5 alternative platforms and apps to Zoom for online classes

The educational world has undergone a massive transformation in a short space of time, causing tutors to reinvent themselves and start teaching private classes online. Given the circumstances in which this digital transformation occurred, many tutors entered the world of teaching online classes without knowing the best online teaching tools. 

As a result, many tutors have started teaching online using platforms that are not designed for educational purposes and although they can do the trick, they are far from being the best solution. In this article, we will share the best way to teach online classes.

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Can I teach online using Zoom?

A good tutor can teach online classes using any device, even over the phone if needed, but that does not mean that it’s the best option.

The main reason why Zoom is not the best solution is because it is designed for short business meetings and is therefore lacking many features for online classes. If you use Zoom for teaching your students online, you will have to resort to using supplementary tools for messaging, calendar, assigned homework and sharing documents. 

Zoom’s success is largely because, even though the free version only lasts 40 minutes, it is a great video conferencing tool for groups. While it can be a useful tool for business, when it comes to education many tutors will find it is lacking.

5 alternatives to Zoom for giving online classes

Like anything you start from scratch, you have to begin with a bit of trial and error to find out what suits you best. 

There are many apps for teaching classes online, but these are the best tools for tutors:

• Classgap: This platform is specifically designed for online teaching including tools such as video conferencing, a digital whiteboard, online document editor and a Google Drive integration. Additionally, students can find a tutor and reserve classes directly on the platform, meaning that everything you need is in one place. 

• GoStudent: Similarly to Classgap, GoStudent is made for education. This platform matches students to tutors, saving both parties the hassle of searching. It also comes with a range of tools including scheduling lessons, a digital whiteboard, document uploading, screen sharing and recording. 
• Microsoft Teams: Microsoft’s answer to video conferencing. This app allows you to make video calls, send messages, schedule lessons, ideate using the whiteboard app as well as share and edit documents. Although, unlike Classgap and GoStudent, with Teams you have to find a tutor or student separately. 

• Google Meet: This app has Google’s quality along with compatibility across all devices. Its functions include free video calling for up to an hour, live chat and integration with google calendar. However, as it is primarily designed for business meetings, it does not have any specific tools for educational purposes. 

• Skype: Perhaps one of the most famous video calling apps, Skype offers video calling, recording, screen sharing and messaging. However, similarly to Google Meet, it does not have any specific tools for teaching online. 

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Although teaching online for many was largely a result of the pandemic, it has come to stay, which is why it is important to use the platform that is best suited to your needs. Make sure that the platform you use to teach or take classes promotes the best educational experience possible. 

What to look for in an online teaching platform

Aside from the basic necessity of an app or platform with a video calling function, the perfect online teaching platform largely depends on the tutor’s own preferences and needs. For some, a simple video calling app may suffice while others may deem a platform with a huge array of digital tools insufficient. To each their own. 

However, there are things that all online tutors need to teach classes, which we have compiled in the list below: 

• Smooth video calls: The most important thing for any online tutor is that they can be seen and heard well. Although this usually comes down to WiFi connection, some apps are better than others.

• Document sharing: Being able to have a shared folder with your students where you have all the notes, topics and classes stored is extremely handy. It’s also important to be able to share your screen to show powerpoints and other digital aids that help make lessons more interactive. 

• Organisation and scheduling: Digital classes usually require more organisation than in-person classes as online tutors usually have a large number of students of different abilities. This is why it’s essential to be able to organise classes by level and have a calendar for scheduling and booking lessons.

• Messaging: Online classes can often become a tangle of messages and emails from students and parents. That’s why every tutor should use an app or platform with an efficient messaging system. 

As well as these 4 essential features, there are also platforms that go above and beyond like Classgap and GoStudent which allow students to find tutors online and receive lessons all in the same place.