Online lessons are becoming increasingly popular in this day and age. Advanced and modern technology has simplified this type of learning. Online education is also favored by educational institutions. Many institutions and universities began to share their courses via online programs. As a result, students can learn from the comfort of their own homes. Online classes allow one to learn from a variety of mentors and professors in other fields, broadening their knowledge and viewpoint. It lessens student anxiety since online education allows students to converse more than in traditional courses.
Education Post-Pandemic
Anyone can learn from anywhere as long as they have access to the internet. Online classes have always been viewed as a viable option, particularly for adult learners seeking higher education. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, on the other hand, has compelled educators and students of all educational levels to quickly adapt to virtual classes. Online education may take many forms, including instructional webinars and videos on the internet, as well as face-to-face learning on a laptop with an instructor that uses the internet.
Most lessons are recorded, so students can take lessons at a time that suits them. Online education has gained a lot of support due to its low-cost rates. This is a fact that online courses are cheaper than those offered in schools and colleges. While studying in college we may need to spend some money on transportation, accommodation, and meals. In the case of online education, such costs may not be necessary.
Online classes might be challenging for some people who are unfamiliar with technology tools. Online programs for young children need a tremendous deal of discipline and practice. In the case of young children, it also demands additional parental intervention.
The demand for video conferencing software has drastically risen because of the COVID-19 pandemic. By streaming one’s voice and video over the internet, video conferencing software allows him/her to hold live conferences with anybody, anywhere. Online live classes are being planned on these online conference platforms and virtual exhibition booths since they are so simple to use and are equipped with so many features that enhance effective learning. The most commonly used online conference platforms are equipped with features like video, voice, and text chat, screen sharing, conference recording, and many more. Some of the best online conference platforms which are being used for conducting live online classes are listed below.
1. Mixhubb
Mixhubb is easy to use and access and lets one host web conferences for business or personal reasons. This video conferencing software enables users to create and join meetings on the web, share full-motion clips to enhance presentations, and automatically adapt a video in low-light conditions.
2. Zoom
Zoom is a free video-conferencing tool that allows users to host and record virtual meetings, conferences, office hours, and so on. It generally aims to meet enterprise-level users’ needs for corporate virtual events. It also supports screen-sharing, polling and Q&A, virtual hand-raising, and content sharing.
3. Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Team is a web conferencing application that allows one to work with his/her team. This app is used to construct collaborative classrooms. It also allows one to connect with professional networks and interact with students and employees in one place. It also enables one to share his/her screen with other users, go from group chat to video conference with a simple click, and invite everyone they work with to chat, meet, phone, and collaborate in one spot.
4. Cisco Webex meetings
WebEx is a desktop-based video conference call tool that allows users to host or participate in video conferencing, online meetings, screen sharing, etc. It provides chat and brainstorming tools. It provides flexibility to conduct meetings with as many participants as users want. It is secure enough for hosting meetings.
5. Blackboard Collaborate
Blackboard Collaborate is an easy and efficient virtual classroom solution. It enables one to meet the demands of online teaching and web conferencing with better collaboration for effective learning. It comes with amazing mobile-friendly flipped lessons.
6. Workplace by Facebook
Workplace is also a communication tool that allows users to connect and join meetings remotely. It is also equipped with a user-friendly interface that allows users to chat in rooms, and perform live video conferencing.
7. Skype
Users may meet and work with up to fifty people on the move for free using the Skype video chat software on a smartphone, tablet, or computer. It also comes with features like screen-sharing, file-sharing options, sixty and above languages supported on text translator, call recording, and live subtitles.
8. GoToMeeting
GoToMeeting is a video conferencing application, preferably for corporate virtual events, that allows one to meet with his/her team and even broadcast a webinar to thousands of users. It comes with secure web conferencing with automated provisioning.
These platforms are free and easy to use. That’s why they are being considered in the field of education for the hassle-free services they provide. There are some other platforms too that are used in the field of education. These platforms store recorded online lessons which can be used by students and working professionals to learn whenever they want. Some of them are Udemy, Youtube, Coursera, NPTEL, etc.
Conclusion
Every user, whether an entrepreneur or a student, seeks quality, usefulness, reliability, and efficiency in a remote video conferencing platform. Now that one has a list of the finest video conferencing applications and their primary features, he/she needs to assess what is most relevant to his/her needs and make their selection accordingly. The potential benefits of online classes include enhanced educational access, high-quality learning opportunities, improved student outcomes, and abilities, and expanded educational choice alternatives. As a result of online classes, concerns such as location, time, and quality are no longer addressed while pursuing degree courses or higher education.