Choosing an eLearning app for your online course can be challenging, as there are many options available and different factors to consider. Here are some popular apps specifically designed for direct online teaching and studying with classroom tools: Zoom; Microsoft Teams; Google Meet and Google Classroom- they are separate tools that can be used independently or integrated; BigBlueButton; Adobe Connect; GoToMeeting; Cisco Webex; Jitsi Meet; BlueJeans; Discord.

Here are four steps that may help you:

Identify your goals and specific needs and preferences of your course and its participants.

Before you start looking for an eLearning app for your course, you should have a clear idea of what you want to teach; what is your approach and methods of teaching; how long is your course. It could be one time session, a week , a month, full school year or stage of education.  The best choice will depend on factors such as the number and needs of course participants, required features, budget, and ease of use. For example, you choice will depend on whether you prioritise a user-friendly interface and seamless integration with other apps or you require advanced features and a comprehensive suite of tools. All these futures will help you narrow down your options and find the most relevant and suitable app for your needs.

 Research the apps. 

Once you have a shortlist of potential apps, you should do some research to find out more about them. You can look at their websites, reviews, ratings, testimonials, fees, and support services. You can also contact them directly if you have any questions or concerns. Here are some basic advantages and disadvantages of eLearning apps which ones you might want to look out for:

 Possible Pros:

User-friendly interface: Simple and intuitive design, making it easy for both teachers and students to use;

Comprehensive suite of tools: Offers a wide range of features, including video conferencing, file sharing, and task management, making it suitable for various teaching styles;

Integration with other productivity and collaboration tools and software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint or Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides that simplifies the sharing and collaboration process;

Advanced features like breakout rooms, background blur, and real-time transcriptions, which can enhance the learning experience;

Strong focus on education: Specifically designed for educational purposes, offering features like assignment grading and student progress tracking.

Possible Cons:

A Steeper learning curve : More complex to navigate and use especially for beginners;

Potential for distractions: The integration with other apps can sometimes lead to distractions for students;

Limited advanced features: May lack some of the more advanced features such as breakout rooms or real-time transcriptions.

Less customisation: Offers less customisation options, which could be a limitation for teachers seeking a highly personalised learning environment.

Compare the eLearning apps.

After you have gathered enough information about the apps, you should compare them based on your criteria and preferences. You can use a table or a spreadsheet to list the pros and cons of each option and rank them according to your priorities. You can also ask for feedback from other users, educational organisations or experts who have taken or used them before. Consider trying out a few different options to find the best fit for your specific needs.

Make a decision.

Finally, you should make a decision based on your analysis and choose the app that best suits your goals and needs.Choosing a good eLearning app can be a rewarding and enjoyable process if you follow these tips. Online education can offer many opportunities to learn new skills, expand your knowledge, and advance your career. We hope you find the best eLearning app for you and have a great teaching experience.