Online Video Conferencing Platforms

In this article, we take a closer look at two online video conferencing platforms. We compare the heavyweight Zoom against a lesser-known but education-focused platform, ClassIn.

Zoom and ClassIn

Let’s take a look at how these two platforms can be used for online learning.

Online Learning

1. Communication

An effective teaching and learning environment allows for teacher-student and student-student communication. Zoom and ClassIn both include features for real-time video conferencing that serve this purpose. They also have in-built chat boxes that allow for real-time clarification of questions between the teacher and students without disrupting the class.

ClassIn also has an added feature of a class group chat within the platform that allows students to ask questions outside of lesson time to which the teacher and other students can respond.

2. Teaching Tools/Methods for Teachers

ClassIn, too, has a screen sharing function. However, what makes ClassIn different is that its many teaching tools centre around a shared ‘blackboard’ which is viewed by the teacher and students at all times. The ‘blackboard’ comes with functions such as an in-built Internet browser and the ability to open up images and resources from shared drives. Teachers do not need to open up and switch between multiple windows on their desktops and the resources can be set up in advance and saved for future use. Similarly, teachers can also write or draw over these resources as they teach.

3. Student Engagement

ClassIn, on the other hand, has a variety of tools that can be used to spice up the lesson. Similar to Zoom, ClassIn has a polling function and a shared ‘blackboard’ screen for writing and drawing. Teachers are also able to assign individual small ‘blackboards’ to each student to work on their own answers. When ready, teachers can collect them for viewing and sharing. In addition, ClassIn also features other interesting functions like a dice, slot machine (random-name generator), stopwatch and timer which can be used selectively throughout the class. Many teachers’ favourite tool is the reward system, which allows them to award virtual ‘trophies’ to students for their good behaviour. The system tracks the accumulation of trophies, making it an incredibly useful part of classroom management.

For younger learners, these functions serve to captivate them and keep them engaged in the lesson.

The Verdict

LCentral extensively reviewed teaching platforms, looking for one that enables us to transfer our unique teaching approach into the virtual classroom. We have chosen ClassIn for its effectiveness. With this platform, we can enhance students’ learning experience with our 360 Teaching Method that includes sensory learning, social learning and digital learning.