The Best Virtual Meeting Applications for Online Teachers

With the growing demand for online classes, it is essential for teachers to have effective tools to conduct their virtual sessions efficiently and productively. In this article, we will explore the best virtual meeting applications for online teachers, analyzing their features, advantages, disadvantages, and costs.

1. Zoom:

Description: Zoom is a market-leading video conferencing platform widely used in the educational field. It offers features such as HD video, screen sharing, live chat, and session recording. Additionally, Zoom allows annotations on the screen, the use of virtual whiteboards, and real-time surveys.

Advantages:

• Intuitive and easy-to-use interface.
• Wide compatibility with devices and operating systems.
• Ability to divide students into breakout rooms for practical activities.
• Integration with teaching tools such as virtual whiteboards and surveys.
• Annotation feature on the screen, which allows teachers to highlight important information during the lesson.
• Dashboard to manage participants and adjust settings in real-time.
• Students can control the screen, increasing interactivity and allowing more dynamic activities.
• Ability to see your own video while sharing your screen, making class management easier.
• Capability to share your computer’s sound, ideal for playing audio and videos during lessons.
• Both teachers and students can share their screens, making it easier for students to show their progress on tasks and projects.
• Customizable features to suit your needs, such as controlling who can share the screen, whether screen control is allowed, or disabling the chat. This is very useful for giving teachers more control, especially with students who may have behavioral issues.

Disadvantages:

• Limitations in the free version, such as the time limit on group meetings.
• Security and privacy issues reported in the past. If you want to improve Zoom security, you can follow these instructions.

Cost: Zoom offers free and paid plans, with prices varying depending on the number of participants and additional features desired. Educational plans usually have special discounts.

2. Google Meet:

Description: Google Meet is Google’s video conferencing platform designed for online collaboration. It offers features such as session recording, real-time captions, and integration with other Google Workspace tools. It also includes screen sharing and a virtual whiteboard called Jamboard.

Advantages:

• Complete integration with the Google ecosystem, facilitating access and use of shared files.
• Reliable audio and video quality.
• Ability to schedule meetings directly from Google Calendar.
• Advanced security features, such as end-to-end encryption.
• Automatic real-time captions, useful for improving students’ understanding.
• Use of Jamboard for visual collaborations during classes.

Disadvantages:

• Some advanced features may require a Google Workspace subscription.
• Less flexibility compared to other platforms in terms of user experience customization.
• Does not allow you to see your own video while sharing the screen.
• Lacks the ability to share your computer’s sound during presentations.

Cost: Google Meet offers a free version with basic features. To access advanced features, you need to subscribe to Google Workspace, with prices varying depending on the plan and the number of users.

3. Microsoft Teams:

Description: Microsoft Teams is a team collaboration platform that includes video conferencing, chat, file storage, and real-time collaboration features. It is widely used in educational and business settings. Additionally, it offers the ability to integrate applications like OneNote for note-taking and Planner for task management.

Advantages:

• Integration with other Microsoft applications, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to create specific channels for different classes or projects.
• Robust security and compliance with regulations, especially in institutional settings.
• Advanced document editing and real-time collaboration capabilities.
• Use of OneNote to share and collaborate on class notes.
• Integration with Planner to assign and manage tasks and projects.

Disadvantages:

• Requires a Microsoft account to access all features.
• More complex interface compared to other platforms, which may require an adjustment period for some users.

Cost: Microsoft Teams offers a free version with basic features. To access advanced features and additional storage, you need to subscribe to Microsoft 365, with prices varying depending on the plan and the number of users.

In an increasingly digitalized world, virtual meeting applications have become indispensable tools for online teachers. From Zoom to Google Meet and Microsoft Teams, each platform offers unique features that can adapt to the specific needs of each teacher and student. When evaluating these options, it is important to consider not only the functionalities and cost but also ease of use and security. With the right platform choice, teachers can provide more effective and enriching online learning experiences for their students.

What is your favorite virtual meeting platform for teaching online? Do you have any experiences or tips you would like to share? Leave your comment below and enrich this conversation with your perspective! Your opinion can be very useful to other teachers in the community. Thanks for participating!