Top 12 Online Live Streaming Class Platforms for Remote Learning (2025 Update)
With the appearance of online education in recent years, the demand for high-quality remote learning solutions has skyrocketed. Online video education is expected to continue its upward trend with a 9.1% compound annual growth rate by 2026. To meet this demand, high-quality online video education platforms are necessary. Educators require reliable, high-quality video streaming to best replicate classrooms. They need a feature-rich e-platform that allows them to upload pre-recorded educational videos.
This is why finding the best platform for live online classes is essential for creating an engaging and effective virtual learning experience. Platforms that use interactive tools and seamless video streaming have revolutionized how we teach and learn remotely.
In this article, we cover the e-learning industry and live streaming platforms for online learning. We compare the 12 best live streaming and online course platforms for online class creation and presentation. Furthermore, we provide live streaming tips to help educators give their best online lessons yet.
**Please note that live streaming platform technology and pricing change regularly. By updating the post with e-learning-specific information and guidelines, this post reflects the most accurate information as of January 2025.
Table of Contents:
- Online Learning at a Glance
- Features to Look for in a Live Teaching Platform
- The 12 Best Online Learning Platforms to Live Stream Classes
- How to Create an Online Education Platform (With Examples)
- Live Streaming Tips for Online Educators
- Industry Insights
- The Future of Education
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Online Learning at a Glance
Remote learning gained significance during the COVID-19 pandemic. It forced educational video-on-demand services to become more competitive to capture that increased demand.
The increased competition among such platforms became good news for streamers and broadcasters. This led to the advancement of features and the appearance of exciting innovations in the field.
The Ever-changing Demand for Digital Learning
The rise of online education has fueled a rapid evolution in the tools and technologies that support virtual teaching and learning. Today’s online live class platforms are not just video conferencing tools but comprehensive ecosystems integrating advanced features to enhance engagement and outcomes. Old school projectors and traditional classroom settings have been replaced with interactive smart boards, tablets, and other online learning tools.
While many educators have relied exclusively on Zoom live streaming as their online virtual classroom software, they’ve learned that the solution for online learning requires more than Zoom.
Assisted by professional video platforms with both live broadcasting and VOD streaming capabilities, many schools made an effort to create an online live class platform on their website. It allows them to live stream classes and upload lessons to their remote online learning platforms so that students can access video on demand whenever it’s most convenient for them.
Live streaming platforms are cloud-based solutions allowing users to live stream, upload videos securely, manage content, and share streams worldwide. Many online learning platforms, including Dacast, now support Zoom meeting integrations. This means they can rely on their servers and professional streaming tools while accessing Zoom’s video conference function with real-time latency.
These live classroom video hosting platforms provide a similar range of tools for video broadcasting but usually vary in specific features and cost. In addition, professional online learning platforms often give you more control over your content than a free online learning platform for education, like YouTube.
Trends and Innovations
Below are key trends shaping the future of digital learning and real-world examples demonstrating their impact.
AI in Education
Artificial intelligence has made a grand entrance into our lives and is transforming the educational experience, among other fields, by enabling:
- Automated Grading: Platforms like Panopto and Kaltura offer AI tools for automated quizzing and grading, reducing the administrative workload for educators.
- Personalized Learning Paths: Dacast leverages analytics to help instructors tailor lessons to individual student needs, ensuring personalized progress.
- Engagement Analytics: AI-powered analytics from platforms like Wowza and Kaltura monitor live engagement, enabling real-time adjustments to improve participation.
AR/VR Integration
Platforms are increasingly adopting AR and VR to provide immersive learning environments for complex topics:
- Medical Training: Kaltura integrates with AR/VR tools to simulate medical procedures, giving students hands-on practice without requiring physical labs.
- Engineering Simulations: Dacast supports live streaming of VR-based simulations for mechanical engineering, offering learners a realistic training environment.
- Interactive Design Education: Panopto enables AR-enhanced sessions for architecture and design students to visualize their projects in 3D.
Gamification
Gamified features are critical for increasing student engagement and motivation in virtual classrooms:
- Leaderboards and Challenges: Platforms like Muvi and Cincopa enable gamification features, allowing instructors to create quizzes and track top performers.
- Digital Rewards: Panopto and Kaltura integrate badges and reward systems, fostering a competitive yet collaborative learning environment.
- Interactive Storytelling: Hippo Video incorporates gamification elements into live sessions, making subjects more relatable and enjoyable for students.
Success Metrics
Organizations and educators adopting these technologies report substantial gains:
- Enhanced Engagement: AI-driven insights from platforms like Dacast and Kaltura improve participation by up to 30%.
- Improved Academic Performance: Institutions using AR/VR integrations have seen a 15-20% increase in student comprehension and test scores.
- Scalable Accessibility: Dacast and Wowza offer reliable, high-quality global live streaming, allowing institutions to reach remote learners and increase enrollment by 40%.
Features to Look for in a Live Teaching Platform
Student’s digital classroom experiences are impacted by the choice of the best platform for live online classes.
Educators have several specific factors and live-streaming pricing needs for hosting and broadcasting videos that differ from other industries.
You may find these few features particularly helpful for creating a platform for live-streaming lectures and other educational materials. We recommend looking for these specific features when choosing the best live teaching platform.
1. Security and Privacy Settings
Since educational videos are typically restricted to authorized viewers, privacy and security tools are highly essential.
Schools that want to retain control over the content produced in their live online classes should look for a live-streaming online video platform fully loaded with the following privacy and security features:
2. White-Label Video Player
White-label video streaming refers to content that doesn’t include branding except your own. You can stream with most paid video hosting software platforms without mentioning their name to your viewers.
YouTube Live and Facebook Live are free video hosting providers that keep their own branding on the video player and landing page that houses it. We can say that this is both unprofessional and distracting to students.
White-label video players typically only contain third-party ads if you set them up for video monetization. This option allows you to set up a more controlled online learning platform.
3. API Access
An Application Programming Interface (API) is a tool that allows broadcasters to integrate external apps and programs. Video API allows customization of your video content management system, whereas player API allows customization of the actual video player.
API also integrates video tools into web applications, such as online learning platforms like Canvas, Blackboard, and more.
With schools trying to keep things simple for their students while creating a virtual streaming classroom experience consistent with in-person learning, API access is now more crucial than ever.
4. Video Monetization
Are you operating an online learning platform not publicly funded or tuition-based? Consider monetizing your educational video content to generate revenue.
Many independent online educators create courses and packages of video content sold as-is. For monetized content, viewers enter their payment information directly in the video player window and acquire access to the video.
Use monetization tools to quickly and easily generate revenue from your educational videos. However, independent educators mainly use monetization instead of grade schools, universities, or even technical schools.
Video monetization should be suitable for accredited institutions funded by taxpayers or tuition.
5. Accessibility
Accessibility is at the heart of inclusive education, and a high-quality live teaching platform ensures that all learners, regardless of physical or linguistic barriers, can participate effectively. Closed captions, multilingual translations, and screen reader support are all features supporting accessibility.
Use automated or manual closed captioning to ensure students with hearing impairments can follow along. And to make things accessible for all students worldwide, look for platforms that integrate AI-powered real-time language translations to cater to global audiences.
Platforms should also offer features that facilitate visually impaired learners to navigate and participate without barriers.
6. Scalability
A platform’s scalability becomes crucial as student enrollment increases or institutions run multiple simultaneous sessions. A robust online live class platform ensures that the quality of the learning experience remains unaffected during peak usage. This includes content delivery networks (CDNs) to ensure low-latency streaming, even with thousands of concurrent viewers.
Cloud-based solutions allow seamless scaling to meet the demands of large live events or high enrollment spikes. Platforms must also use load-balancing technology to manage server traffic, which will prevent crashes during peak usage.
7. Engagement Tools
Engagement tools are essential for creating interactive, dynamic learning environments. You will find that the top live teaching platforms integrate features that promote active participation and collaboration.
Educators can keep students engaged during live sessions by incorporating real-time polls and quizzes. Breakout rooms can be used for small-group discussions, while digital workspaces are great for brainstorming and visual demonstrations.
Moderated chats and live Q&A sessions are often used to encourage student interaction. And let’s not forget that leaderboards and badges, offered by some platforms, keep learners motivated and engaged throughout the session.
8. Third-party Integrations
Seamless integration with popular tools enhances the functionality of an online live class platform, streamlining workflows and expanding their capabilities. You will find that platforms integrate with Canvas, Moodle, and Blackboard to sync course materials and track student progress.
At the same time, compatibility with Google Workspace and Microsoft Teams allows for streamlined scheduling, resource sharing, and real-time collaboration. Third-party integration simplifies grading and assessment processes when using the assessment tools.
The 12 Best Online Learning Platforms to Live Stream Classes
Online learning platforms are suitable for hosting and streaming online lectures, but the choice should be made based on their ability to meet your institution’s specific needs. A live teaching platform for elementary students will surely differ from the one for college students.
Make a list of all the non-negotiable features as you evaluate each online learning platform below. You can then decide on one of the best online learning platforms for live-streaming virtual classes and other educational content.
Before we continue into a detailed overview of each platform, here is a brief analysis to help you easily understand what is offered:
Platform | Key Features | Pricing | Primary Use Case | Monetization option | Recommended for |
Dacast | Live streaming, VOD hosting, analytics, customizable player, API access, monetization options, and secure video delivery | Starts at $39/month | Live events, monetized streaming, professional broadcasters | Pay-per-view, subscriptions, ads | Professional training, independent educators |
Panopto | Lecture capture, video CMS, search within videos, analytics, and LMS integration | Contact for pricing | Corporate training, e-learning, academic lecture recording | No direct monetization | K-12 education, university-level instruction |
Muvi | OTT platform creation, live streaming, monetization, branded apps, DRM, analytics, and multi-format delivery | Starts at $399/month | OTT services, branded app creation, corporate webinars | Subscriptions, pay-per-view, ads | Professional training, OTT content providers |
Hippo Video | Video creation, editing, hosting, personalized video marketing, integrations with CRM tools | Starts at $7.50/month | Marketing campaigns, sales enablement, educational video creation | Limited monetization via integrations | Independent educators, marketing professionals |
Kaltura | Video CMS, lecture capture, live streaming, analytics, collaboration tools, monetization options, and API | Contact for pricing | Academic and corporate e-learning, webinars, video portals | Advertising, subscriptions, one-time payments | University-level instruction, professional training |
Zype | OTT and VOD distribution, analytics, monetization, API, and multi-platform delivery | Starts at $500/month | OTT platforms, VOD services, enterprise streaming | Class passes, subscriptions, pay-per-view | OTT providers, professional training |
Cincopa | Video hosting, galleries, interactive features, integrations, analytics, and secure sharing | Starts at $25/month | Marketing, internal communications, educational content | No direct monetization focus | Independent educators, marketing teams |
Vplayed | Custom OTT platforms, monetization, DRM, API, live streaming, and analytics | Contact for pricing | OTT services, enterprise-level streaming | Multiple monetization options | OTT providers, professional training |
Vimeo | Video hosting, live streaming, collaboration tools, customizable players, monetization, and analytics | Starts at $12/month | Independent video creators, marketing campaigns, internal communications | Advertising and subscriptions | Independent educators, marketing teams |
IBM Video Streaming | Live streaming, enterprise-grade security, API, analytics, multi-CDN delivery | Contact for pricing | Corporate events, enterprise streaming | Ad integration, subscription plans | Professional training, corporate events |
TwentyThree | Video marketing platform, hosting, analytics, integrations with CRM and marketing automation tools | Starts at $199/month | Marketing campaigns, webinars, lead generation | No direct monetization focus | Marketing professionals |
Wowza | Live streaming, low-latency delivery, API, analytics, and on-premise or cloud deployment options | Starts at $25/month | Live events, enterprise-grade streaming | Monetization through integrations only | Professional training, live-event broadcasting |
1. Dacast
Platform Overview:
Dacast’s online video education platform is one of the best online learning platforms for all educational institutions that supports live streaming and on-demand video hosting.
Its unified streaming solution provides Zoom live streaming. This makes real-time streaming possible for ultra-smooth video, well-suited for conference-style virtual classes.
Key Features:
Monetization features such as pay-per-view, subscriptions, and ad-based on-demand video are supported on all plans. It is also important to note that every plan on Dacast is fully white-label.
Dacast also supports powerful video uploading, optimized CMS, advanced security, and China video hosting. The Dacast learning platform is ideal for institutions and schools with a more comprehensive video-on-demand library compared to other online learning platforms. In addition, it’s perfect if you have large numbers of instructors creating content for different subjects and courses.
Detailed Features:
- Offers Zoom Meeting integration
- Password protected streaming
- IP address and geographic restrictions
- Unlimited viewers and live channels
- Embeddable HTML5 video player
- M3U8 media links to stream to mobile and smart TV apps
- Mobile device support
- SDK for player integration on iOS and Android platforms
- Live stream recording
- Live video and VOD multi-bitrate streaming
- Real-time video streaming analytics
- Ad-free streaming
- Tokenized access control for secure video sharing
- Video paywall for secure content monetization
- Digital Rights Management for Video-on-Demand
New!
- M3U8 file creation capability to enable adaptive streaming delivery of OTT video content across various devices
- Fully integrated RTMP streaming platform features
- Multi-user access on Scale and Custom plans
- Zoom live streaming integration for meetings and live events in real-time
- Advanced API to build your own video CMS
- Expo 2.0 galleries video portal for immersive video experiences
- AES video encryption for advanced streaming security
Pros:
- Unlimited live channels and concurrent viewers
- White-label and branding customization
- Embeddable HTML5 video player
- Live streaming and VOD streaming packages are included in all pricing plans
- SVOD, AVOD, and TVOD monetization options
- Mobile device support
- Live stream recording
- China Video Hosting
Cons:
- It requires a bit of a learning curve due to numerous feature
Upload Guidelines and Specs:
- Minimum dimension: none (but 240p is the recommended minimum)
- Maximum dimension: 1080p or 4K (depends on the user’s hardware and internet)
- Video aspect ratio: no restrictions (but 16:9 is the default)
- Max file size: none
- Max video length: none
- Total file storage: 10-1000GB (depends on plan)
- Compatible video formats: MP4 (preferred), MOV, M4V, M2V, AVI, MPG, FLV, WMV, MKV, WEBM, OGV, MXF, ASF, VOB, MT
Pricing:
Pricing for Dacast’s live streaming for education solutions starts at $39/month. Pricing plans include:
- Starter Plan: $39/month (billed annually); ideal for small schools; comes with 2.4 TB of bandwidth and 500 GB of storage per month
- Event Plan: $63/month (or $750/year); for educational organizations that would rather not sign a contract and want to purchase bandwidth separately to livestream an event. It offers 6 TB of bandwidth upfront and 250 GB of storage; additional data and storage can be added as needed.
- Scale Plan: $165/month (billed annually); includes 24 TB of bandwidth per year, with 2 TB of storage; adds phone support, monetization paywall, an M3U8 online player for live channels, ad insertion, white-label video player, and video API access.
- Custom Plan: if your school has high-volume streaming needs, you can contact Dacast for a custom plan tailored to your needs
Dacast also offers custom pricing for higher-volume streaming. Dacast supports you in creating an online learning platform that offers live streaming and on-demand content while allowing you complete control over privacy, monetization, and presentation.
2. Panopto
Platform Overview:
Panopto is known as a leading video platform for the education industry. It was originally designed as an online learning platform. Both universities and large companies with extensive internal training programs also use this learning platform.
Panopto includes easy-to-use software for capturing live lectures. They also have an advanced video search engine.
Key Features:
Panopto is one of the best live-streaming solutions, specifically focusing on creating an online learning environment. It integrates easily into Learning Management Systems. In addition, many of the tools in Panopto are similar to YouTube, making it easy for people to switch from YouTube to Panopto.
You can’t monetize your videos directly on Panopto; you need to add InPlayer for monetization. They offer a white-label experience and API access for a true custom solution.
Plus, they offer the option to make content private, which is essential when protecting your educational content’s value.
Its editing tools are pretty easy to use, which is an attractive feature for teachers who aren’t tech-savvy. Plus, it offers in-video notes, quizzes, and discussions, making the distance learning video courses highly interactive.
A notable feature of the platform is its accessibility tools, such as automated transcript generation.
This online live class platform is also student-friendly. Your students can add bookmarks to the video and make time-stamped notes. The cataloguing system is also accurate, allowing them to find the exact lectures they want by typing in some keywords.
Detailed Features:
- Lecture-capture and video-search software
- Access control & security features
- White-label streaming
- Integration with LMS systems
- APIs for further integrations.
- Audio Content
- Video engagement analytics
- Document Indexing
- Customizable Branding
- Full-Text Search
- Video Content
- Asset Categorization
Pros:
- Comprehensive lecture capture
- Advanced search of specific content
- Analytical and Engagement Tracking
- User-friendly interface for instructors and student
- Secure content, protecting intellectual property and student privacy
Cons:
- It may be pricier than other platforms
- May require a learning curve
Upload Guidelines and Specs:
- Compatible video formats: AVI, MP4, MPG, WMV, MOV, QT, ASF, 3GP, WMA, MP3, M4V
- All other upload guidelines and specs are only available to paying customers.
Pricing:
Contact Panopto directly for custom pricing on its enterprise package.
Panopto focuses on the education market and has developed tools that allow it to integrate into your learning management system. However, it doesn’t offer the ability to monetize your content for your online video education platform directly; that requires some extra steps.
3. Muvi
Platform Overview:
Muvi is an online class platform that helps you monetize your educational content and get it on multiple devices. You can choose between subscriptions, pay-per-view, and advertising, the three primary video monetization methods Muvi supports.
Use this platform to create courses and learning apps for various platforms, including:
- iOS App
- Windows app
- Android App
- LG TV app
- Chromecast streaming support
- Roku app
Use Muvi to get your learning content on apps. Everything you need to do happens within a single content management system (CMS). It also has a dedicated e-learning video portal to assist with live-streaming classes.
Key Features:
Muvi easily creates a multi-screen live stream platform. It also offers audio streaming and supports VOD. This robust video streaming solution provides a single CMS to simplify organizing your online learning video content.
Its live chat features allow you to interact with your students throughout the lecture. Choose to put subtitles in multiple languages and drastically increase your reach globally. Another key feature of this online live class platform is the time-stamped linking. You can add notes, PDF files, and PPTs to specific sections of the online video class.
The ability to record multiple lectures simultaneously ranks Muvi as the best platform for live online classes. Academic institutions or anyone with a Muvi membership can rest assured that various tutors and users can livestream and record their lectures simultaneously. The recordings can also be stored in the library for specific students to watch on demand.
Detailed Features:
- White-label with branding customization
- HTML5 video player
- Video analytics
- Monetization tools
- DRM and security features
- Live and on-demand hosting
- Powerful CDN
- Video CMS
- Transcoding
- Secure streaming
- Website and Apps for Mobile and TV
- Live stream capability
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Wide monetization options
- High scalability and reliability
- 24/7 customer support
- Offers strong security features
Cons:
- Higher pricing for advanced features
- May be slightly challenging for beginners
- Limited third-party integrations
Upload Guidelines and Specs:
- Minimum dimension: 144p (256 x 144)
- Maximum dimension: 4K (3840 x2160)
- Aspect ratio: 16:9, 4:3
- Max file size: not available
- Max video length: not available
- Total file storage: 1TB, 2TB, 5TB (depending on plan)
- Compatible video formats: MP4, MOV, MKV, FLV, VOB, M4V, AVI, 3GP, MPG
Pricing:
Educational institutions often choose Muvi because it offers an exhaustive selection of pricing plans. Let’s examine Muvi’s seven categories of pricing plans.
1. The Muvi One category offers plans with different features, such as the number of concurrent users, hosting options, and add-ons like the Alie recommendation engine. You can choose between the following plans:
- Standard: $399/month
- Professional: $1,499/month
- Enterprise: $3,900/month
- Ultimate: Contact sales for price
2. Muvi Live offers plans that include Ad-free, high-quality Streaming, unlimited events and meetings, enterprise-grade security, and custom branding.
- Standard: $99/month
- Professional: $299/month
- Enterprise: $799/month
3. With the Muvi Flex pricing plans you’ll get unlimited content and views, with varying features like the number of concurrent users, hosting options, and customization availability.
- Standard: $199/month
- Professional: $899/month
- Enterprise: $2,899/month
4. The Muvi Playout plans differ in features, offering the number of concurrent viewers, channels, and customization options. You can choose between the following plans:
- Standard: $199/month
- Professional: $499/month
- Enterprise: $1,999/month
5. Next are the Muvi Player SDK pricing modules as follows:
- Pay as You Go: $0/month + $0.001 per view (first 100 views are free)
- Enterprise: $499/month + $0.001 per view (first 100,000 views are free each month). You’ll also need to pay $99/month for each additional platform.
6. Unlike the other categories, Muvi TV offers only one Standard plan. For $9/month and an additional 9% flat commission on content sales, you’ll get global distribution and features like unlimited content, views, and the ability to publish and monetize quickly.
7. Muvi Alie is the final category offering plans with features such as ingestion features, training, and recommendation requests. Choose between:
- Standard: $199/month
- Professional: $899/month
- Enterprise: $1,499/month
4. Hippo Video
Platform Overview:
The main focus of Hippo Video is marketing and sales, but this professional live-stream hosting provider also offers virtual classroom software specifically designed for educational live-streaming. This all-in-one platform has an intuitive interface and extensive integration capabilities.
Hippo Video’s pricing plans are suitable for broadcasters at all price points, making it great for small and large learning needs.
Key Features:
You can download this platform’s unique virtual classroom software as a Chrome extension. Use the extension to record videos and then edit them. The video editing tools allow you to:
- Merge
- Cut
- Crop
- Trim
- Add emojis
This platform offers one of the best online learning experiences because it integrates with Google Docs, Google Slides, and Gmail. These integrations are helpful since the tools are widely used to share documents.
It’s designed with different levels of expertise in mind, offering simple editing tools for regular users. They also have complicated pro editing tools for tech-savvy instructors. The markup tools are handy for highlighting text or images while recording, focusing on certain screen areas, and erasing information.
Thanks to its guest recording feature, your students can record presentations or assignments and send them to you without signing up with the platform.
Detailed Features:
- Editing and video creation tools
- Customization options
- Marketing tools (CTAs, analytics, etc.)
- Screen recording
- Hosting tools (transcoding, closed captioning, organization)
- Collaboration tools
Pros:
- Easy-to-use and intuitive interface
- Screen and Webcam Recording
- Comprehensive video features
- Wide range of hosting tools
- Scalable solutions for teams of all sizes
- Interactive videos
- Collaborative tools
Cons:
- Limited advanced editing
- Higher costs for larger teams
- The built-in editor can be glitchy
Upload Guidelines and Specs:
- Minimum dimension: 480p
- Maximum dimension: 1080p
- Aspect ratio: not available
- Max file size: 3 GB
- Max video length: 5 minutes on Free plans, 2 hours on Premium plans
- Total file storage: n/a
- Compatible video formats: not available
Pricing:
Hippo is an excellent live-streaming service if you need flexibility with pricing and budget. It offers a range of plans that can work for educational organizations of all sizes. It’s pricing structure provides several solutions for different use cases. You can choose between the Video Messaging and Text-to-Video pricing categories.
The Text-to-Video category includes the following plans:
- Free: For $0, you get 3 video downloads, a single-user workspace, AI trust and safety, and Pay-as-you-go ($5 for each video creation).
- Starter: $24/month/user. It’s designed for individuals creating videos and includes 10 video downloads, a single-user workspace, AI trust and safety, and Pay-as-you-go ($5 for each video creation).
- Creator: For $69/month/user, individuals and teams scaling video content creation will get unlimited video downloads, multi-user workspace, and video translation.
- Enterprise: This plan allows users to produce studio-quality content with enterprise-grade security. Contact the Hippo sales team for a customized plan and price.
The Video Messaging category offers:
- Free: It is free to use. It includes two video flows, 10 minutes of closed captions, five videos, an AI editor, and two sales page templates.
- Pro: $20/month/user and includes 5 video flows, 30 minutes of closed captions, 10 videos – AI editor, and 5 sales page templates.
- Teams: For $60/month/user, you’ll get 15+ video flows, 200 minutes of closed captions, 50 videos of the AI editor, and 15 sales page templates.
- Enterprise: For $80/month/user, users get unlimited access to video flows, minutes of closed captions, videos – AI editor, and sales page templates.
5. Kaltura
Platform Overview:
Kaltura’s cloud-based solution allows you to host live and on-demand learning experiences. Its platform is designed for educational purposes, making it a robust educational video platform. It is open-source, which means there are almost endless plug-ins and integration possibilities—allowing you to create a custom eLearning experience.
Key Features:
For those who wish to keep their educational content secure, Kaltura offers a wide range of security features, such as:
- DRM
- Access control
- Encryption
With educational content holding much value, you can use Kaltura’s many monetization tools. The service is white-label, with APIs for custom programming, allowing you to create the educational learning experience that fits your goals.
This online live class platform is designed for institutions that serve millions of students daily. It has excellent collaboration tools, such as inviting other professors or students to interact with you on the virtual whiteboard. You can also go to breakout rooms and have quality discussions in small groups.
With Kaltura’s advanced analytics, you can easily monitor attendance and engagement during your lectures. This educational streaming service is optimized for mobile screens, tablets, and PCs, so your students and staff can access their online courses from anywhere.
Detailed Features:
- Security features (password protection, encryption, and watermarking)
- Cloud TV service
- Closed captioning available for accessibility
- Monetization options include advertising, subscriptions, and one-time transactions
- Video looping available
- Allows bulk video uploading
- Chat tools
- Screen sharing
Pros:
- Scalable for businesses and educational institutions
- The streaming experience is completely customizable
- Comprehensive streaming features
- Selection of several monetization options
- Reliable video security
- Multi-device support
Cons:
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Slow customer support
- Limited pre-built templates
- Does not support China video delivery
Upload Guidelines and Specs:
- Recommended dimensions: 180p (320×180) to 1080p (1920×1080)
- Supported aspect ratios: 16:9, 4:3
- Maximum file size: 2 GB
- Maximum video length: Unknown (No limits are published)
- Total file storage: 10 GB to unlimited, depending on the plan
- Accepted video formats: MOV, MP4
Pricing:
If you want a platform that emphasizes customization, Kaltura is open-source and focused on education. This means it offers many unique tools and features.
It’s designed with large enterprises and educational institutions in mind. They need fully customizable video solutions and prices based on the required solutions. The plans are divided into numerous different categories, including:
- Limited trial: $1 for two webinars
- Business: $150/month billed annually
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
- Annual discounts: Discounted pricing packages are available for any scale and use-case, enterprise SLA, and developer support. For more information, please contact sales.
- Limited trial account: $100 worth of credits for 30 days for just $1, which includes testing and experimentation with no commitments.
- Pay as you go: You pay only for what you use at these credit levels. This plan costs a one-time annual fee of $20 plus monthly usage fees.
6. Zype
Platform Overview:
Zype is a live-streaming solution for educational institutions and freelance educators with large budgets and vast video hosting needs. They offer a simple content management system that allows you to manage, live stream, organize, and monetize your content in one place.
A top feature is the possibility of creating and launching mobile and TV apps for your learning video content.
Key Features:
Said to be the best platform for live online classes, focusing on managing, hosting, and delivering high-quality educational live streams. Zype offers many monetization methods, such as:
- Class passes
- Subscriptions
- Pay-per-view events
- Rental abilities
- Single transactions
Accepting payments directly and keeping 100% of your revenue is the best part of their monetization system.
The platform offers tools for importing files, media, and text into your video presentation. This helps you avoid repeating repetitive tasks for every class.
You can also fit a lot of metadata in the description of each live stream on Zype’s platform. Add notes, links, and explanations without worrying about running out of space. Or go ahead and customize your cataloging system. This way, each educator can make their own files and workflows.
Detailed Features:
- High-ticket streaming packages
- Scalable platform
- CRM tools for streamlined teamwork
- Monetization tools
- App building support
- Self-publish to Amazon TV and mobile apps
Pros:
- All-in-one video management
- Multiple monetization options
- Multi-platform distribution
- APIs and SDKs for custom integrations
- Flexible hosting and streaming options
- Custom branding and control over design and user experience
Cons:
- Can be expensive for small businesses or startups
- Limited built-in customization
- May be complex for beginners
Upload Guidelines and Specs:
- Dimensions: 1920x1080p (suggested)
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Max file size: 100 GB
- Max video length: unavailable
- Total file storage: unavailable
- Compatible video formats: 3GP, AVI, FLV, MP4, MPEG-2, ProRes, M4V, WMV
Pricing:
Zype offers three pricing plans that cover the requirements of most businesses and educational institutions:
- Zype X: $500/month, and it’s the best option for new developers and customers.
- Premium: used by customers operating at scale. Contact sales to get a customized plan and pricing.
- Enterprise: used by customers operating multiple properties. Contact sales to get a customized plan and pricing.
Zype allows you to manage your videos across multiple platforms and supports building your educational learning app.
7. Cincopa
Platform Overview:
Cincopa is an online course platform that offers unique multimedia hosting services for storing and managing video, photo, and audio content. The platform enables teachers to capture lectures and create engaging video presentations with a single, easy-to-use tool.
Among Cicopa’s streaming offerings, video and media solutions for education are integral to the video platform. Many businesses prefer a dedicated video hosting service, but Cincopa is an excellent option for educational organizations of all sizes.
Key Features:
This multimedia hosting platform allows hosting video, audio (podcasts and music), photos, and much more. Cincopa’s online live class platform offers educators instant insights into how specific videos perform.
The AI-backed auto-tagging and closed captioning options are its key features. It helps to improve the quality of search results and storage of many classes.
Its HTML5 player works perfectly on all devices. To provide your audience with a better learning experience, you can add chapters, quizzes, and annotations to the video.
Cincopa’s live teaching platform is great for courses requiring many high-quality pictures because you can create an extensive digital gallery canvas for all your images.
Detailed Features:
- Live Video Learning & Recording
- Video & Media CMS
- Leading LMS & CMS Integrations
- Mobile-Ready Interactive Video
- Video Capturing Solutions
- Captions, Accessibility, and In-Video Search
- Adaptive Streaming (HLS) & CDN
- Flexible Deployment Options
- Extensive analytics
Pros:
- All-in-one media hosting
- Solutions for sales, marketing, education, production, publishing
- Customizable templates for galleries and media players
- Monetization tools
- Robust video hosting features
- Insightful video analytics
Cons:
- Limited free plan
- There is a learning curve for advanced features
- Inconsistent customer support
Upload Guidelines and Specs:
- Minimum dimension: 144p
- Maximum dimension: 4K
- Aspect ratio: 4:3, 16:9
- Max file size: 1, 2, 20GB (depending on the plan)
- Max video length: not available
- Total file storage: 5 videos, 40 videos, unlimited videos (depending on the plan)
- Compatible video formats: AVI, MOV, WMV, MP4, M4A, F4A, F4B, F4V, F4P, M2TS, MTS, VOB, MKV, RMVB, M1V, QT, DIV, DIVX, DV, 3GP, 3GPP, 3G2, MPG, MPEG, MPE, FLV
Pricing:
You can select one of the three distinct pricing plans that Cincopa offers:
- Plus: $25/month; includes marketing tools (CTAs, email integrations, etc.)
- Corporate: $99/month; advanced broadcasting tools
- Agency/Enterprise: $350/month; advanced broadcasting tools with more flexibility
Contact Cincopa’s sales team for detailed information on the Custom Enterprise plan where you can optimize your media strategy as per your business growth.
8. VPlayed
Platform Overview:
VPlayed is a streaming solution powered by CONTUS that supports live streaming and VOD hosting. This live teaching platform offers a dedicated educational streaming service.
Its software has many advanced streaming features, making it well-suited for broadcasters with great streaming needs.
Key Features:
This unified streaming solution for educators and professionals in other industries supports the hosting and managing live and on-demand content. It has adaptive bitrate streaming and cloud transcoding, allowing you to stream your live classes without lag.
The platform automatically adjusts the video quality of viewers with a bad internet connection instead of buffering. Another key feature is scheduling and automated reminders. You can use it to alert students to log into the platform before the class starts.
VPlayed offers various tools to increase the interaction with your students. These include a collaborative whiteboard, polls, and micro lectures that you can also share ahead of the class.
Detailed Features:
- HTML5 all-device video player
- VOD
- Video monetization
- Video security
- Live stream capability
- Tools for security
- 100% customizable experience
- CMS to segregate your videos and organize your classes
Pros:
- Diverse monetization models
- White-label solution
- Multiple-device support
- DRM, AES encryption, and secure streaming
- High-quality streaming
- Compatible with third-party tools
Cons:
- High initial cost
- Technical expertise needed
- Long-implementation time
Upload Guidelines and Specs:
- Minimum dimension: unavailable
- Maximum dimension: no larger than the source dimension
- Aspect ratio: 4:3, 16:9 (suggested)
- Max file size: No limits
- Max video length: unavailable
- Total file storage: unavailable
- Compatible video formats: not specified
Pricing:
VPlayed doesn’t publish pricing on its site, so you’ll need to contact its sales team for more information. However, it has over 100 integrations, six monetization tools, free migrations, and 150+ powerful streaming features, making it a customizable solution for large educational enterprises.
9. Vimeo
Platform Overview:
Initially launched as a video-sharing platform similar to YouTube, Vimeo has evolved into a tool tailored for novice broadcasters. It offers affordable, budget-friendly plans but has limited advanced streaming capabilities.
Key Features:
Vimeo offers a versatile platform with key features, including high-quality video hosting, customizable video players, and privacy controls. It supports live streaming, on-demand video, and monetization options like subscriptions and pay-per-view.
Vimeo provides advanced analytics, integrations with marketing tools, and collaborative features for teams, making it ideal for creators, businesses, and educators looking for professional video solutions.
Detailed Features:
- Multiple security features
- Additional marketing capabilities
- Audience interaction tools
- Detailed video analytics
- Excellent security features
- Easy to use for both users and viewers
- Add call-to-action buttons in your video
- Engagement and social analytics
- Privacy controls
- Host live broadcasts and webinars
- Video management
- Custom permissions
- Auto-recording of screens for video creation
Pros:
- Customizable video player
- User-friendly interface with simple navigation
- Great in-class security and privacy settings
- Several monetization models
- Good video playback quality
Cons:
- Costly subscription plans
- Live streaming restrictions
- Weekly storage and upload limits
Upload Guidelines and Specs:
- Recommended dimensions: 720p (1280×720)
- Supported aspect ratios: 16:9, 4:3
- Maximum file size: 3 GB
- Maximum video length: Unknown
- Total file storage: Unknown
- Accepted video formats: MP4 (recommended)
Pricing:
Vimeo offers several plans designed to fit the requirements of businesses and educational institutions:
- Free: Free to use forever; 1GB storage, 1 seat, and 2TB bandwidth per month.
- Starter: $12/month billed annually; 100GB storage and 2TB bandwidth per month. You get 1 seat and can purchase additional seats for $144 per seat per year.
- Standard: $25/month billed annually; 1TB storage and 2TB bandwidth per month. You get 2 seats and purchase additional seats for $300 per seat per year.
- Advanced: $65/month billed annually; 5TB storage and 2TB bandwidth per month. You get 2 seats and purchase additional seats for $780 per seat per year.
- Enterprise: You will need to contact the sales team to get customized options suited to your needs.
3) Vimeo also offers a full range of over-the-top (OTT) features:
- Starter Pricing: $1/subscriber per month
- Growth Pricing: starting at $500/month
- These plans include all the basics for starting your web-based OTT channel and growing your OTT business online.
10. IBM Cloud Video
Platform Overview:
IBM Cloud Video is an online video education platform that uses the technology behind the service formerly known as UStream. Due to its years of experience in online streaming, the platform features many powerful options and supports academic solutions included in its live streaming and broadcast tools.
Key Features:
Webcasting, content management, password protection, worldwide delivery, cloud transcoding, and HD streaming are ranked as IBM Video Streaming’s native features. You will also find advanced e-learning features like AI-based speech-to-text, automated closed captioning, live polling, real-time monitoring, and video analytics and insights.
Ad integration includes video monetization, while the complete white-label branding control starts with the $1,460/month Platinum plan. You will find it includes a complete white-label branding controlling plan. The IBM Video Streaming API is included in custom Media and Enterprise video plans.
Unlike other educational streaming services, storage for course materials allows for better self-paced learning, which is one of the great features of this platform. You can even request to design a customized package that works for your business.
Detailed Features:
- Highly reliable
- Superior customer support
- Video is delivered using an internal VOD server
- Suited for larger businesses
- Powerful features for education live streaming
- Works on the web, Android, and iPhone
- Exceptional security features
Pros:
- Supports high-quality live streaming
- Enterprise-level security features
- Enterprise-grade features
- Reliable customer support
- Several monetization options
Cons:
- Complex setup and configuration
- Costly for small businesses
- HD streaming comes with more inclusive plans
- Limited closed captioning support
Upload Guidelines and Specs:
- Recommended dimensions: 4K (3840×2160)
- Supported aspect ratios: Unknown (Not published)
- Maximum file size: 4 GB
- Maximum video length: Unknown (No limits are published)
- Total file storage: 1 TB – 5 TB, depending on the plan
- Accepted video formats: MKV, MP4, MOV, FLV, AVI, WMV, MPEG2, H264, H263, MPEG4, VP6, VP8, THEORA, WMV, MP3, AAC-LC, NELLYMOSER, PCM, SPEEX, VORBIS, WMA
Pricing:
IBM Cloud Video offers four different pricing plans:
- Start Trial – Video Streaming: Give it a free test drive for 30 days
- Silver: Affordable Essentials, 100 viewer hours, 5 channels, 1 TB video storage, starting at $145/month
- Gold: Standard business features, 2,000 viewer hours, 10 channels, 2 TB video storage, starting at $729/month
- Platinum: Premium Volume scale, 5,000 viewer hours, 20 channels, 5 TB video storage, starting at $1,460/month
- Custom: Please contact IBM Cloud video for custom plan pricing as well as payment plans
11. TwentyThree
Platform Overview:
TwentyThree is an all-in-one online live class platform allowing educational institutions to host, manage, and analyze video content. Unlike traditional video hosting services, TwentyThree emphasizes integrating video into marketing campaigns, helping businesses use video as a central component of their marketing strategy.
The platform offers comprehensive tools for video engagement, webinar hosting, and analytics, enabling businesses to optimize their video marketing efforts. With seamless integrations with marketing automation platforms and CRMs, it’s an ideal choice for marketers seeking actionable, data-driven insights.
Key Features:
Twenty Three offers interactive features like clickable CTAs, quizzes, and forms embedded directly in videos to increase viewer engagement and drive conversions. It integrates with popular marketing automation platforms, CRMs, and analytics tools. This way, it enables marketers to use video data alongside other marketing insights for better decision-making.
It uses built-in tools to capture leads directly from video content, helping businesses turn viewers into customers. Educational institutions can maintain a consistent look and feel across all video content by using the customizable branding option.
Detailed Features:
- Videos hosting and management
- Video analytics
- Customizable video hub
- Live streaming
- Webinar hosting
- Cross-platform publishing
Pros:
- Offers scalable streaming pricing plans
- Supports both live and on-demand video content
- SEO-friendly tools for better discoverability of video content
- Highly customizable video player
- Large collection of enterprise-grade streaming tools
- Reliable customer support
Cons:
- Limited scalability for advanced live-streaming needs
- Some issues with integrations
- May need some level of technical expertise
Upload Guidelines and Specs:
- Minimum Dimension: 240p (426×240 pixels)
- Maximum Dimension: Supports up to 4K
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (recommended); supports other standard ratios
- Max File Size: Depends on the plan, with no specific limit noted for higher-tier packages
- Max Video Length: No hard limit; depends on storage and use case
- Total File Storage: Depends on the pricing plan
- Compatible Video Formats: MP4 (H.264/AAC), MOV, AVI, and WMV, among other common formats
Pricing:
You will find that TwentyThree has four main categories for their pricing. Each of these categories is further broken down into other plans to best suit the needs and requirements of the user.
- TwentyThree Bundle offers two options: Growth for €2,499/month/workspace and Enterprise for €7,500/month/workspace.
- Video Library and Personal Video include the Pro plan for €19/month per user, and Enterprise, which costs €39/month for a minimum of 50 users.
- The Video Marketing Platform category consists of the Video Marketing Platform offered at €499/month and the Enterprise plan at €2500/month/workspace.
- Webinars is the final category and includes the Pro pricing plan at €499/month, the Complete plan at €1499/month, and the Enterprise plan for €2500/month/workspace.
12. Wowza
Platform Overview:
As one of the longest-standing online video hosting platforms, Wowza is known for its leading video streaming capabilities. It is adaptable to a wide range of needs, ensuring seamless video delivery with strong security and global scalability. Its emphasis on real-time streaming and ultra-low latency makes it a top choice for interactive applications such as online gaming, live auctions, and virtual events.
Designed for businesses, developers, and enterprises, Wowza offers a customizable and scalable solution for both live and on-demand streaming. With its powerful APIs, SDKs, and integrations, Wowza provides exceptional flexibility to create tailored streaming workflows.
Key Features:
Wowza is a robust video streaming platform known for its scalability, flexibility, and real-time streaming capabilities. It supports both live and on-demand video streaming, providing seamless delivery across various devices and platforms.
Known for its customization and flexibility, Wowza offers powerful APIs, SDKs, and integrations, allowing businesses and developers to create customized streaming workflows tailored to specific needs. To ensure consistent quality and performance for users in any region, it provides scalable video delivery across the globe.
Use the option of detailed analytics and monitoring tools to track video performance, viewer engagement, and stream health in real time.
Detailed Features:
- Video content management
- Supports high-definition streaming
- Live and on-demand streaming
- Ultra-low latency
- Robust security features
- Video API
- Simulcasting capabilities
- Interactive streaming support
Pros:
- Connects with Google Analytics
- Supports ultra-low latency streaming
- Live streaming and video-on-demand
- Flexible deployment options
- Strong security
- Suitable for interactive streaming use cases
Cons:
- Monetization is only possible through integrations
- Has a steep learning curve
Upload Guidelines and Specs:
- Minimum Dimension: 240p (426×240 pixels).
- Maximum Dimension: 4K (3840×2160 pixels).
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (preferred); supports 4:3 and custom aspect ratios as well.
- Max File Size: This depends on the plan but generally supports large file uploads suitable for high-definition content.
- Max Video Length: Unlimited for VOD; restrictions depend on plan and server capacity for live streams.
- Total File Storage: Flexible and based on pricing plans; scales for enterprise needs.
- Compatible Video Formats: MP4 (H.264/AAC), FLV, MOV, WebM, and other common streaming formats.
Pricing:
To simplify things for users, Wowza offers 2 main pricing categories.
1. Wowza Video Cloud Streaming offers three distinct pricing plans and services.
- One Month of Streaming: $149 one-time purchase; includes 15 hours of live streaming and 500 viewing hours.
- Pay As You Go: $0/month; $2.50/hour of streaming and $0.10 per viewer hour, all usage billed separately.
- Enterprise: Annual plans are built for your needs, so you’ll have to contact sales for custom pricing.
2. Wowza Streaming Engine comes with its own pricing plan packages and includes:
- One Month of Streaming: $295/month one-time purchase and the first instance included. Additional instances will cost $295.
- Basic monthly: $195 per month and the first instance included. Additional instances will cost $195.
- Enterprise: Please contact the Wowza sales team directly for access to their custom-tailored high-volume enterprise solutions.
Visit Wowza’s pricing page and browse for alternative plans and packages offered.
How to Create an Online Education Platform (With Examples)
Now that you have learned more about the top video platforms for education, it’s time to finalize your platform choice and bring everything together. But before we discuss how to create a platform to stream your videos in more detail using the leading online learning course platforms, here is a quick checklist on how to set up a Live-streaming classroom:
- Plan your setup and define your streaming goals.
- Choose a live-streaming platform, set up an account, and configure privacy settings.
- Prepare the necessary equipment: camera, microphone, lighting, tripod, screen share device, green screen (optional).
- Ensure you have a stable, high-speed internet connection.
- Adjust the platform configuration. This means testing and adjusting the audio and video settings, screen share and presentation settings, and enabling the interactive features.
- Always conduct a test run of everything before going live. Check the audio and video quality by doing a private test stream.
- Prepare the class materials you plan to use during the live stream and share any preparatory materials with students beforehand.
- When you go live, join 10 to 15 minutes earlier and enable the session recording. Monitor the chat and Q&A to engage the audience.
- The final post-stream tasks include sharing the recording, reviewing the participants’ feedback, and evaluate the performance.
1. Plan Your Setup
Below, you will find four popular approaches to use to create an online education platform.
eLearning
Your students are remote learners when you are using an eLearning platform. With a free online live class platform, you can offer free courses, require payment, or do both. An example of an eLearning website that provides a mix of free and paid classes is Udacity. Not everyone who takes free online courses will upgrade to paid classes, but many do. Free courses allow those on the fence to get a feel of an instructor’s teaching style before investing.
Hybrid, In-person, or Online
Based on your chosen platform, you’ll most likely host in-person educational events rather than exclusively selling courses online. However, you can also add an online component to reach a larger audience or accommodate those who couldn’t attend in person. For example, universities can allow remote students to enroll in classes while still appealing to local students.
A good example of an institution using a hybrid approach is Gresham College. They offer the option to register for various online courses while also allowing local attendees to join the lectures in person.
Flipped Classroom
Educators in K-12 schools or universities may adopt this approach to maximize their students’ in-person learning time. With this method, it is common to stream lectures or post pre-recorded sessions for on-demand access. This allows in-person time to be better utilized for activities such as answering questions, collaborating on group projects, and gaining hands-on experience.
Training
Businesses often use this training approach for internal purposes, partner education, or customer product training. For example, a company might use a live-streaming platform to train salespeople on how to sell a new product or service. Similarly, the business might set up a platform for current customers to learn how to use the product or service more effectively. This not only helps customers get the most out of your product but also increases the likelihood of renewals or upgrades.
2. Create a Website
Creating a website is a great way to gain more control over your online live class platform. You can choose a domain name, register it with a web hosting service like GoDaddy or Bluehost, and use WordPress to build and customize your site.
If you’re venturing into eLearning, keep in mind that it’s a highly competitive space. Choosing a niche and identifying what sets you apart from other educators in the same field is essential. Once you’ve determined this, make sure to highlight it clearly and consistently on your website. Communicate your unique value through your design, images, and text.
Don’t forget to include a detailed About Page. A well-crafted About Page helps visitors quickly understand what your online video education platform is about. Along with your homepage, it’s one of the most visited pages on a website. A great example is MorningCME, which offers live lectures and recorded training for those pursuing Continuing Medical Education (CME).
Next, let’s discuss how to set up an online class.
3. Set Up Your Online Class
Organization is essential for an online course or class. Here are some best practices to follow:
- Organize by Topics or Channels. For example, if your business offers four main products, create separate channels for each. Outschool is a website that has done this well. In general, the fewer hurdles you create for your learners, the more engaged they’ll be.
- Add a Search Function: Make it easy for students to find past, current, and upcoming videos.
- Create Registration Pages for Students to RSVP: This could involve a monetary commitment or be as simple as responding to an email. For instance, Outschool limits class sizes, so its registration page requires payment. In contrast, Gresham College allows people to register for and join live lectures with just an email address.
- Provide Detailed Descriptions of Lectures Below the Video: Build curiosity and interest by offering detailed descriptions of what the audience can expect from each live stream or on-demand video. Be sure to include the duration so students know what to expect ahead of time.
4. Gather Equipment and Digital Tools
Having the proper setup will significantly improve the overall live-streaming experience. For a basic setup, you’ll need the following:
- Basic encoding software
- Simulcasting tool (optional)
- Mixing and production software (optional)
- Camera
- Laptop, computer, or smartphone
- Video learning platform
OBS Studio is a popular and free encoder for a basic setup. If you’re streaming with a phone or webcam, you can skip the encoding software and camera, but keep in mind that the stream quality may not be as high.
5. Choose an Online Video Teaching Platform
Choose from the top video-sharing platforms for education that we’ve evaluated. Ensure the equipment and digital tools you select are compatible with your online instruction platform.
In most cases, online live class platforms make it easy to embed videos on your website. Typically, it involves copying a piece of code from your online learning platform and pasting it into the HTML of your website. If you need more guidance on this step, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide.
6. Begin Streaming
Now that you know how to make an online class, you can start producing online teaching videos and live-stream lectures.
Live Streaming Tips for Online Educators
Online education is incredibly valuable, but it does come with a learning curve for educators. Even teachers with decades of classroom experience may find this new role overwhelming at first.
To help educators navigate these challenges, we’ve compiled a few broadcasting tips to make the transition smoother.
1. Plan with Technology in Mind
It may sound like a no-brainer, but preparing presentations for a live stream is different from presenting them on a large projector in front of a class. You’ll need to ensure that your presentations are easily readable on a small screen.
If you’re planning to share your screen, be sure to close any tabs with private information to avoid accidentally exposing sensitive details. For instance, if you are switching between different presentations and documents during your live class, make sure your online grade book is closed to prevent it from showing on the screen.
For a more detailed guide, check out our step-by-step tutorial on how to set up live streaming on any website.
2. Have a Backup Plan
Even with the best preparation, technical disruptions can still occur, and internet connections can fail in the middle of class. To minimize the impact of potential issues like platform downtimes or connectivity problems, educators should have backup plans in place. Here are a few strategies:
- Have an Alternative Platform Ready: Choose a backup platform for live streaming in case the primary one experiences issues. Platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams can serve as reliable alternatives. Be sure to share the backup link with students in advance.
- Pre-Record Key Content: In case of live streaming failures, having pre-recorded lessons or presentations can be a lifesaver. Upload these videos to your learning platform or an easily accessible file-sharing service (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox), so students can view the content without delay.
- Offline Access to Materials: For file-sharing, consider using multiple services like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox, ensuring students can access essential course materials, assignments, and readings even if one service is down.
- Test Equipment and Platform in Advance: Prior to each class, run a quick test of your internet connection, camera, microphone, and chosen platform to ensure everything works smoothly. This can help identify and resolve issues before the class begins.
- Clear Communication: Always communicate with your students ahead of time about what to do if something goes wrong. Provide alternate contact methods (e.g., email, a backup group chat) to notify students if there’s a disruption and offer clear instructions on how to proceed.
3. Incorporate Pre-Recorded Media
If your streaming platform or encoder supports multi-source streaming, you can show a movie or other pre-recorded media in your live class.
The ability to show a movie in an online class is valuable. A documentary or film can provide context for a topic that may be difficult to convey with the resources available.
Setting up a movie should be as simple as adding a second source and switching to it when it’s time to present. However, the process may vary slightly across different online learning platforms, so we recommend contacting your platform’s tech support team for specific instructions.
4. Don’t Put Too Much Pressure On Yourself.
Online teaching may not be your first choice, and it may feel outside your comfort zone—and the same likely applies to your students.
Don’t stress about doing everything “perfectly,” as teaching online comes with a learning curve. Remember, your students are learning alongside you.
Guide them with patience, and try to redirect any frustration if they aren’t grasping the material as quickly as they might in a traditional classroom setting.
5. Interactive Learning Techniques
Interactive learning techniques are essential in keeping students engaged in live online classes. Here are some best practices for maintaining student interest and participation:
- Polls and Quizzes: Incorporate live polls and quizzes to gauge student understanding and make learning more engaging. Tools like Kahoot, Mentimeter, or built-in features in platforms like Zoom allow instant feedback and interaction.
- Breakout Rooms: Use breakout rooms for small group discussions or collaborative activities. This promotes peer-to-peer interaction and keeps students engaged through group work, fostering a sense of community.
- Real-Time Q&A: Encourage students to ask questions during the class using the chat function or dedicated Q&A tools. Allow regular pauses in your lesson to address these questions and ensure students stay connected to the material.
- Interactive Whiteboards and Annotations: Use shared whiteboards or screen annotation tools to explain concepts visually. Platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams offer features that allow both the instructor and students to write on the screen, creating a dynamic, interactive environment.
- Gamification: Incorporate elements of competition or rewards to turn learning into a game. Leaderboards, badges, and challenges can motivate students to actively participate while having fun.
- Interactive Multimedia: Break up the lesson with videos, polls, graphics, or live demonstrations. Changing the format of your content throughout the class keeps students attentive and helps reinforce the material in different ways.
- Active Participation: Encourage student participation by asking open-ended questions, inviting students to share their experiences, or assigning small tasks they can complete during the class. Recognize and praise contributions to foster a positive learning environment.
Industry Insights
Understanding the industry’s unique needs is essential when selecting the right platform to significantly enhance the learning experience. Here, we explore key factors such as certification support and regional features crucial for tailoring online education to specific industry needs.
Certification Needs:
Selecting a platform that supports these needs is essential for industries requiring certifications or continuing education credits. Platforms should offer features tailored for continuing education, enabling educators to provide verified certificates upon completion of courses or training.
In fields such as healthcare, CME (Continuing Medical Education) credits can be integrated into courses, ensuring medical professionals meet their regulatory requirements. Similarly, platforms supporting CPD (Continuing Professional Development) help professionals across sectors maintain their credentials. These platforms often include tracking features, automated certificates, and compliance with industry-specific standards, making them ideal for organizations offering professional development courses.
Regional Features:
When teaching or conducting training across different regions, it is important to choose a platform that supports the global reach of your educational content. Platforms should also provide multi-language support, making it easy to offer content in various languages, which is crucial for reaching diverse audiences.
At the same time, platforms that comply with regional laws such as GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) in Europe or FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) in the U.S. ensure that user data is handled securely and in compliance with legal standards. These features are particularly important for educational institutions or businesses offering online courses to international audiences, ensuring they meet both legal and cultural expectations.
The Future of Education
While the current state of the world has created instability for many industries, online learning has proven invaluable in helping students navigate these changing times.
Live streaming classes allow students to engage with the material more interactively, especially for those accustomed to in-person lectures. This teaching method provides significant advantages over simply uploading notes for students to read independently, as it promotes real-time interaction and immediate feedback.
Even if online education is not the preferred option for all students, keeping them on track when schools are closed is essential, particularly when learning from home is safer. Consider implementing live streams, on-demand lectures, and other digital tools to ensure greater access to education.
Looking ahead, the future of education is increasingly leaning towards hybrid models, where in-person learning is combined with online resources to create more flexible and personalized learning experiences. Technologies such as AI, immersive virtual classrooms, and interactive learning platforms are also set to redefine the educational landscape, making learning more accessible and tailored to individual needs. With the evolution of education, integrating digital tools will likely remain a key component in creating a more inclusive, adaptable, and resilient system for learners worldwide.
FAQs
1. What is the best platform for teaching kids vs. adults?
Platforms like Outschool or Kahoot work well for kids due to their interactive and engaging features. Zoom or Teachable is ideal for adults, offering more robust features for content delivery and professional learning environments.
2. How much bandwidth do I need for live-streaming classes?
For smooth live streaming, you should have at least 3-5 Mbps upload speed for standard quality and 5-10 Mbps for HD quality. Higher speeds are recommended for multiple participants or high-definition content.
3. Are free platforms like YouTube Live sufficient?
Free platforms like YouTube Live can be sufficient for basic streaming but may lack features like interactive tools, security, and customization. For more professional or secure teaching, a paid platform like Zoom or Dacast is recommended.
Conclusion
The online education platform industry is expected to continue growing, with more professional educators embracing remote learning through online video education. Whether it’s a master’s degree from a prestigious university or online courses for businesses, a professional-grade video education platform is essential.
Dacast is a professional-grade platform used by educators worldwide. With Dacast you can host virtual classrooms provided through its comprehensive video management platform. Its streamlined, reliable, high-quality platform includes Zoom live-streaming integration for seamless, real-time classroom replications. Furthermore, Dacast supports superfast video uploading and has advanced security and video-on-demand storage.
You can try Dacast’s feature-rich platform with our 14-day free trial.