Synchronous learning means teachers and learners meet and interact in real time, even when they are in different places. The COVID-19 pandemic made virtual classrooms and live online lessons a regular part of distance education. In a live session, teachers can give lectures, show demonstrations, and lead discussions, while learners can ask questions and work with classmates.
Live online classes also bring challenges, especially keeping learners engaged and managing distractions. This guide explains five types of tools that can help teachers run better live lessons, with examples of each and practical ways to use them.
On this page 8 sections
The five tools at a glance
| Type of tool | Examples | Main use |
|---|---|---|
| Polling and quiz tools | Mentimeter, Kahoot, Poll Everywhere, Quizlet, Quizizz, EdPuzzle | Keep learners engaged and check understanding |
| Video conferencing tools | Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams | Hold live lectures, demonstrations, and discussions |
| Whiteboard tools | Miro, Jamboard, Microsoft Whiteboard | Brainstorm and collaborate visually |
| Virtual classroom tools | Blackboard Collaborate, Adobe Connect, BigBlueButton | Run a full online class in one platform |
| Live captioning and transcription tools | Google Live Transcribe, Otter.ai, Zoom Live Transcription | Make lessons accessible and easy to review |
1. Polling and quiz tools
Polling and quiz tools keep learners active and show you how well they understand the lesson.
- Polling tools such as Mentimeter, Kahoot, and Poll Everywhere let you create interactive polls that learners answer in real time. Use them to gather feedback, check comprehension, or start a discussion.
- Quiz tools such as Quizlet, Quizizz, and EdPuzzle let you build interactive quizzes that test what learners know.
Quiz tools give learners immediate feedback, so they can see their progress and spot what they need to work on. For teachers, the results make it easier to monitor progress and adjust the lesson.
2. Video conferencing tools
Video conferencing tools such as Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams are the core of most live online classes. They let you:
- give live lectures and demonstrations
- lead group discussions and peer-to-peer activities
- record sessions for learners who cannot attend in real time
Video calls can also be distracting. A few habits help:
- Set clear rules for behavior during the session, such as keeping cameras on and microphones muted when not speaking.
- Be ready to handle technical problems and interruptions.
3. Whiteboard tools
Whiteboard tools such as Miro, Jamboard, and Microsoft Whiteboard give the class a shared virtual space where learners can post ideas and work together in real time.
Ways to use them:
- Draw visual aids and diagrams to explain difficult concepts.
- Run group brainstorming sessions or design thinking activities to build creativity and problem-solving skills.
- Ask learners to analyze and interpret visual information to develop critical thinking.
4. Virtual classroom tools
Virtual classroom tools such as Blackboard Collaborate, Adobe Connect, and BigBlueButton combine many features in one platform, including video conferencing, polling, screen sharing, and breakout rooms. They also let teachers track attendance and monitor how engaged learners are.
These platforms can make an online class feel closer to a physical classroom. Breakout rooms are useful for small-group work that builds collaboration and teamwork.
5. Live captioning and transcription tools
Live captioning and transcription tools such as Google Live Transcribe, Otter.ai, and Zoom Live Transcription show real-time captions and transcripts of lectures and discussions. They help make live lessons accessible and inclusive for:
- learners who are deaf or hard of hearing
- learners who use English as a second language
- learners who have difficulty processing what they hear
Transcripts also work as study notes after the session. They are especially helpful for learners who missed part of the lesson because of technical problems or interruptions.
Tools support teaching, they do not replace it
Each tool solves a different problem. Polls and quizzes check understanding and keep attention, video conferencing carries the live lesson, whiteboards encourage collaboration and creativity, virtual classroom platforms bring everything together, and captioning makes lessons accessible to more learners.
Still, no tool is a substitute for good teaching. Keep the lesson centered on learners and build a supportive, inclusive class environment. When you combine these tools with sound teaching practice, your live online lessons become more engaging and effective.
Frequently asked questions
What is synchronous learning?
Synchronous learning is learning where the teacher and learners interact in real time, such as during a live online lecture or discussion. Learners can ask questions and work with classmates during the session.
What tools can I use to check learners’ understanding during a live online class?
Polling tools such as Mentimeter, Kahoot, and Poll Everywhere, and quiz tools such as Quizlet, Quizizz, and EdPuzzle, let you gather answers in real time. Quiz tools also give learners immediate feedback on their progress.
How can I reduce distractions during video calls with learners?
Set clear rules for the session, such as keeping cameras on and microphones muted when not speaking. Also be prepared to handle technical problems and interruptions.
How do live captioning tools help learners?
They show real-time captions and transcripts, which help learners who are deaf or hard of hearing, learners who use English as a second language, and those who have trouble processing spoken information. The transcripts can also be used for review after class.
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