My Go-To Apps for Teaching English Online (and Why I Use Them)

-


 When it comes to teaching English online, choosing the right platform can really make or break a lesson. Over time, I’ve found that no single app works for every student. Their age, location, and even their comfort with tech all play a role. That’s why I keep a few solid platforms in my teaching toolkit—each one with its own strengths depending on the situation.

Here’s a look at the platforms I use (and love), and why I keep coming back to them.

1. ClassIn – My Favorite All-in-One Teaching Platform

If I had to choose just one platform for most of my lessons, it would be ClassIn. It’s perfect for interactive, engaging sessions—especially with younger students or small groups.

What makes ClassIn a standout:

  • A shared whiteboard

  • Real-time annotations

  • Built-in classroom tools like timers, stamps, and rewards

  • Seamless multimedia integration

It’s a bit more complex than some platforms, but once you get the hang of it, ClassIn is an absolute powerhouse for creating structured yet playful lessons.

2. Zoom – Reliable and Familiar for Adults

Zoom isn’t fancy, but it works. I use it primarily for adult learners and for students who prefer a simple setup without too many extra features.

Why I use Zoom:

  • Stable connection

  • Easy screen sharing

  • Breakout rooms for small group work or speaking practice

Zoom doesn’t have as many interactive features as ClassIn, but when I just need to focus on conversation or exam prep, it’s perfect.

3. VooV – A Must-Have for Teaching Students in China

Zoom doesn’t always play nicely with China’s internet restrictions, which is why I turn to VooV when I have students based there. It’s basically Zoom’s Chinese twin—with the same look and feel.

What I like about VooV:

  • Stable inside mainland China

  • Familiar interface for both me and my students

  • No learning curve when switching from Zoom

If you teach students in China, VooV is an essential backup.

4. Google Meet – Quick, Clean, and Great for Older Students

I use Google Meet mostly for older or more advanced learners, especially when they’re outside China. It’s also my go-to for trial classes because it’s so easy to join—no software download needed.

Google Meet strengths:

  • Simple and distraction-free

  • Works well for one-off or first-time sessions

  • Great for screen sharing and discussions

But a quick note: It’s blocked in China, so I avoid it for students based there.

5. Koala Go – Game-Changer for Interactive Lessons

Koala Go is one of the newer tools in my toolbox, and it’s been amazing for making lessons more dynamic—especially with younger learners.

What makes Koala Go special:

  • The cobrowser feature: You can explore websites and games together, in real-time!

  • Drag-and-drop functionality

  • Bright, fun virtual classroom that feels like a game

It’s super intuitive, and my learners absolutely love it. It’s ideal for teachers who want a more hands-on experience with students.

6. FunClass – Promising New Platform on My Radar

I haven’t used FunClass as much yet, but I’ve heard only positive things from other teachers. It’s designed specifically for online teaching, with built-in tools that seem promising for both one-on-one and small group lessons.

Why I’m keeping an eye on FunClass:

  • Custom tools for ESL

  • Positive reviews from trusted teachers

  • Appears to be learner-friendly with interactive features

I’m planning to test it out soon and may add it to my regular rotation.

Final Thoughts

There’s no “one size fits all” platform when it comes to teaching online. For me, the key is matching the tool to the student:

  • ClassIn is my go-to for younger learners and engaging lessons.

  • Zoom is perfect for adult students and stable, no-fuss sessions.

  • VooV is a must for learners in China.

  • Google Meet works great for trial lessons or older students outside China.

  • Koala Go brings the fun and interactivity for younger kids.

  • FunClass is on my radar as a rising star for ESL teachers.

By keeping a few reliable platforms ready, I can always deliver lessons that are smooth, engaging, and tailored to each learner’s needs.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How to Create Custom Flashcards in Canva: A Beginner's Guide + Using Creative Fabrica for Resellable Designs

-
Image
  As a beginner in the world of educational design, creating teaching materials like flashcards can seem daunting. However, with the right tools, it becomes a fun and simple process. In this post, I’ll walk you through how to design custom flashcards using Canva and how to incorporate Creative Fabrica elements for even more creativity. Plus, I’ll show you how to ensure that your designs are ready for resale if you want to take your flashcards to the next level! Why Canva for Flashcards? Canva is an excellent platform for designing various teaching materials because of its user-friendly interface and vast library of templates and elements. Even if you have no prior experience with graphic design, Canva makes it easy to create professional-looking materials. This is perfect for educators, especially if you want to personalize your flashcards to match your lesson plans. Step 1: Choose a Template Start by selecting a flashcard template that suits your style. There are plenty of free o...
Read more

Not Everyone’s Cup of Tea—And That’s Okay ☕💚

-
Image
 One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in my teaching journey is this: ✨ You’re not everyone’s cup of tea—and that’s perfectly fine. Some people need your cup of matcha, and they’ll love you for it. ✨ When I first started teaching, I was full of enthusiasm but still figuring things out. Like most new teachers, I made mistakes, faced criticism, and battled self-doubt. It’s easy to let negative feedback linger, especially when you’re still building confidence. I used to overanalyze every comment, wondering if I was really cut out for this profession. But one experience changed my perspective. Back in my brick-and-mortar classroom, I had a student who was hardworking but struggled to believe in herself. When I transitioned to online teaching, she reached out and asked if I could tutor her in science. I said yes. Over time, her confidence grew, her marks improved, and recently, she qualified for a biomedical science degree —a dream she once thought was out of reach. Even m...
Read more

How I use these flashcards to Gamify my Classroom: Making Learning Fun and Effective

-
Image
  Gamify Your Classroom with Flash Cards: Making Learning Fun and Effective As educators, we all know how challenging it can be to keep students engaged, especially when they don’t quite grasp the material or lack foundational knowledge. At times, traditional lessons can feel monotonous, and that’s when creativity comes in. In this blog post, I’m going to share how I used a simple tool—flashcards—to create an environment where learning is not only effective but also fun and interactive. The Challenge: Keeping Students Engaged I’ve noticed that students often lose interest in lessons when they struggle with the material. This is particularly true when foundational knowledge is missing. At my previous school, the students used to enjoy playing games like Monopoly and 30 Seconds, which made learning more interactive. Unfortunately, when a new principal came, we were no longer allowed to play those games in class. But this didn’t stop me. I still wanted my students to have fun whil...
Read more