Top 10 Tools or Softwares for the Virtual Classroom

You’re in a virtual classroom and you have your online grade book up. You can analyze everything: either analyzing your guidelines of research paper writing, outlining for essays, assignments assigned by the instructor, and uploaded files for grading, viewing grades, sending messages to individual students, assigning group work, etc. But does it work as efficiently as you need it to? Do you need it to serve more purposes? If yes, then let us introduce you to the top 10 tools for virtual classroom software.

Top 10 Softwares for Virtual Classroom:

Empower your students and enable them to learn at their own pace with online classes. E-learning is a great way to help students study, get help from peers, and review for exams. By using technology in the classroom, you can keep your students engaged and provide them with tools that can improve their communication skills.

The Top 10 Tools for virtual classroom software are listed below.

1. Padlet

This tool gives you an easy way to collect, organize, share and collaborate on any topic among multiple users. Teachers can provide students with a variety of resources including videos, websites, images, or documents.

• You can add pictures, videos, audio, and text to your Padlet and then invite other classmates to contribute to it.
• You can also share this content on Facebook or Twitter and embed it into your blog or website.
• The pros of Padlet are that it is free, easy to use, and there are no limits on storage or updates (as long as it stays within the terms of use).
• The cons are that once you create one you have to find the URL of your padlet in order to share a link with someone else or update it later.
• You may also need multiple accounts if you want to collaborate with others on a project or store more than one resource.
• The price of the padlet starts from $8 per month and varies as per your requirements.

2. Online Document Sharing Softwares:

Keep your files in a place where you can easily access them from any location. When you are working on a project in class and need to go to the library, take advantage of online document sharing. You can easily access all your documents from another location without having to carry a laptop with you.

• Of all the online collaboration tools, file sharing and storage are the most basic.
• If you want to share a document or presentation with another user, you need to first upload it to an online server and make it public.
• According to a recent report by Technavio, the global online document sharing market is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 26% from 2016 to 2020.

Pricing:

Some online document sharing software is cheap while some are costly depending upon the features of the software.

• For example,The ShareFile Option Plan is priced at $50.00/month for up to 5 users, and for unlimited users,we ask you to check out the pricing.

3. EdApp – Virtual Classroom Software:

The state of New York recently selected EdApp to be their official online learning management system (LMS).

The state chose EdApp based on its superior performance, functionality, and flexibility. The state of New York is a leader in educational technology and sought out the most innovative LMS available.

• With its ability to be used across the web and mobile platforms, it is a true leader in virtual classroom software.
• This app is not only used by school districts but also by colleges, universities, and even non-profit organizations. As an online platform, it can also be accessed anywhere with an Internet connection making it ideal for remote training programs. It starts from $1.95 per user.
• The software has many different features that allow users to create and manage their entire virtual classroom from one location.
• The platform allows teachers to share documents and files with students, communicate with them through messages, allow them to work on assignments or projects together through group collaboration tools, and much more.
• It can also help increase student engagement through features such as polls, quizzes, and discussion forums.
• Users can easily track attendance and grades which can save time when grading assignments or exams by eliminating the need to manually enter scores into a grade book.
• EdApp simplifies the process of creating lesson plans and even allows instructors to send announcements to students directly from their own.

4. Edvance360

It is one such example of an effective and full-featured virtual classroom tool designed specifically for higher education.

• It offers everything that a student would need from such a program, including the ability to interact with their instructors, while also offering the flexibility they need when working on their own.
• With Edvance360, students can access lecture notes and videos right through the system, which is great because it makes it much easier to stay on track (or just to keep up) with what their professor is teaching in class.
• The system is also great for group work as well thanks to its communication tools which allow students to quickly get in touch with each other whenever they need to share information or get help with a problem they’re having.
• It starts from $3000.00/year and it has a free trial as well as free vision.

5. Moodle:

With this increase in the use of online learning, the demand for distance educational software has increased exponentially.

• One company at the forefront of this new market is Moodle has created a free open-source virtual classroom software program.
• Moodle is a tool that provides all aspects of course management which allows teachers and students to collaborate and learn from one another in an online classroom environment.
• As a result, it has gained popularity with colleges and schools across the globe, as well as universities, companies, and even individuals.
• There are many different versions of Moodle available, so you can choose one according to your needs and requirements.
• Some of these versions are Moodle 1.9, 1.8, 1.7; Moodle LMS 1.8; Mnet; E-Moodle; MoodleMoot, etc.
• It starts at $110.0 per year. It has different plans. For instance, a starter (MoodleCloud) at $110.00 per year. Mini (MoodleCloud) at $210.00 per year. It also has 45 days free trial.

6. Wiki Software:

A wiki (often pronounced “wicky“) is an online software application that allows users to add, remove, and otherwise edit content immediately. This collaborative tool can be used for a variety of purposes, including creating an online presence for your business or organization.

Wiki software is ideal for virtual classroom software because it allows users to share knowledge in an easy-to-read and easy-to-update format. Some wiki platforms also include features such as message boards, calendars, polls, and document sharing options.

The benefits of wiki software for organizations include:

• Free – You don’t have to pay for wiki software. Wiki applications are available at no cost, and there are also open-source options available.
• Easy – There’s no complicated software to set up or purchase. Most wiki applications are easy to install with the minimal technical knowledge required by the person who installs them.
• Collaborative – Multiple people can work on a wiki at once, allowing organizations to create and edit documents, provide feedback and input and make changes as needed in real-time.
• Modular – Content can be added easily without affecting other content. Because wiki pages are modular, they can be edited and changed in small increments without completely rewriting the page.

On the other side, Wiki software is also a great way for you to teach your own children. If you want to give your child a head starts in their education, you can create a wiki website for them in order to help them get an early start on the basics of reading, writing, math, science, and more.

• You simply log into your account and create pages for topics such as algebra and fractions. Then, as you find simple lessons available online that your child can understand, you can add them to the wiki.
• Additionally, instead of having a huge bookcase full of reference books that are rarely used, you’ll have everything available in one handy place for quick access.

7. Virtual Whiteboards:

A virtual whiteboard is a software for projecting and writing on the computer screen. It is an online tool used to facilitate learning, communication, and interaction in the classroom.

• These visual tools can be used in a variety of ways that make it easier for students to learn and teachers to teach.
• They allow students to communicate with their peers, teacher, and other resources from remote areas.

E-learning whiteboards provide teachers with the following key benefits:

• Improved student engagement and participation
• Project better understanding about learning concepts
• Provide students with new ways of learning in a virtual environment via technology

Distance educational whiteboards can help teachers deliver better lessons and improve their overall teaching performance. Some of the applications of this tool include brainstorming sessions, displaying individual or group work, creating visual notes, broadcasting announcements or messages, and even sending out assignments.

It has been said that two heads are always better than one, so why not try using a virtual board to integrate more effective teaching techniques into your curriculum?

Pricing:

Of course, the best virtual whiteboards software for your needs is one that not only works but also fits your budget.  ThisLucidspark starts from $7.95. Besides it, you can make a checklist after analyzing top whiteboards.

• Naturally, some of the more sophisticated solutions will cost more than others. While low-end platforms may well run you under $200, the most advanced options can easily cost several thousands of dollars. But don’t worry too much about it! There are plenty of great solutions out there at various price points.

• Budget-conscious users can find plenty of quality options in the sub-$500 range. Some of the most popular solutions fall into this category including EasyBib, my homework, and FlipCharts eLearning Kit.

• There are plenty of ways to make a connection between two computers so that you can talk to each other and see each other’s screens. But the cheapest and easiest way is still the simplest: just share your desktop, and let your friends drive.

By using virtual whiteboards users can:

• Deliver lessons and make presentations online;
• Share their ideas with colleagues and partners from all over the world;
• Draw diagrams;
• Draw freehand sketches;
• Create screenshots;
• And much more!

8. WebCT for virtual classroom software

Since being introduced in 1994, WebCT has grown from a handful of schools to more than 1,000 institutions worldwide. The software is used by universities, colleges, and schools to deliver courses online, including the University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University, the University of Maryland, and the University of Pennsylvania.

The software is free for educators who wish to set up their own virtual classrooms. It comes as either a Web-based application or can be downloaded onto a college’s computer network.

WebCT’s main features are:

• A course calendar;
• Online discussion boards;
• Assignment submission;
• Chat rooms;
• Virtual libraries and whiteboards.

Older versions support email delivery, discussion boards, and threaded discussions while newer versions allow students to upload video and audio recordings, run quizzes and tests, and provide instant feedback. Instructors can also use WebCT to mark assignments automatically via the Internet or email.

WebCT delivers high-quality, flexible, and cost-effective web-based distance learning, faculty/staff development and training, and collaboration services to colleges, universities, and other academic institutions.

Pricing:

• WebCT prices can vary depending on the type of license you purchase and the frequency of payments.
• The WebCT Small Business or Academic Edition costs $99 per user per year. This version allows you to support up to 25 users at once and includes mobile access and unlimited data storage space.
• The WebCT Professional Edition costs $199 per user per year, but it also includes more features than the Small Business or Academic Edition does including mobile access, unlimited data storage space, and 24/7 support.

9. Desire2Learn (D2L):

Desire2Learn(D2L) is a complete online learning management system (LMS). It helps teachers develop courses, manage classwork and communication, facilitate collaboration and assessments, and track student progress.

• It includes all the typical functions of an LMS, but it also has some unique features that set it apart from other comparable products on the market.
• This includes a robust set of multimedia tools that allow educators to embed video files or create their own videos.
• The user interface offers various themes that can be customized to match a school’s brand identity.

Pricing:

• Desire2Learn (D2L) offers a free version of its software, as well as paid versions. The free version has limited features such as the ability to use only two courses with 25 users per course.
• However, the free version allows for unlimited courses as well as unlimited users, with the additional benefit of upgraded security and privacy features.
• The paid versions start at $1,995 per year for up to 50 users, with an additional charge of $15 per month for each additional user. Desire2Learn (D2L) pricing depends on the number of users needed for the program.

It is important to note that Desire2Learn Inc. offers three main products:

1. D2L Brightspace,
2. D2L Gradebook and,
3. D2L ePortfolio.

10. Schoology:

Schoology is a virtual classroom software used by K12 schools and universities. You can use it to make your online or blended courses more exciting, engaging, and interactive.

• It provides a lot of tools for creating online courses with multimedia elements, such as videos, presentations, documents, and discussion boards.
• The teachers can upload all their materials in the virtual classroom and create assignments for students.
• You can also integrate Schoology with other tools you are using in your schools like Google Docs, Adobe Connect, and Blackboard.

Here is an overview of Schoology features:

• An easy-to-use interface that allows you to upload your content without any additional plugins;
• A grade book where teachers can give students their grades, track attendance, and print reports;
• Students can submit assessments through multiple choice or quiz questions;
• Create online tests with drag and drop questions;
• You can make announcements about the course news or upcoming deadlines directly from the platform through email notifications;

You can create any type of assignments on Schoology: quizzes, projects, surveys, presentations, etc.

Pricing:

• Schoology is available for free for up to 5 users. Additional users cost between $2 and $10 per user per month depending on how many users you add at once.
• There is no contract required and you can cancel at any time.
• Schoology also offers a free mobile app for iOS devices that allows teachers, students, and administrators to view your course calendar, add events, chat with other group members and take attendance.

Conclusion:

So hopefully you have a good idea of how to make your virtual classroom software more effective. You’re going to want to find out what types of apps and tools are available, whether they are compatible with any budget needs, and the logistics of how they will work if you decide to implement them.