Best Virtual Classroom Software for Small Schools: The Full Guide

The world of education is evolving rapidly. Small schools, in particular, are embracing digital transformation to provide quality education beyond the traditional classroom. Virtual classroom software has become an essential tool for enhancing online learning, offering interactive lessons, seamless collaboration and real-time engagement.

If you’re running a small school and looking for the best virtual classroom software, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through the best options, key features, pricing models and frequently asked questions.

Which Software is Best for Online Class?

When selecting virtual classroom software, small schools need a solution that is affordable, easy to use, and feature-rich. Here are some of the top options:

1. Google Classroom

A free and widely used platform, Google Classroom integrates seamlessly with G Suite apps like Google Docs, Slides, and Meet. It’s an excellent choice for small schools with limited budgets.

2. Zoom for Education

Zoom offers high-quality video conferencing, screen sharing, and breakout rooms. It’s ideal for interactive sessions, group discussions, and remote learning activities.

3. BigBlueButton

An open-source virtual classroom software designed for online learning. It includes tools like a whiteboard, breakout rooms, polls, and real-time chat to enhance engagement.

4. LearnCube

A browser-based virtual classroom with no need for downloads. LearnCube is designed for tutoring and small school environments and offers recording options and file sharing.

5. Microsoft Teams for Education

Integrated with Microsoft 365, Teams provides a structured environment for collaborative learning, document sharing, and live classes.

6. Moodle with Virtual Classroom Plugins

Moodle is a learning management system (LMS) that can be enhanced with virtual classroom plugins like BigBlueButton for live sessions.

Each of these platforms has unique strengths, so choosing the right one depends on your school’s needs, class size, and budget.

Related Post:- What Is a Millright? Your Complete Guide to Blue-Collar Career

Is BigBlueButton Free?

Yes, BigBlueButton is completely free and open-source. It was built specifically for online learning, making it a great choice for small schools.

Key Features of BigBlueButton:

• Real-time whiteboard and annotation
• Breakout rooms for group discussions
• Recording and playback options
• Screen sharing and polls for interactive learning
• No software installation required

Although free, BigBlueButton does require a server setup. Schools can either host it on their own servers or opt for third-party hosting services, which may involve additional costs.

How to Create a Virtual Classroom for Small Schools

Small schools often have limited resources, but virtual classroom software makes online teaching affordable and efficient. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Choose the Right Virtual Classroom Software

Selecting the right platform is crucial. Google Classroom, BigBlueButton, LearnCube, and ClassIn are ideal for small schools because they are cost-effective and user-friendly.

• Google Classroom – Free and integrates with Google Docs, Sheets, and Meet.
• BigBlueButton – Open-source software designed for online learning with built-in engagement tools.
• LearnCube – Great for interactive whiteboards and live classes.
• ClassIn – Combines classroom management with real-time interaction.

2. Set Up Classrooms and User Accounts

Once you’ve chosen your platform:

• Create separate classrooms for different subjects or grade levels.
• Invite students and teachers via email, links, or access codes.
• Assign roles and permissions for teachers, students, and administrators.

3. Upload Study Materials

A well-organized virtual classroom provides students with access to resources anytime. Most platforms allow you to upload:

• PDFs, presentations, and assignments.
• Pre-recorded video lessons.
• Quizzes and interactive exercises.
• Links to external learning resources.

4. Schedule and Conduct Live Classes

Use video conferencing tools like Zoom, BigBlueButton, or Microsoft Teams to hold real-time classes. Features like:

• Screen sharing for presentations.
• Whiteboards for explanations.
• Breakout rooms for group discussions.
• Recording options to let students review lessons later.

5. Monitor Student Engagement and Progress

Virtual classroom software often includes tracking tools to measure student participation:

• Attendance tracking ensures students are present.
• Quizzes and polls help assess understanding.
• Engagement analytics show who is active and who needs more attention.

With the right software, small schools can deliver quality education online while keeping costs low. Whether you need live classes, interactive lessons, or student tracking, virtual classroom tools make online learning easy and effective!

Related Post:- 10 Best Online FREE Courses for High School Students in 2025

Is LearnCube Free?

LearnCube provides both free and paid plans, catering to different needs.

Free Plan:

• Basic virtual whiteboard for online teaching
• Limited class time and participants
• No session recordings

Paid Plan:

• Advanced whiteboard with more interactive tools
• Classroom recording for reviewing lessons
• File sharing and custom branding for a professional touch

If your small school needs longer sessions, recordings, and more interactive features, upgrading to a paid plan is recommended.

Which Tool is Used for Online Teaching?

Educators use a mix of tools to make online teaching effective:

1. Learning Management Systems (LMS)

• Moodle
• Google Classroom
• Edmodo

2. Video Conferencing Software

• Zoom
• Microsoft Teams
• BigBlueButton

3. Interactive Tools

• Kahoot! (for quizzes)
• Nearpod (for presentations)
• Padlet (for collaboration)

A combination of these tools ensures better engagement, assessment, and interaction in online classrooms.

Which Gadget Is Best for Online Classes?

For a seamless virtual classroom experience, having the right gadgets is essential. Here’s what you need:

1. Laptop or Desktop Computer

A good-quality laptop with a built-in webcam and microphone is crucial for both teachers and students. Look for:

• At least 8GB RAM for smooth performance.
• A full HD display for clear visuals.
• A stable internet connection for uninterrupted classes.

2. Tablet or iPad

Tablets are excellent for:

• Digital whiteboard apps.
• Annotating PDFs and assignments.
• Reading e-books conveniently.

3. Webcam and Microphone

If your built-in camera isn’t great, an external HD webcam like Logitech C920 provides better clarity. Pair it with a noise-canceling microphone like Blue Yeti for clear audio.

4. Headphones with Mic

A good headset blocks background noise and improves voice clarity, making communication clearer. Options like Jabra Evolve 40 or Sony WH-1000XM4 work well.

5. Digital Stylus or Drawing Tablet

Math teachers, illustrators, and science tutors benefit from a stylus or drawing tablet like Wacom One for writing equations or diagrams in real time.

Is Google Classroom for Free?

Yes, Google Classroom is 100% free for educators and students.

Free Features:

• Assignments and quizzes
• Google Drive integration
• Live classes via Google Meet

Schools can also upgrade to Google Workspace for Education for additional features like advanced security, live streaming, and premium support.

Which Platform is Best for Online Teaching?

The best platform depends on your school’s size and teaching needs. Here’s a breakdown:

Best for Small Schools

• Google Classroom – Free, easy to use, and integrates with Google Docs & Meet.
• BigBlueButton – Open-source with live engagement tools like polls and whiteboards.

Best for Large Schools & Universities

• Moodle + BigBlueButton – Scalable, customizable, and supports LMS integration.
• Microsoft Teams – Combines collaboration tools, assignments, and video conferencing.

And Best for Tutoring & One-on-One Teaching

• LearnCube – Browser-based with an interactive whiteboard for personalized lessons.
• Zoom – Reliable, widely used, and supports breakout rooms & recordings.

Choosing the right platform enhances student engagement and simplifies online teaching!

What Software Do Teachers Use?

Teachers rely on a combination of LMS (Learning Management Systems), communication tools, and assessment software to manage classes effectively. Here are some of the most popular options:

1. Learning Management Systems (LMS)

• Google Classroom – Free and easy-to-use for managing assignments, grading, and discussions.
• Moodle – An open-source, customizable platform for course management and student tracking.
• Microsoft Teams – Combines file sharing, video meetings, and assignment tracking.

2. Video Conferencing Tools

• Zoom – Reliable for live classes, offering screen sharing, breakout rooms, and recordings.
• BigBlueButton – Designed for education, with whiteboards, polling, and real-time collaboration.

3. Assessment & Engagement Tools

• Kahoot! – Creates fun, interactive quizzes to keep students engaged.
• Quizizz – Allows teachers to design self-paced quizzes and interactive lessons.
• Edmodo – A social learning platform for student collaboration and feedback.

Final Thoughts

The right mix of software simplifies teaching, improves student interaction, and enhances learning outcomes.

Conclusion

Virtual classroom software has revolutionized education for small schools, making it easier than ever to provide interactive, engaging, and high-quality online learning. Whether you choose Google Classroom, BigBlueButton, LearnCube, or Zoom, the key is to find a solution that aligns with your school’s needs and budget.

With the right tools, teaching online can be just as effective—if not more—than traditional classrooms.

Are you ready to transform your small school with virtual learning? Choose the best software today!