Here are five common tools used for online teaching and meetings, along with their

functionality, advantages, and limitations:

1. Zoom

Functionality
Zoom is a popular video conferencing tool that allows users to host virtual meetings, webinars,
and online classes. It offers features such as screen sharing, breakout rooms, chat, and
recording capabilities. Participants can join via a web browser or mobile app, making it highly
accessible.

Advantages
● User-Friendly Interface: Easy for both instructors and students to navigate.
● High-Quality Video and Audio: Provides clear communication, which is crucial for
effective teaching.
● Interactive Features: Breakout rooms facilitate group work, and polling can engage
participants.
● Cross-Platform Compatibility: Works on various devices and operating systems.

Limitations
● Security Concerns: Zoom has faced issues with "Zoombombing," where uninvited guests
disrupt meetings.
● Bandwidth Dependency: Requires a stable internet connection; poor connectivity can
lead to disruptions.
● Limited Free Version: The free tier has time limits on group meetings, which may not
suffice for longer classes.

2. Google Meet

Functionality
Google Meet is a video conferencing tool integrated with Google Workspace. It allows users to
host online meetings with features like screen sharing, real-time captions, and integration with
Google Calendar for scheduling.

Advantages
● Integration with Google Workspace: Seamlessly connects with other Google apps (Docs,
Slides, Calendar).
● No Software Installation Required: Runs directly in the browser, making it accessible
without downloads.
● Strong Security Measures: Offers encrypted connections and advanced security
settings.

Limitations
 ● Limited Features in Free Version: The free tier has restrictions on meeting duration and
participant limits.
● Less Customization: Compared to competitors like Zoom, it has fewer interactive
features.
● Variable Performance: Quality can fluctuate based on network conditions.

3. Microsoft Teams

Functionality
Microsoft Teams is a collaboration platform that combines chat, video meetings, and file sharing.
It is part of the Microsoft 365 suite and is designed for team collaboration, making it suitable for
educational institutions.

Advantages
● Comprehensive Collaboration Tools: Integrates chat, video, and file sharing in one
platform.
● Robust Integration with Microsoft Office: Allows easy access to Word, Excel, and
PowerPoint within the platform.
● Customizable Channels: Teams can create specific channels for different subjects or
projects.

Limitations
● Complexity: Can be overwhelming for new users due to its wide range of features.
● Requires Microsoft 365 Subscription: Full functionality may require a paid subscription.
● Potentially Cluttered Interface: The abundance of features can lead to a confusing
experience.

4. Moodle

Functionality
Moodle is an open-source learning management system (LMS) designed for creating online
courses. It provides tools for course content management, assessments, forums, and tracking
student progress.

Advantages
● Customizable: Highly flexible and can be tailored to suit specific educational needs.
● Community Support: Large community of developers and users providing support and
plugins.
● Comprehensive Features: Includes tools for grading, quizzes, and student interaction.

Limitations
● Learning Curve: May be challenging for instructors unfamiliar with LMS platforms.
● Self-Hosting Requirements: Requires technical knowledge to set up if not using a hosted
service.
 ● Less Intuitive User Experience: The interface may feel outdated compared to modern
platforms.

5. Slack

Functionality
Slack is primarily a communication platform designed for team collaboration. It offers channels
for organized discussions, direct messaging, file sharing, and integrations with various apps.

Advantages
● Real-Time Communication: Facilitates quick exchanges and collaboration among
students and instructors.
● Organized Channels: Keeps discussions on different topics separate and easy to
navigate.
● Integration with Other Tools: Works with various applications, enhancing functionality.

Limitations
● Not Primarily a Video Tool: While it offers video calls, it's not as robust as dedicated
platforms like Zoom or Teams.
● Information Overload: The abundance of messages can lead to important information
being lost in the noise.
● Paid Features: Some useful functionalities, like extensive file storage, are only available
in paid versions.

Each of these tools plays a vital role in enhancing online teaching and meeting experiences,
offering unique functionalities while also presenting certain challenges that educators and
participants must navigate.