We are on the brink of a huge change in the way we educate children and young adults. As classrooms are reduced in size, teachers need to find alternative ways to engage learners from their homes. Video conferencing tools are going to become as essential in the classroom as the traditional blackboard.
Outside of the classroom, we are used to video conferencing platforms such as Skype and Google Hangout. While these are solid choices, it might be time to look at other options that have more advanced features. Below, you can find 5 video conferencing tools that are ideal for teachers.
- Blackboard Collaborate
The features that you would expect to find including, two-way VoIP, multipoint video, desktop sharing, and a whiteboard. Additional features allow you to send instant messages, add podcasts or voice presentations, and even record your own feedback. You can access web conferences from iOS and Android, plus you have the advantage of a highly intuitive UI.
For a classroom license, it costs $300 per year. The department license is perfect for departments but also whole schools and universities.
- Adobe Connect
Driven towards training, as well as webinars, Adobe Connect enables you to design a complete virtual experience for different types of audiences. With Adobe Connect Virtual Classrooms, you create interactive lessons and with full recordings, students will never miss out on learning. Adobe Captivate Prime lets teachers set up customized reports and certification status by the student or by course. Hosts have complete control of the video conference settings so that you can control how the lesson progresses.
There is a free plan for small meetings of up to three people. $50 a month allows for 25 participants and from 100 to 1,500 participants, the Webinars and Learning plan costs $130 a month.
- AnyMeeting
One side of AnyMeeting concentrates on video conferencing while the other side has an excellent Webinar service. Webinar presenters or the teachers can present their topics in real-time while also allowing enhanced engagement through questions and answers and live polls. We particularly liked the emojis, which do help to maintain the focus of younger students. You can have up to 1,000 participants and if anyone isn’t available, they can catch up with cloud recordings.
You can sign up for a 30-day free trial period to explore all of the features AnyMeeting has.
- TeamViewer
While the interface isn’t as attractive as others on the list, TeamViewer has some excellent features that will help students. You can invite students via email, a link, or a meeting ID. This same link or meeting ID can be used for different sessions, so it is easier for students to keep track of video conferences with different teachers. Students are also able to write directly onto the screen. When a student has issues with any part of the video conference, the teacher is able to take control of their cursor and resolve the technical issue for them. You can screen share from any device but if joining from a smartphone, students won’t be able to use the camera.
Prices start at $33 per month and go up to $147 from 5 to 25 meeting participants.
- GoRemote
GoRemote has all the features and more to conduct an effective educational video conference. You can sign up for unlimited video calls that have screen sharing and integrated chat. You and your students will be able to edit documents together to make sure they are engaged. GoRemote is an excellent choice for heightened security with password-protected meetings and encrypted communication. As it is hosted in Europe, you know that it is GDRP compliant. You may also like the White label Integration, enabling you to add your own brand or school to your video conferencing.
GoRemote pricing plans depend on the needs of the client, so you should drop them a quick email to get more information.
