Introduction

A good education can do wonders for one’s career. Students these days can choose to study online using advanced technologies. Looking using smartphones and laptops is beneficial in many ways. However, this is essentially distance learning which is a concept that has been introduced previously. It has been around since the 1800s; the University of Queensland in Australia launched its Department of Correspondence Studies in 1911.

Online learning is now increasing in popularity. It received a big boost during the global pandemic (COVID-19). It is expected to grow with a CAGR of 9.1% during the period between 2018 to 2026. This article provides more information about the importance of virtual classroom software development, how it can be done, and its benefits.

What is Virtual Classroom Software?

Virtual Classroom Software, as the name suggests, allows teachers to take their regular study sessions online. A large group of students can use either smartphones, laptops, or PCs to access the online sessions using the appropriate tools.

It can consist of a single software or several software tools where students study and perform several other activities. Some of the popular activities possible in such an online environment include course material access, submitting assignments, tracking assignments & academic performance, designing course structure, and grading.

Here are a few statistics, facts, and examples that help explain it better:

• The mobile e-learning industry has grown by $38 billion as of 2020.
• The expected rise between 2017 and 2022 is 6 Billion.
• Advanced technologies are being implemented in such digital classroom solutions as AR and VR, as well as gamification and automation.
• 80% of the companies and 50% of educational institutes have used an eLearning platform.
• Examples of eLearning platforms are Zoom, Blackboard collaborates, EdApp, and Deck Toys.
• LinkedIn Learning has over 16,000 courses in 7 languages.
• Skillshare is a massive platform with over 4 million users and 24,000 courses.

The Popularity of Digital Classroom Solutions

Online learning can be accomplished via several methods like audio, and video conferencing, real-time messaging chats, whiteboards, online educational material, and other tools. This learning method benefits many institutes like educational establishments, the Government, businesses, and the workforce to update their skills. Technology has been evolving for a while now, allowing for better and more efficient, not to mention custom solutions to suit the particular requirements of an eLearning solution.

Some of the main reasons for the increase in popularity of eLearning solutions:

• Learning at home on the computer or laptop is more comfortable than grasping at places other than a school or college, like a library or park. Virtual classes make it possible for one to join the class in real-time from the location of their liking.
• Students tend to miss important classes due to being involved in other activities or sports tours. With the availability of online learning options, you can avoid this.
• Students living in remote locations often need help to travel to the classroom daily. Online education is ideal for students living in these types of areas. They can study at any educational institute to gain a better education and qualification.
• One of the most significant issues students face is finding the study material. With a digital classroom, the study material, books, notes, assignments, solutions, etc., are readily available to authorized students with access logins.
• The global pandemic affected all businesses as well as educational institutes. Many institutes transformed their learning sessions into online learning sessions using various solutions ranging from existing tools to custom-built solutions.

Here are a few statistics that suggest the same:

• Udemy is an online learning platform with over 20,000 experts and 12 million students.
• Teachable has 7500 experts with over 20,000 online courses and 3 million students.
• 63% of students in the USA make use of online learning tools.
• The corporate online learning market is increasing and is expected to be as big as $50 billion by 2026.

Main Features For Online Classroom Software Development

When it comes to digital classroom solutions, there are many types of creative features one can implement. Listed here are some of the main ones:

• Video Conferencing: This allows the students to view the instructor in real time while they conduct the learning session. It can either be a tutorial session or a class session that uses facilities available in the classroom. This includes being able to see what is being written on the board as well as on the computer screen.
• Help Desk: An easily accessible help desk for students to get in and gain technical support in the case of any issue with the video conference or any other feature.
• Courses: All the courses are listed and available for students to browse through. They can also structure the course of their choice and schedule or plan it.
• Study materials: Students can gain access to their study material online along with reference modules, assignments, notes, lectures, and other material to assist with the current course. This helps students save time usually spent chasing after course material.
• Notifications: The notifications feature works because students and teachers receive essential information per their settings. This can be notifications for the start of the following lecture for a student or a reminder for the lecturer or teacher to prepare for their teaching schedule for the day.
• File storage: File storage options are available to the students and lecturers. Students can store the lecture videos to refer to during their assignments and while studying. Lectures, too, can keep their teaching material for quick access during a class and use it for future courses or making updates.
• Performance evaluation: With students studying online, attending their classes online, and submitting their assignments online, it only makes sense for teachers to assess them online. It is also made possible for students to access their performance evaluations online.
• Screen sharing: Lecturers can share their screens with the students to organize a more interactive teaching session.
• Digital certificates: Students receive their credentials online, usually in the form of a link and also made available for download.
• Administration: It is simpler for the admin to manage all the courses and students using the online control panel.

How is it Beneficial?

Everyone benefits in some way or another from virtual classroom management software development; this includes teachers, students, and the institute. Listed here are the main benefits:

• Teachers can better manage their course structure and students using the online teaching method. It allows teachers to use a wide range of advanced tools to drive their points into the minds of their students and also explains the study material in a more interactive method.
• This is the more convenient option for both students as well as teachers. Students will never have to miss a class; they can attend it from any place, no matter if they are away for sports, involved in various activities, or trying to balance a life’s unique lifestyle with studies. Teachers must only cancel a lecture if and when they are away since they can do it anywhere.
• One of the main issues the working professionals face is fitting the study sessions into their busy schedules. A virtual classroom solves this issue since it saves time traveling back and forth from the institute.
• Virtual learning sessions allow students to study at their own pace.
• Students can record the live training sessions for later reference.
• The course can be made available worldwide without making a significant effort. One can grow the strength of their classroom or system by simply offering it online and ensuring everyone can access it.
• It allows students to manage their time better and study in a more interactive method.
• Teachers can design innovative study material, implement a systemic approach and use advanced technologies to teach more effectively.
• Educational institutes can benefit financially by charging students to access the courses.

Tips to Develop a Virtual Classroom Software

A virtual classroom software can be tailor-made for each application and consists of several processes. It can consist of an archive of the courses, recommend courses based on preferences, process registration and enroll students, automates student assessment tasks, performs analysis, and much more.

Here are a few tips on how to develop this type of software:

• Gather information on the basic requirements of the course to ensure you are fully aware of the need for online teaching solutions.
• It is essential to set aside a budget to build such a solution. Also, research the potential development cost based on your specific requirements.
• There are many types of virtual classroom software; hence it is essential to have a clear picture of the requirements and main goals of building such software before approaching a virtual classroom software development company.
• The planning stage of developing such software should ideally include a brainstorming session. It is crucial because this is when one needs to decide on the number of features to have and the type of solution they wish to implement.
• Get in touch with the professionals like Acquaint Softtech and begin the design and development process.
• The cost to develop such software will depend on various factors like the project’s scope, the delivery platform, a website or mobile, and the features to be included.
• Some of the standard modules a solution like this will require include registration, course scheduling, assessment, real-time class, payment, and teacher management modules.

Cost to Build Virtual Classroom Software

The cost to develop this type of software depends on several factors:

• It depends on the nature of the project, what it is meant for and how it will be used.
• The requirements of virtual classroom software for an educational institute will differ from that of a business.
• One can choose several platforms, like websites, mobile apps, or custom software.
• The location of the development firm or developer will also affect the project’s cost. The main reason being development firms in the USA, UK, Australia, and other European countries tend to charge higher, while those in Asian countries have a lower development cost, like those in India.
• It is also affected by how complex or advanced the solution is. A simple solution is bound to cost less. However, adding other features using advanced technologies like AR/VR is also available. Such an app or website will cost more.
• A majority of the cost is that of development and quality assurance.
• The other processes also cost, like UI/UX design, analysis, research, and project management.

This is a software solution that others can develop. Hiring an in-house team is also not advisable since it would work out more expensive. The ideal solution would be to hire developers like that from Acquaint Softtech. Get in touch with Acquaint Softtech to develop feature-rich virtual classroom software.

Common Applications of eLearning Solution

eLearning applications are increasing in popularity. Many apps, websites, and software offer a wide range of learning services. Some of the popular types of eLearning solutions include:

• Website: Website learning solutions for students to learn online. Students can access their course material and lectures and also study online. Some of the main features of this type of learning include using text, images, and videos to make the learning process more interactive.
• Virtual classroom: A virtual classroom software takes the classroom online with a teacher using several tools to teach from the school while all the students attend the class remotely.
• Microlearning: This unique training method is gaining popularity, especially with corporations. It typically involves a short 10 minutes module to provide knowledge, ensuring a high retention rate and practical learning. This is an ideal corporate training strategy.
• Mobile learning: Mobile learning is one of the best methods for all types of courses since it is delivered to the palm of each learner. It is convenient, flexible, and ideal for various classes. It is simpler to implement advanced technologies like AR & VR.
• Product knowledge training: Almost all firms face the issue of familiarizing the staff with existing software. Designing a custom product training session for the employees and making it available online helps serve the purpose. It simplifies the business process and facilitates the learning process for all staff members.
• Software training: Corporate uses professional software packages crucial for normal operations. A custom training solution that trains the employees as per the company’s unique needs and use of the software is highly resourceful. This can be delivered online to anyone at any time, thus eliminating common mistakes and downtime. This method is helpful in teaching software like Microsoft Outlook, AutoCAD, Adobe software like Photoshop, and many more.

Advantages of a Custom Solution

There are two main options for those considering starting online training sessions. They can either do so using one of the many generic software & tools or develop a purpose-built custom solution with complete control over what is delivered and how it is done. It is the ideal method to prepare a list of requirements and have the developer add it to your app as per business goals and objectives. It is also possible to add unique or advanced features to simplify learning.

Are eLearning Solutions the Future?

eLearning solutions introduce gamification, microlearning, video learning, and social learning to make learning more fun, interactive, and practical. Many factors suggest eLearning is here to stay and will gain in popularity in the future:

• It is the digital revolution, and more people are now using electronic devices and the Internet for various tasks, including learning.
• Studying online is more convenient and offers the teacher more flexibility.
• The online platform can access various tools and features to aid learning.
• The assessment process is simpler and faster.
• This method helps reduce costs for all, the teachers, students, and the educational institute.
• 63% of high-school students in the USA use digital tools daily
• 45% of elementary school students & 64% of middle school students in the USA use at least one learning software daily.

Conclusion

The technology field is continuously evolving, making a more comprehensive range of solutions available to the education industry for online education. Virtual classroom software is highly effective for all types of students, like school students, college students, professional courses, and corporate.

The increased popularity of electronic devices and the more students prefer to study online suggests that online studying platforms will only increase in popularity. Trusting a professional software development company like Acquaint Softtech to develop your custom virtual classroom software can be highly beneficial.

FAQ

How much does it cost to develop an eLearning App?

The cost of developing an eLearning app depends on various factors. One of the main factors is the choice of platform. The other factors include the nature of the requirements and the development firm.

What is the type of device needed for a virtual classroom?

Depending on the type of solution, one can use a smartphone, laptop, tablet, or PC to access the online class.

What are the main features of a Virtual Classroom?

Some of the main features of a virtual classroom include the following:

Real-time online classroom

Notifications

Access to the course syllabus

Downloadable study material, notes, assignments, & submissions.

View recorded class sessions for reference

Higher level of interactivity

Innovative & creative method to learn using other technologies like AR/VR

What is virtual classroom software?

Virtual classroom software allows students to study in an online environment using their mobile device, laptop, or other electronic devices.

What is an example of a Virtual classroom?

Examples of eLearning platforms are Zoom, Blackboard collaborates, EdApp, and Deck Toys.