Learning Maybe Entirely Online This Fall.

  • July 28, 2020

Virtual learning has been used as a time and cost-saving way to teach students. Now with many schools and universities transitioning to online classes in the fall, many people are finding innovative ways to engage students in a virtual space.

An effective virtual classroom software should have the ability to host engaging content for students, such as lesson videos, webinars, and virtual quizzes. However, the virtual classroom should be easy to navigate for both student and teacher. Students should be able to seamlessly track their progress throughout the course while teachers record grades.

There are many applications out there for virtual learning, and finding the right one takes some research. Here are some of the best virtual classroom software options available today.

Video Software

We’ve all seen the rise of video conference meetings in the wake of the COVID-19 quarantines. Video software such as Zoom, Webex, and Microsoft Teams has not only been helpful tools for professionals to connect at work but also teachers wanting to hold live class meetings with their students.

Webex has become one of the most popular software among higher education and universities. Many teachers have been using Webex as a virtual classroom because of its simple video conferencing interface. Webex allows up to 100 participants each meeting with HD video. Its features allow students to meet with teachers at a specific time, just like an in-person class.

Interactivity

Keeping students engaged during class is important for teachers in the classroom, but it can be a challenge in a virtual space. Luckily there is software available that brings interactivity to the forefront of the virtual classroom experience. Virtual Classroom Software such as Top Hat allows for chats, polls, quizzes, simulations, breakout rooms, and even games.

Testing and Progress Reports

Going beyond video conferencing software, there are a wide variety of applications that allow teachers to administer tests to their students virtually. Moodle is one of the most popular applications among virtual learning software. On Moodle, teachers can set up tests and quizzes and deadlines to complete them. Students can review their results immediately after taking tests, and all of the grades are automatically recorded in the administrator’s records. Software like Moodle allows students and teachers to learn virtually, but also see progress throughout the course.

Simplified Workflow

Keeping students’ assignments and projects organized in a virtual space is challenging, but luckily there are apps like Google Classroom aimed to keep the class running smoothly. Google Classroom is an app that allows teachers to send and receive assignments, class materials, and media to and from students. Teachers can also give out tests and quizzes and then grade them all in one place. Another advantage to Google Classroom is it is free to download and use, making it more accessible to students.

Conclusion

Though transitioning to virtual learning may be challenging in an already uncertain time, these examples of virtual classroom software will make the process much more manageable.