Which platform is best for live online courses

Okay, so I’m finally biting the bullet and moving my in-person photography workshops online. I’ve been teaching photography for years, focusing on things like landscape and portrait photography. I want to keep that same feeling of live interaction and feedback that my in-person classes have.

Ideally, I’m looking for a platform that offers:

• Good video quality and screen sharing capabilities. I need to be able to clearly demonstrate camera settings and post-processing techniques.
• Interactive features like polls, Q&A, and breakout rooms. I want to be able to engage with the students and let them work in smaller groups.
• Easy integration with payment processing and scheduling. I don’t want to spend hours manually managing enrollment and payments.
• Recording capabilities. Being able to offer recordings of the sessions is a huge selling point.
• Ideally, a platform that isn’t SUPER expensive to get started. I’m just starting out online and don’t want to break the bank.

I’ve looked into things like Zoom, Teachable, Thinkific, and even just using Google Meet. But I’m feeling overwhelmed by all the options. Has anyone had good (or bad!) experiences with any particular platform for live, interactive online courses? What would you recommend, specifically considering features and cost for someone just starting out?

Answer

Choosing the "best" platform for live online courses depends heavily on your specific needs, budget, technical expertise, and target audience. No single platform universally excels. Here’s a breakdown of some leading options, their features, pros, cons, and considerations:

1. Zoom:

• Features: High-quality video and audio, screen sharing, breakout rooms, polling, Q&A, whiteboarding, recording capabilities, chat, hand-raising feature, virtual backgrounds, waiting rooms, attendance reports, annotation tools, integration with many Learning Management Systems (LMS). Some plans include transcription services and webinar features (larger audience capacity, registration).
• Pros:
  • User-Friendly Interface: Most people are familiar with Zoom, making it easy for instructors and participants.
  • Reliable Performance: Generally offers stable video and audio quality, even with large groups.
  • Breakout Rooms: Facilitates small group discussions and activities.
  • Integration: Integrates well with many LMS and other applications.
  • Widely Adopted: High familiarity reduces the learning curve for participants.
• Cons:
  • Cost: Can become expensive as the number of participants and required features increase. Free version has limitations on meeting duration.
  • Security Concerns (in the past): While Zoom has significantly improved security, historical concerns may linger in some users’ minds. Ensure you utilize up-to-date security features.
  • Can Feel More Like a Meeting Than a Class: May require more intentional effort from the instructor to create a dynamic learning environment.
• Best For: Small to medium-sized classes, interactive workshops, training sessions, general-purpose online meetings and webinars.

2. Microsoft Teams:

• Features: Video conferencing, screen sharing, chat, file sharing, collaborative document editing, integration with Microsoft Office 365 suite, breakout rooms (relatively newer feature), recording, transcription (depending on plan), meeting scheduling.
• Pros:
  • Integration with Microsoft Ecosystem: Seamlessly integrates with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft tools.
  • Collaboration Features: Excellent for collaborative projects and group work.
  • File Sharing and Storage: Easy to share and manage files within the platform.
  • Cost-Effective (for Microsoft Users): Often included in Microsoft 365 subscriptions, making it a cost-effective option for organizations already using the Microsoft ecosystem.
  • Persistent Chat: Ongoing communication and resource sharing are easy.
• Cons:
  • Can Be Overwhelming: The vast array of features can be overwhelming for some users.
  • Performance Issues: Some users have reported occasional performance issues, especially with large meetings.
  • Less Intuitive Than Zoom (for some): The interface can be less intuitive for users unfamiliar with the Microsoft ecosystem.
• Best For: Organizations already heavily invested in the Microsoft ecosystem, collaborative learning environments, internal training programs.

3. Google Meet:

• Features: Video conferencing, screen sharing, chat, recording, live captions, breakout rooms (relatively newer feature), noise cancellation, integration with Google Workspace (formerly G Suite).
• Pros:
  • Integration with Google Workspace: Seamlessly integrates with Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive, and other Google tools.
  • Ease of Use: Simple and intuitive interface.
  • Cost-Effective (for Google Users): Often included in Google Workspace subscriptions, making it a cost-effective option for organizations already using the Google ecosystem.
  • Accessibility Features: Strong live captioning.
• Cons:
  • Fewer Advanced Features: Lacks some of the advanced features found in Zoom and other platforms (e.g., advanced polling, detailed reporting).
  • Limited Customization: Fewer customization options compared to some platforms.
• Best For: Organizations already heavily invested in the Google ecosystem, smaller classes, informal learning environments, users who prioritize simplicity.

4. Adobe Connect:

• Features: Interactive virtual classrooms, customized layouts, persistent rooms, breakout rooms, polling, Q&A, chat, screen sharing, whiteboarding, recording, content libraries, backstages for presenters, simulations, games, learning analytics, robust security features.
• Pros:
  • Highly Interactive: Designed specifically for online learning, with a focus on engagement.
  • Customizable Layouts: Allows instructors to create customized virtual classroom environments.
  • Persistent Rooms: Rooms remain available even after sessions end, allowing for ongoing collaboration.
  • Robust Security: Strong security features for sensitive information.
  • Learning Analytics: Provides detailed data on student engagement and performance.
• Cons:
  • Cost: One of the more expensive options.
  • Steeper Learning Curve: More complex interface than some other platforms.
  • Hardware Requirements: Can be resource-intensive, requiring more powerful computers and internet connections.
• Best For: Formal online education, corporate training, government agencies, organizations with high security requirements, situations where high levels of interactivity and customization are needed.

5. BigBlueButton:

• Features: Open-source virtual classroom platform, whiteboard, screen sharing, multi-user whiteboard, polling, chat, breakout rooms, recording, presentation upload, integrated audio and video conferencing, closed captioning, accessible design.
• Pros:
  • Open Source: Free to use and customize.
  • Designed for Education: Specifically built for online teaching and learning.
  • Whiteboarding Capabilities: Excellent for interactive lessons.
  • Accessible Design: Includes features for users with disabilities.
• Cons:
  • Technical Expertise Required: Requires technical expertise to set up and maintain.
  • Hosting Required: You need to find your own hosting provider.
  • Limited Integrations: Fewer integrations with other platforms compared to commercial options.
• Best For: Educational institutions with technical expertise, organizations on a tight budget, users who value open-source software.

6. LearnDash/LifterLMS/Teachable/Thinkific (LMS with Live Integration):

• These are primarily Learning Management Systems (LMS) designed for asynchronous courses. However, they often integrate with other platforms (like Zoom or Google Meet) to offer live sessions.
• Features: Course creation, content management, student enrollment, progress tracking, quizzes, assignments, payment processing, integration with live conferencing tools. The live component comes from the integration.
• Pros:
  • Comprehensive Learning Platform: Provides a complete solution for creating and managing online courses.
  • Monetization Tools: Built-in payment processing for selling courses.
  • Student Management: Tools for managing student enrollment, progress, and communication.
  • Organized Learning Experience: Structure for delivering content before, during, and after the live sessions.
• Cons:
  • Not Primarily Live Platforms: Rely on integrations for live sessions, which may have limitations.
  • Can Be Expensive: The cost can be higher than using a standalone live conferencing platform.
  • Overkill for Simple Live Courses: May be more features than you need if you only want to offer live courses without asynchronous content.
• Best For: Instructors who want to offer a combination of live and asynchronous content, creating full-fledged online courses with robust learning management features.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Platform:

• Budget: Free versions often have limitations. Consider the long-term cost of paid plans.
• Number of Participants: Ensure the platform supports the number of students you expect.
• Features: Identify the features that are essential for your teaching style and the type of course you’re offering (e.g., breakout rooms, polling, whiteboarding).
• Technical Skills: Consider your comfort level with technology and the complexity of the platform.
• Integration with Other Tools: Does the platform integrate with your existing LMS, CRM, or other tools?
• Security: Assess the platform’s security features and privacy policies.
• Accessibility: Does the platform offer features to support students with disabilities (e.g., closed captioning, screen reader compatibility)?
• Reliability: Choose a platform with a reputation for stable performance and minimal downtime.
• Ease of Use: Select a platform that is user-friendly for both instructors and participants.
• Customer Support: Evaluate the availability and quality of customer support.
• Recording Capabilities: The ability to record sessions for later viewing is often critical.
• Mobile Compatibility: Ensure the platform works well on mobile devices.
• Trial Period: Take advantage of free trials to test out different platforms before committing to a paid subscription.

Recommendations:

• For most general-purpose live online courses, Zoom is a solid starting point because of its widespread familiarity and reliability.
• If you’re heavily invested in the Microsoft or Google ecosystem, Teams or Meet can be cost-effective options.
• If you need advanced features and a highly interactive learning environment, consider Adobe Connect.
• If you’re on a tight budget and have technical expertise, BigBlueButton is a viable option.
• If you want to create a comprehensive online course with both live and asynchronous components, explore LMS platforms like LearnDash, LifterLMS, Teachable, or Thinkific.

Ultimately, the best platform is the one that best meets your specific needs and priorities. Thoroughly research and test out different options before making a decision.