Revolutionising Education: The Best Virtual Classrooms for Universities in 2025

The global e-learning market has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by technological advancements and the increasing demand for flexible learning solutions. In 2023, the market was valued at approximately USD 316.2 billion and is projected to reach USD 661.6 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.6% during the forecast period.

Before the pandemic, eLearning was growing much slower than today. The pandemic caused the sector to advance in leaps and bounds as developers tried to create solutions that could satisfy the huge new market. 

Table of contents 

1. What are virtual classrooms?
2. Top 16 virtual classrooms for universities in 2025
3. 5 key benefits of virtual classrooms for universities
4. 3 steps for choosing a virtual classroom
5. Top virtual classroom features
6. 5 tips for a successful virtual classroom
7. Future trends in the e-learning
8. Final thought

Universities were hit especially hard by the pandemic. Many courses went from being mostly in-person to 100% virtual overnight. Universities were forced to patch together virtual classrooms using existing solutions and whatever was available at the time. 

In 2025, virtual classrooms will be a core element of virtually all university courses. Despite the pandemic ending, most universities have returned to a hybrid model that relies heavily on virtual classrooms. 

This article will look at the top virtual classrooms for universities in 2025. We will also cover some of the advantages of virtual classrooms and how to choose the best one for your higher education institution. 

What are virtual classrooms?

Virtual classrooms are advanced video conferencing tools designed to facilitate interaction between teachers, students, and course materials. Unlike basic video conferencing tools, virtual classrooms offer additional features that enhance online learning:

• Course materials – Teachers and students can access and store course materials through screen-sharing, file storage, cloud storage, and software integrations.
• Moderation capabilities – Teachers retain full control over the classroom, similar to a physical classroom, ensuring a structured and productive learning environment.
• Interactive features – Tools like polling, hand-raising, and Q&A help maintain student engagement and interactivity.
• Session recording – Teachers can record sessions for later use or pre-record materials for future lessons, ensuring flexibility and resource availability.
• Breakout rooms – These allow teachers to divide students into smaller groups for discussions or collaborative tasks, replicating group work in traditional classrooms.

Virtual classrooms aim to recreate the dynamic and interactive experience of a physical classroom within an online space. Basic video conferencing tools are often inadequate for this purpose because they lack the necessary moderation and interactive features required for effective learning.

One of the key advantages of virtual classrooms is the flexibility they offer. Students can join courses from anywhere in the world, on any device, giving them the freedom to learn on their own terms.

Most universities today implement a Learning Management System (LMS) to organise and deliver course content. It’s crucial that virtual classrooms integrate seamlessly with LMS platforms to ensure a cohesive learning experience. For large-scale institutions to effectively deploy eLearning, a combination of a powerful LMS and a versatile virtual classroom is essential.

Top 16 virtual classrooms for universities in 2024:

Each virtual classroom offers unique features and benefits for students and universities. It’s important to research and compare different options to find the best fit for your needs.

1. Digital Samba

Digital Samba provides a powerful, encrypted, and GDPR-compliant video conferencing solution designed for both large and small groups, offering a comprehensive platform tailored to the needs of educational institutions. Built in Europe, Digital Samba prioritises security, stability, and customer support, offering unmatched customisation options. With one of the most extensive feature sets on the market, it's designed to support various educational environments. Digital Samba's flexible and scalable pricing means there’s a package for any type of institution, from small universities to large-scale educational systems.

Key features

• Browser-based access
• Breakout rooms for group discussions
• Whiteboard for real-time collaboration
• Role management & moderation for seamless classroom control
• Content (media) library for easy access and reuse of teaching materials

Pros 

• Extensive feature set
• Flexible and scalable pricing
• Cloud storage for easy access to resources
• Strong security, based in Europe and compliant with GDPR

Pricing

• Free plan available
• Paid plans start at €99/month

2. Blackboard Collaborate

Blackboard Collaborate is a virtual classroom and online collaboration tool designed to provide engaging and personalised learning experiences. It offers a range of features to facilitate effective online teaching and learning.

Key features

• Gradebook: Allows instructors to track and manage student performance and progress.
• Mobile app: Enables access to virtual classrooms from various devices, enhancing flexibility.
• Data management: Provides tools for organising and analysing educational data to inform teaching strategies.

Pros 

• Reliability: Known for its stable performance in virtual learning environments.
• Flexible pricing: Offers various pricing options to suit different institutional needs.
• Suitable for large institutions: Designed to accommodate the requirements of large educational organisations.

Cons

• Complex setup process: Some users have reported that the initial setup can be intricate.
• User interface: Certain users have described the interface as clunky.

Pricing

Blackboard Collaborate offers two main pricing editions:

• Classroom edition: Priced at $300 per year, suitable for a single classroom with up to 100 attendees.
• Department edition: Priced at $9,000 per year, designed for entire departments with up to 500 attendees.

3. Canvas LMS

Canvas LMS is a comprehensive learning management system designed to enhance teaching and learning experiences. It offers a range of features tailored to meet the needs of educational institutions.

Key features

• Course authoring and sharing: Utilise a drag-and-drop interface to build rich course content and distribute it efficiently.
• Assessment options: Create diverse assignments and quizzes to evaluate student understanding.
• Communication tools: Engage students through chat, discussions, and announcements.
• Data analytics and reporting: Access tools to monitor student performance and course effectiveness.
• Integration capabilities: Connect with various third-party applications to extend functionality.

Pros

• Customisability: Adapt the platform to suit specific teaching and learning requirements.
• Openness: Benefit from open APIs and regular security audits.
• Pedagogical flexibility: Incorporate new technologies and LTI apps without extensive IT support.
• High Uptime: 99.9% uptime SLA, ensuring consistent access.

• Technical issues: Some users report mobile app performance issues and slow loading times.
• Limited customisation: Compared to other LMS platforms, Canvas may offer fewer customisation options.
• Learning curve: New users might find the platform challenging to navigate initially.

Pricing

• Free trial
• Quote based pricing

4. Moodle

Moodle is a widely used open-source learning management system (LMS) that enables educators to create dynamic courses accessible anytime, anywhere. Its highly customisable core offers a range of features suitable for both traditional and online learning environments.

Key features

• Customisation: Tailor the platform to meet specific educational needs.
• Discussion forums: Facilitate communication and collaboration among students.
• Progress tracking: Monitor and manage student progress effectively.
• Accessibility: Ensure the platform is usable by all learners, including those with disabilities.

Pros

• Open source: Free to use and modify, promoting flexibility and adaptability.
• Widely used: A large user base ensures a wealth of shared knowledge and resources.
• Blended learning features: Supports a mix of in-person and online learning modalities.

Cons

• Support limitations: As an open-source platform, official support may be limited.

Pricing

• Moodle is free to download and use. However, institutions may incur costs for hosting, customisation, and support services.

5. Google Classroom

Google Classroom is a free learning management system developed by Google to streamline the creation, distribution, and grading of assignments. It integrates seamlessly with other Google Workspace tools, enhancing collaboration and communication between educators and students.

Key features

• Assignment management: Create, distribute, and grade assignments efficiently.
• Communication tools: Facilitate discussions and announcements within the class.
• Integration with Google Workspace: Utilise tools like Google Docs, Sheets, and Meet for enhanced learning experiences.
• Mobile accessibility: Access and manage classes via dedicated mobile apps.

Pros

• User-friendly interface: Intuitive design simplifies navigation for both teachers and students.
• Cost-effective: Available at no charge for educational institutions.
• Robust integration: Seamlessly works with various Google services.

Cons

• Limited customisation: Offers fewer customisation options compared to some other platforms.
• Support limitations: As a free service, support may be less comprehensive.

Pricing

Google Classroom is part of Google Workspace for Education, which offers several editions:

• Education fundamentals: Free for qualifying institutions, including all Classroom features.
• Education standard: Priced at $3 per student per year, adding advanced security and management tools.
• Teaching and learning upgrade: Available at $4 per license per month, enhancing teaching and learning capabilities.
• Education plus: At $5 per student per year, it combines all features of the previous editions.

6. Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is a comprehensive collaboration platform designed to enhance communication and teamwork within organisations. It integrates various tools to facilitate seamless interaction among team members.

Key features

• Unified communication: Offers instant messaging, voice, and video calls, enabling real-time collaboration.
• Meetings and webinars: Supports scheduling and hosting of meetings, webinars, and virtual appointments.
• File sharing and collaboration: Allows sharing and co-authoring of documents within the platform.
• Integration with Microsoft 365: Seamlessly integrates with Office applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Security and compliance: Provides enterprise-grade security features to protect data and ensure compliance.

Pros

• Comprehensive toolset: Combines multiple communication and collaboration tools into a single platform.
• Scalability: Suitable for organisations of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises.
• Regular updates: Receives continuous updates with new features and enhancements.

Cons

• Learning curve: Some users may find the interface complex initially.
• Performance issues: Occasional reports of performance lags, especially with large teams.

Pricing

Microsoft Teams offers several plans to cater to different organisational needs:

• Free Plan: Includes unlimited chat, meetings, and 5 GB of cloud storage per user.
• Microsoft Teams Essentials: Priced at $4.00 per user per month, this plan offers additional features such as longer meeting durations and increased storage.
• Microsoft 365 Business Basic: At $6.00 per user per month, it includes Teams along with web versions of Office apps and 1 TB of OneDrive storage.
• Microsoft 365 Business Standard: For $12.50 per user per month, this plan provides full desktop versions of Office apps, email hosting, and additional security features.
• Microsoft 365 Business Premium: At $22.00 per user per month, it includes advanced security and device management capabilities.

7. Schoology

Schoology is a comprehensive learning management system (LMS) designed to enhance collaboration and streamline educational processes for K-12 schools and universities. It offers a range of features to support both educators and students in the learning journey.

Key features

• Curriculum management: Organise and manage course content effectively.
• Instructor tools: Access a suite of tools to create and manage assignments, assessments, and communications.
• Global learning community: Engage with a vast network of educators and learners worldwide.
• Mobile app: Access course materials and participate in learning activities on the go.

Pros

• Rich feature set: Offers a comprehensive array of tools to support various teaching and learning needs.
• Mobile compatibility: Ensures accessibility across devices, facilitating learning anytime, anywhere.
• Integration capabilities: Seamlessly integrates with various educational tools and platforms.

Cons

• Learning curve: Some users may find the platform's extensive features require time to master.
• Support limitations: As an open-source platform, official support may be limited.

Pricing

Schoology offers both free and enterprise pricing plans:

• Free Version: Available to educators in K-12 public and private schools, colleges, and universities worldwide.
• Enterprise Version: Priced at $10 per student per year, this plan includes additional features such as course templates, advanced security, and professional development services.

8. Brightspace

Brightspace, developed by D2L, is a versatile cloud-based Learning Management System (LMS) designed to enhance educational experiences across K-12, higher education, and corporate training sectors. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools to support content creation, learner engagement, and assessment.

Key features

• Course creation: Intuitive tools for designing and structuring courses aligned with learning outcomes.
• Blended learning support: Facilitates both online and in-person learning modalities.
• Assignment management: Streamlined processes for creating, distributing, and grading assignments.
• Mobile accessibility: A responsive design ensures a seamless experience across devices.
• Integration capabilities: Supports integration with various third-party tools and platforms.

Pros

• Comprehensive toolset: Offers a wide range of features to meet diverse educational needs.
• User-friendly interface: Designed for ease of use, reducing the learning curve for educators and learners.
• Scalability: Suitable for institutions of varying sizes, from small schools to large universities.

Cons

• Customisation limitations: Some users may find customisation options limited compared to other platforms.
• Support constraints: As an open-source platform, official support may be limited.

Pricing

• Brightspace employs a flexible pricing structure tailored to the specific needs of each institution. Pricing is typically based on factors such as the number of users, required features, and support services.

9. Sakai

Sakai is a free, open-source learning management system (LMS) designed to support teaching, research, and collaboration. Developed by a global community of academic institutions and organisations, Sakai offers a robust platform for educational needs.

Key features

• Course creation: Organise text, resources, quizzes, tests, assignments, links, videos, and other media into lessons or modules.
• Conditional access: Control access to materials via conditional release.
• File sharing: Upload, store, and share files and other resources.
• Collaboration tools: Utilise discussion forums, wikis, and chat for interactive learning.
• Integration capabilities: Integrate with third-party applications using IMS LTI standards.

Pros 

• Open-source flexibility: Customisable to meet specific institutional needs.
• Comprehensive toolset: Offers a wide range of features for diverse educational requirements.
• Community support: Backed by a global community of users and developers.

Cons

• Limited official support: As an open-source platform, official support may be limited.
• Learning curve: Some users may find the platform's extensive features require time to master.

Pricing

• Sakai is free to use, with no licensing fees. Institutions can download and host the software on their own servers or collaborate with commercial affiliates for hosting services.

10. Zoom

Zoom is a cloud-based video conferencing platform with online meetings and group messaging features. It offers high-quality video, audio, and screen-sharing capabilities on various devices and systems, including Zoom Rooms, Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Zoom also has a mobile app and integrates with various other tools, such as Slack and Google Calendar.

Key features

• Video meetings: Host high-quality video conferences with up to 100 participants in the free plan, and up to 1,000 participants in higher-tier plans.
• Screen sharing: Share your screen to collaborate on documents, presentations, and other materials.
• Virtual backgrounds: Customise your meeting environment with virtual backgrounds.
• Recording: Record meetings for future reference or sharing with absentees.
• Integration capabilities: Integrate with various third-party applications, including Slack and Google Calendar.

Pros

• Scalability: Accommodates both small meetings and large webinars.
• User-friendly interface: Intuitive design facilitates easy navigation.
• Cross-platform compatibility: Available on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux.

Cons

• Security concerns: Past incidents have raised questions about meeting security.
• Pricing complexity: Multiple plans and add-ons can be confusing for new users.

Pricing

Zoom offers several pricing plans to cater to different needs:

• Basic (Free): Host unlimited one-on-one meetings and 40-minute group meetings with up to 100 participants.
• Pro: Priced at $15.99 per month per user, this plan includes unlimited group meetings for up to 30 hours, 1 GB of cloud recording, and additional administrative controls.
• Business: At $19.99 per month per user, it offers features like company branding, dedicated phone support, and up to 300 participants per meeting.
• Enterprise: Designed for large organisations, this plan includes unlimited cloud storage and supports up to 500 participants per meeting.

11. Whereby

Whereby is a user-friendly video conferencing platform that enables seamless online meetings directly through web browsers, eliminating the need for downloads or installations. It is particularly well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses, remote teams, and industries such as education, healthcare, and professional services.

Key features

• Browser-based access: Join meetings instantly without the need for downloads or installations.
• Screen sharing: Share your screen to collaborate on documents, presentations, and other materials.
• Recording: Record meetings for future reference or sharing with absentees.
• Custom branding: Personalise meeting rooms with your company’s branding, enhancing the professional appearance of your virtual space.

Pros

• Ease of use: Intuitive interface that requires no technical experience to host or join meetings.
• Accessibility: Browser-based functionality allows participants to join meetings directly from their web browsers, eliminating compatibility issues across different devices.
• Customisation: Offers customisable meeting rooms and strong security measures to ensure privacy and data protection.

Cons

• Limited features in free plan: The free version offers basic functionalities, which may not suffice for all users.
• Limited customisation: Some users have noted that the platform could benefit from more customisation options.

Pricing

Whereby offers several pricing plans to cater to different needs:

• Free Plan: Ideal for getting started, offering 1 host, 1 room, and up to 100 attendees per meeting. Group meetings are limited to 45 minutes.
• Pro Plan: Priced at $8.99 per month, this plan includes 1 host, 3 rooms, unlimited group meetings, unlimited recording, and custom branding.
• Business Plan: At $11.99 per month per host, it offers 3 or more hosts, unlimited rooms, up to 200 attendees per meeting, shared and flex rooms, and a custom subdomain.

12. Adobe Connect

Adobe Connect is a versatile web conferencing solution designed to facilitate online meetings, webinars, and virtual classrooms. It offers a range of features to enhance user engagement and collaboration.

Key features

• Customisable layouts: Hosts can design personalised meeting rooms that align with their organisation's branding and specific needs.
• Screen sharing: Share presentations, documents, and applications in real-time to foster collaboration.
• Session recording: Record meetings and webinars for future reference or to accommodate participants who cannot attend live sessions.
• Interactive tools: Utilise features such as polls, quizzes, and chat pods to engage participants actively.
• Breakout rooms: Divide participants into smaller groups for focused discussions or activities.
• Multi-language support: Conduct sessions in various languages to cater to a global audience.

Pros

• Intuitive user interface: Offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies navigation and session management.
• Robust security: Employs industry-standard encryption to ensure data privacy and security.
• Scalability: Accommodates a wide range of session sizes, from small meetings to large webinars.

Cons

• Learning curve: Some users may find the platform's extensive features complex to master initially.
• Limited Customisation: Certain aspects of the platform may have restricted customisation options.

Pricing

Adobe Connect offers several pricing plans to suit different organisational needs:

• Standard Plan: $190 per year per host, includes 100 room capacity and 5 host licenses.
• Premium Plan: $290 per year per host, includes 100 room capacity, 6-49 host licenses, and 10GB cloud storage per host.
• Enterprise Plan: $390 per year per host, includes 300 room capacity, 25+ host licenses, and unlimited cloud storage per host.

• Standard Plan: $190 per year per host, includes 100 room capacity and 5 host licenses.
• Premium Plan: $290 per year per host, includes 100 room capacity, 6-49 host licenses, and 10GB cloud storage per host.
• Enterprise Plan: $390 per year per host, includes 300 room capacity, 25+ host licenses, and unlimited cloud storage per host.

13. Webex Meetings

Webex Meetings is a comprehensive video conferencing platform developed by Cisco, designed to facilitate seamless collaboration across various devices and locations. It offers a suite of features tailored to enhance the virtual meeting experience.

Key features

• High-quality audio and video: Provides exceptional audio and video clarity, ensuring effective communication.
  Screen aharing: Allows participants to share their screens, facilitating collaborative work on documents and presentations.
  Breakout rooms: Enables hosts to divide participants into smaller groups for focused discussions.
  Recording capabilities: Offers the ability to record meetings for future reference or for those unable to attend.
  Integration with other tools: Seamlessly integrates with various applications, enhancing workflow efficiency.

• User-friendly interface: Features an intuitive design that simplifies the scheduling and joining of meetings.
• Scalability: Accommodates a wide range of meeting sizes, from small team discussions to large webinars.
• Security: Employs robust security measures to protect user data and ensure privacy. 

Cons

• Learning curve: Some users may require time to familiarise themselves with all features. 
• Pricing: Certain advanced features are available only in higher-tier plans, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious users.

Pricing

Webex Meetings offers several pricing tiers to cater to different needs:

• Basic Plan: Free; includes HD meetings with up to 100 participants, screen sharing, and a personal room.
• Meet Plan: $13.50 per month; includes premium meeting features such as HD meetings with up to 200 participants, screen sharing, recordings, breakout rooms, and more.

14. ReadyTech

ReadyTech offers a comprehensive suite of training delivery solutions tailored for both instructor-led and self-paced learning environments. Their cloud-based applications facilitate the administration, delivery, and participation in training courses, ensuring a seamless experience for all stakeholders.

Key features

• Virtual IT Labs: Provides hands-on practice through virtual labs, enabling learners to apply their knowledge in a controlled environment.
• Instructor-Led Training (ILT): Offers tools for instructors to manage virtual classrooms, access training materials, and oversee hands-on labs.
• Self-paced training: Supports learners in progressing through courses at their own pace, complete with access to course materials and hands-on labs.
• Lab management: Features include live lab oversight, inactivity monitors, lab timers, and the ability to run commands and transfer files.
• Scheduling and billing: Tools for creating course templates, managing billing entities, and integrating with RESTful APIs and Learning Management Systems (LMS).

Pros

• Flexibility: Accommodates various training formats, including virtual, in-person, hybrid, or blended learning.
• Scalability: Allows organisations to scale training resources according to demand, ensuring optimal utilisation.
• 24/7 Support: Provides round-the-clock live support to customers, instructors, and students, ensuring assistance is always available.

Cons

• Learning curve: Some users may require time to familiarise themselves with the platform's extensive features.

Pricing

• ReadyTech employs a pay-as-you-go pricing model, eliminating setup fees, termination penalties, and long-term contracts. This approach allows training departments to pay only for the resources they use, accommodating peak demand and avoiding excess costs during low-demand periods.

15. Vedamo

VEDAMO offers a comprehensive virtual classroom platform designed to replicate the traditional classroom experience in an online setting. It provides a suite of interactive tools to enhance teaching and learning.

Key features

• Interactive whiteboard: Facilitates real-time collaboration and content presentation.
• Screen sharing: Allows instructors to demonstrate software applications and multimedia content.
• Breakout rooms: Enables small group discussions within sessions.
• Session recording: Permits recording of sessions for future reference.
• Media player: Supports the integration of various multimedia resources.
• Gamification options: Incorporates game-like elements to engage learners.
• LMS integration: Seamlessly integrates with leading Learning Management Systems.

Pros

• Feature-rich
• Modern user interface
• Cloud-storage

Cons

• Learning curve

Pricing

VEDAMO offers a 30-day free trial for users to explore the platform's capabilities. After the trial, the Premium Virtual Classroom plan is available at $25 per month, which includes:

• • Hosting up to 50 participants per session.
  • Unlimited number of sessions during the month.
  • 5 GB of storage for learning materials.
  • Custom branding options.
  • Session recordings.

16. Panopto

Panopto is a comprehensive video platform designed to facilitate the creation, management, and sharing of video content across various sectors, including education and corporate training.

Key features

• Video recording and streaming: Capture live lectures, meetings, and events, and stream them in real-time to a global audience.
• Interactive quizzes: Embed quizzes within videos to engage viewers and assess understanding.
• Automatic transcription: Generate accurate transcriptions to enhance accessibility and searchability.
• Advanced search capabilities: Utilise AI-driven search to locate specific content within videos.
• Integration LMS: Seamlessly integrate with platforms like Moodle and Canvas to streamline content delivery.
• Analytics and reporting: Monitor viewer engagement and gather insights to improve content effectiveness.

Pros 

• Ease of use: User-friendly interface that simplifies video creation and management.
• High-quality recording: Supports HD video and audio for clear and professional content.
• Scalability: Accommodates a wide range of users, from small teams to large organisations.
• Robust security: Offers secure video hosting with customisable access controls.

Cons

• Learning curve: Some users may require time to fully utilise all features.
• Pricing: Higher cost compared to some alternatives, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious users.

Pricing

• Free plan with limited capabilities
• Paid plans start at $15/per month

Each virtual classroom offers unique features and benefits for students and universities. Researching and comparing different options is important to find the best fit for your needs.

5 key benefits of virtual classrooms for universities

• Accessibility 

Virtual classrooms give students access to courses and lecture materials from anywhere with an internet connection. This democratises education and makes it accessible to groups typically unable to engage with higher education.

• Flexibility

Virtual classrooms offer infinitely more flexibility than in-person classrooms. As long as students meet their teacher’s requirements, they can study and learn in the way that best fits their lifestyle. The flexibility of virtual learning is the main driver behind the added flexibility that eLearning offers.

• Cost-effective

Virtual classrooms are often more cost-effective for students. Virtual-only courses typically charge lower tuition fees and don’t entail additional expenses such as commuting and accommodation costs. In addition to reducing costs, virtual classrooms reduce emissions - a study by Open University found that e-learning courses produce 85% fewer CO2 emissions per person than in-person courses.

• Interactive

Despite being online, virtual classrooms can still be as, if not more, engaging than in-person courses. Top virtual classrooms include interactive features that boost engagement among students. These include but are not limited to hand-raising, Q&A and polling. 

• Convenient

Virtual classrooms are very convenient for universities. They allow them to reach more students than they could otherwise. Virtual courses are much easier to organise than in-person courses and don’t come with the same logistical challenges. There is an ongoing debate in some countries about the ethics of universities charging students the same for in-person teaching as virtual learning. 

3 steps for choosing a virtual classroom

Here are 3 easy steps to follow when choosing the best virtual classroom:

1. Check functionality 

What features do you need from a virtual classroom? Naturally, different platforms have different features, so you need to know exactly what you want. A good way to do this is to write down what you need a virtual classroom for. From here you can decide what features are essential and which ones are just ‘nice to have’.

For example, a small high school would need a platform with excellent moderation capabilities and enhanced privacy measures. If you intend to run remote training for your sales team, you will need to prioritise cloud storage, file-sharing, etc.

2. Define the budget

Once you have identified your desired features, the next important step is to set a budget. Your budget will be unique to you and will depend on your institution or company size. 

3. Test-drive

It’s time to try out some virtual classrooms. Testing out a platform is the only way to really test if it’s the right platform for you. We recommend that you start by giving our virtual classroom, Digital Samba, a test drive by signing up..

Top virtual classroom features

1. User-friendly

Virtual classroom software must be user-friendly and have an attractive UI. You want educators and students to adapt to new software quickly. Clunky and confusing software does not facilitate efficient learning.

2. Video conferencing

Video conferencing functionality forms the core of any effective online classroom. Teachers and students must be able to see each other to engage with course materials fully. 

3. Device compatibility

Students use a variety of devices for eLearning. Your platform must be compatible with as many as possible. You should choose software compatible with phones, tablets, laptops, and desktop PCs.

4. Interactive features

Interactive features set online classrooms apart from conventional video conferencing platforms. They help educators more accurately recreate the experience of a real classroom. Here are some examples of important interactive features:

• Hand raising - hand raising lets students raise a virtual hand to get noticed by the educator.
• Shared whiteboard - a shared whiteboard lets teachers deliver material and collaborate with students in real time.
• Screen sharing - allows educators to share presentations, documents, charts, browser windows, or other materials to aid their lessons. 
• Polling - allows educators to run engaging polls that involve the whole class. They are an excellent tool for getting everyone involved.

5. Cloud storage

Cloud storage lets you save course materials and provide access via a link. It’s a great way of allowing educators to prepare course materials beforehand and reuse them later. 

6. Instant communication tools

Communication is the cornerstone of high-quality education. Students must be able to ask questions, and educators need to be able to provide one-on-one support. Choose a platform that enables fluid student/educator communication.

7. Student capacity

Try to have a good idea of how many students you will host in your classes. Choose a virtual classroom that can comfortably handle this number. Larger groups typically require more expensive or complex software packages.

8. Scalability

How scalable does your solution need to be? If you intend to scale your classes, choose a package that isn’t limited or can be expanded down the line.

5 tips for a successful virtual classroom

Stay organised 

Virtual classrooms often have lots of materials and deadlines to keep track of. Using calendars and to-do lists helps you stay on top of your course.

Encourage virtual interactions

Encourage engagement by encouraging learners to voice their thoughts and discuss their experiences. Encouraging collaboration will help keep students engaged and focused, minimising distractions that may arise from online chats or instant messaging. 

To facilitate interaction and engagement, all students are requested to activate their cameras and microphones.

Breakout rooms

Breakout sessions are an effective method of fostering creativity and hands-on learning in the classroom. They are the perfect collaborative environment for smaller groups. We recommend keeping groups at roughly 4-10 participants for optimal engagement. 

Polls and quizzes

Polls or online quizzes are great tools for promoting active participation and allowing students to express their opinions. They are useful for evaluating students' understanding and can help teachers identify areas that may require additional review or reinforcement.

Class recordings

Classroom recordings are invaluable for students and educators. Recordings allow you to review and reflect on your lessons, accommodate absent pupils, engage parents with your course and monitor compliance. 

Future trends in the e-learning

In the future, several key trends are expected to shape the future of education:

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) untegration: AI is anticipated to play a pivotal role in personalising learning experiences, automating administrative tasks, and providing real-time feedback to students. This integration aims to enhance educational outcomes and operational efficiency

2. Immersive learning technologies: The adoption of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) is set to transform traditional learning environments by offering immersive experiences that enhance engagement and understanding. For instance, VR headsets are enabling students to explore historical events or travel through space, providing interactive and engaging lessons.

3. Microlearning: This approach focuses on delivering content in small, manageable segments, catering to the preferences of modern learners who seek quick and accessible information. Microlearning is particularly effective for busy professionals and those seeking to acquire specific skills efficiently.

4. Blended learning models: The combination of online and in-person instruction is becoming increasingly prevalent, offering flexibility and accommodating diverse learning styles. This model supports a more personalised and adaptable educational experience.

5. Data-driven decision making: Educational institutions are leveraging data analytics to monitor student performance, identify learning gaps, and inform instructional strategies, thereby improving educational outcomes.

These trends reflect a broader shift towards more personalised, engaging, and effective learning experiences, positioning e-learning as a central component of modern education.

Final thought

Virtual classrooms are a convenient and flexible option for higher education, providing many benefits for students and universities. While it can take some time to adjust to a virtual learning environment, with the right tools and strategies, you can make your virtual classroom a success.