also includes features like a virtual whiteboard, which enables teachers to explain concepts in an interactive way. It allows students to ask questions and get clarifications in real-time through the chat feature. The software also includes functions for online tests and assessments, thus serving as a complete virtual learning platform.
Top 6 Best Online Classroom Software for Windows Recommendation in 2022
1. Zoom:
Zoom is a popular video conferencing software that has gained immense popularity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Zoom is free to use for meetings with up to 100 participants, and the software is available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Zoom allows sharing of screens, audio, and video, making it suitable for conducting classes. Zoom also includes features like a virtual whiteboard that enables interactive sessions. The software has a user-friendly interface that allows for easy integration with other applications like Google Classroom or Canvas.
Pros:
– Free for meetings with up to 100 participants
– User-friendly interface
– Screen sharing and a virtual whiteboard
– Integration with other applications
Cons:
– Security concerns
– Limited features in the free version
– Large number of participants can cause bandwidth issues
2. Google Meet:
Google Meet is a video conferencing software that is integrated with Google Workspace (formerly known as G Suite). It is available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Google Meet is free to use, and it allows up to 100 participants in a meeting. The software includes a virtual whiteboard, a chat feature, and a screen sharing option, making it suitable for conducting online classes. Google Meet includes different layout options that enable users to see all participants in a meeting. It also provides the option for teachers to record the session and share it with the students.
Pros:
– Integrated with Google Workspace
– User-friendly interface
– Free to use
– Option to record sessions
Cons:
– Limited features in the free version
– Limited number of participants
– Can be difficult to integrate with other applications
3. Microsoft Teams:
Microsoft Teams is a comprehensive communication and collaboration app that is included in Microsoft 365 subscription. It is available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Microsoft Teams includes features like chat, file sharing, video and audio calls, and screen sharing, making it an ideal platform for online classes. The software also includes a virtual whiteboard and integration with other Microsoft 365 tools like OneNote and Sharepoint.
Pros:
– Comprehensive communication and collaboration app
– Integration with Microsoft 365 tools
– Virtual whiteboard and screen sharing options
– Free for schools and universities with Microsoft 365 subscription
Cons:
– Limited features in the free version
– Complicated interface for new users
– Heavy on system resources
4. Blackboard Collaborate:
Blackboard Collaborate is an online classroom software that is designed specifically for education institutions. It includes features like virtual whiteboards, breakout rooms, and screen sharing. Blackboard Collaborate allows for real-time interaction between the teacher and students, making it similar to a traditional classroom. The software is also equipped with recording and playback options, which helps students to review lectures and lessons.
Pros:
– Designed specifically for educational institutions
– Virtual whiteboards, breakout rooms, and screen sharing
– Real-time interaction between teacher and students
– Recording and playback options
Cons:
– Expensive for small institutions
– Limited features in the free version
– Complicated registration process
5. GoToMeeting:
GoToMeeting is a video conferencing software that is available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. GoToMeeting allows screen sharing, virtual whiteboards and includes features that enable interactive sessions. The software offers high-quality audio and video performance, making it ideal for online classes. GoToMeeting integrates with other tools like Dropbox and Salesforce, which enables the easy sharing of files.
Pros:
– High-quality video and audio performance
– Screen sharing and virtual whiteboard
– Integration with third-party tools like Dropbox and Salesforce
– Free trial available
Cons:
– Expensive monthly fees
– Limited number of participants
– Limited features in the free version
6. Adobe Connect:
Adobe Connect is an online classroom software designed for education institutions and professional organizations. Adobe Connect includes features like video conferencing, virtual whiteboards, and interactive polls. The software allows for real-time interaction between the teacher and students, making it an ideal platform for online learning. Adobe Connect also includes features like recording and playback, which allows students to review lectures and lessons.
Pros:
– Designed specifically for education institutions and professional organizations
– Video conferencing, virtual whiteboards, and interactive polls
– Real-time interaction between teacher and students
– Recording and playback options
Cons:
– Expensive for small institutions
– Complicated interface for new users
– Limited features in the free version
Comprehensive Comparison of Each Software
| Software | Free Trial | Price | Ease-of-Use | Value for Money |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zoom | Yes | Starting at $149.90 annually for Pro plan | Easy | Good |
| Google Meet | Yes | Free | Easy | Great |
| Microsoft Teams | No | Included with Microsoft 365 subscription | Complicated for new users | Great |
| Blackboard Collaborate | Yes | Starting at $0.90 per user per month | Easy | Good |
| GoToMeeting | Yes | Starting at $14 per organizer per month | Easy | Average |
| Adobe Connect | Yes | Starting at $130 per month | Complicated for new users | Average |
Our Thoughts on Online Classroom Software
Choosing the best online classroom software depends on your specific requirements. If you are looking for a free, easy-to-use option, Google Meet is an ideal choice. However, if you require a comprehensive online classroom platform, Microsoft Teams is a great option. If you already use other Microsoft 365 tools, the seamless integration with Microsoft Teams can be an added advantage.
Zoom is another popular choice and has gained immense popularity since the pandemic. Zoom offers features like virtual whiteboard, screen sharing, and integration with other tools like Google Classroom.
If your organization has a budget for an online classroom software, Blackboard Collaborate and Adobe Connect are great options. Both software are designed specifically for educational institutions and professional organizations. Blackboard Collaborate offers features like virtual whiteboard, breakout rooms, and screen sharing, which can enhance the online learning experience. Adobe Connect offers interactive polls, recording and playback options, making it suitable for conducting webinars.
FAQs About Online Classroom Software
Q1: What is the difference between video conferencing software and online classroom software?
A: Video conferencing software is designed for meetings and conversations with colleagues or clients. Online classroom software is designed specifically for educators to conduct online classes and is equipped with features that can help with interactive sessions, like virtual whiteboard and breakout rooms.
Q2: Are there any free online classroom software available?
A: Yes, there are several free online classroom software available, like Google Meet and Zoom.
Q3: What are the main features of online classroom software?
A: Online classroom software includes features like video and audio calls, virtual whiteboards, chat options, breakout rooms, and screen sharing.
Q4: How do I assess the ease-of-use of an online classroom software?
A: The ease-of-use can be assessed by looking at the user interface, features available, and the integration with other tools.
Q5: How can online classroom software benefit students?
A: Online classroom software enables real-time interaction with teachers, access to study material, personalized learning experience, and recording and playback options, which can help students in revision.
In Conclusion
Online classroom software has become a necessity for educators today. The right online classroom software can enhance the virtual learning experience, bringing it closer to traditional classroom learning. We have described the top 6 online classroom software for Windows that can help you conduct online classes efficiently, each software with its own pros and cons. By looking at the features, free trial options, cost, and ease-of-use, you can assess which software is best suited for your requirements.