With the COVID-19 pandemic placing schools to conduct their classes online, virtual classroom software has become useful in facilitating class lectures while students and teachers are safe at their homes. Going to the second year into the pandemic, these virtual classroom software help educators to continue teaching their students remotely. Here are some of the best virtual classroom software available right now.

14+ Virtual Classroom Software

1. LearnCube

learncube

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Rating: 5/5

Price: $27/Month

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2. Illumine

illumine

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Rating: 4.9/5

Price: $0.50/Month

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3. WizIQ

wiziq

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Rating: 5/5

Price: $25/Month

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4. Udemy

udemy

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Rating: 4.7/5

Price: $19.99/Month

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5. Google Classroom

google classroom

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Rating: 5/5

Price: $3/Year

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6. GoToMeeting

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Rating: 4.5/5

Price: $12/Month

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7. Adobe Connect

adobe connect

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Rating: 5/5

Price: Free

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8. Zoho Meeting

zoho meeting

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Rating: 5/5

Price: $3.00/Month

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9. Webex

cisco webex

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Rating: 4.4/5

Price: Free

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10. TopHat

tophat

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Rating: 4.1/5

Price: $30/Year

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11. Blackboard

blackboard

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Rating: 4.5/5

Price: $9500/Year

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12. Schoology

schoology

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Rating: 4.5/5

Price: $10/Month

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13. BigBlueButton

bigbluebutton

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Rating: 4/5

Price: $300/Month

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14. Kaltura

kaltura

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Rating: 4.1/5

Price: Free

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15. Electa Live

electa live

Details

Rating: 4/5

Price: $29/Month

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What Is Virtual Classroom Software?

Virtual classroom software is a learning management system portal where teachers and students gather for interactive virtual class activities. One of the main activities of a virtual classroom is an online lecture in a video conferencing call through VoIP apps. Students can access class materials, tests, assignments, and other information related to their class through this software.

Benefits

A huge benefit of using virtual classroom software is that class materials can now be accessed easily as many software has phone apps that students and teachers can use to access them wherever they go. Another big benefit is that it allows for more flexible time arrangements between the students and teachers where both can try to find their preferred days to meet as opposed to traditionally obligated to the classrooms according to the class schedule. Some class activities can be also taken at any time before the established deadline as opposed to performing them in a synchronous setting. This also gives an opportunity for students, teachers, and the entire school to hone their digital skills in a blended learning setting as activities are mainly online.

  • Easy accessibility
  • Flexible time management
  • Asynchronous activities
  • Hone digital skills and literacy

Features

One of the core features of virtual classroom software is the ability to screen share computer screens as this would be often used by teachers or students who are presenting PowerPoint presentations. The software should also include administrative tools for teachers that include generating links. The software should also include some other classroom interactive tools such as a digital whiteboard and a messaging chat messenger box to drive more engagement from students. The software should also have the ability to screen and video capture online lectures which can be seen again in the future or for archival purposes, which can be uploaded to cloud server storage services such as Google Drive.

  • Screen sharing
  • Administrative tools for teachers
  • Interactive tools such as chatbox and digital whiteboard
  • Recording lectures, which can be uploaded to the cloud.

Top 10 Virtual Classroom Software

1. Electa Live

Founded in 2004, Electa Live’s learning management system offers tools for educators to create their own virtual classroom with features such as course builder, test creator, virtual grade books, etc.

2. Google Classroom

Setting up a virtual classroom within Google’s ecosystem has never been easier with its seamless integration with Gmail, video conferencing software Google Meet and cloud storage software such as Drive and Docs. It was launched in 2015 by Google which the company has 139,995 employees and earning the latest revenue of $55.3 billion in 2021.

3. Schoology

Schoology helps K+12 schools adjust to blended learning with their seamless learning management system and integration with third-party cloud software such as Google Drive and OneDrive. Founded in 2009, the company has 124 employees and earns a revenue of $35 million.

4. TopHat

Suited for face-to-face classes and virtual classes, TopHat offers features for educators to engage with their students to create an active learning environment. Founded in 2009, the company has 400 employees and annual revenue of $62.4 million.

5. Blackboard

Blackboard’s virtual learning management system offers all-in-one tools perfect for virtual learning that makes physical classes a thing of the past. Founded in 1997, the company has over 3,000 employees and a revenue of $121 million in 2020.

6. Zoho Meeting

Designed for video calling, Zoho Meeting is suited for virtual classes as Zoho’s other products integrate well into making a perfect virtual classroom for educators and students in one software ecosystem. Zoho was founded in 1996 with currently over 7,000 employees and a revenue of $610 million in 2020.

7. WizIQ

WizIQ offers highly customizable tools for educators to build their ideal classroom at an affordable price. Founded in 2007, the company has 194 employees and earns a revenue of  $16.3 million.

8. Udemy

Udemy offers courses for professional educators and students to enhance their skills in their respective industries in a virtual classroom setting. Founded in 2010, the company has 1,000 employees and a revenue of $400 million in 2020.

9. LearnCube

LearnCube gives educators interactive tools they need to build a productive virtual classroom such as interactive whiteboard, multimedia upload, video recording, and many more. Founded in 2014, the company earns annual revenue of $1.2 million.

10. Illumine

Illumine offers schools childhood management system tools to help children adapt to the e-learning environment with virtual classroom calls and a dedicated software app for kids!

FAQ

What is the difference between a school management system and a learning management system in virtual classroom software?

While they may be used interchangeably, the scope of their function makes them different. A school management system focuses on managing the entire operations of a school using digital software such as enrollment, parent communication, handling payments, etc. Learning management system focuses more on how virtual classrooms are managed such as uploading of class materials, holding synchronous online class lectures, etc.

Is it okay to use more than one virtual classroom software?

There’s nothing harmful in using one virtual classroom software for classes as some software may have functions that may not be available on the other software. It’s best to consult with the school management on which virtual classroom software they recommend using.

Virtual classroom software offers similar and unique features and tools that enrich classroom lectures even at home. It’s only a matter of time before that the software will increase education’s reliance on technology learning.

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