The best virtual tools for teaching & training

You may have discovered by now, that the tools needed for effective virtual training facilitation are not available as a one-size-fits-all collection of features and functionality. Deciding on the right tool often depends on how the training is deployed, the desired level of interaction, budgetary restrictions, and reporting requirements.

So, which platforms really fit the bill when it comes to leveraging virtual tools for training?

We looked at the most widely used online tools and reviewed them based on the features and functionality most often relied upon for virtual training. For the purpose of this review, we’ve delineated the differences between the core features of traditional systems and their enhanced, training-specific products.

Finding the right tool

Selecting the right virtual training tool for your organization involves understanding various platforms' evolving features and functionality. Basic tools like chat boxes, polling, raise-hand features, and file sharing remain standard across most mainstream solutions. However, technological advancements have expanded the range of offerings, with platforms now integrating AI-driven coaching, real-time language translation, and adaptive learning pathways.

Advanced features like collaborative whiteboards, breakout rooms, scored assessments, attendance tracking, and completion certificates are increasingly accessible, though they may still require premium subscriptions or add-ons. Additionally, many tools now offer integrations with learning management systems (LMS), immersive VR/AR experiences, and analytics dashboards for tracking learner progress and engagement.

The below review of virtual training tools highlights what is included in base packages, subscription costs and terms, and additional features that cater to the dynamic needs of virtual training today. These insights will help you make an informed decision to meet your organization's unique training goals.

Adobe Connect Learning

$190 - $390/monthly, monthly or annual subscriptions available

Adobe Connect Learning continues to be one of the most versatile virtual training platforms, offering a rich suite of tools designed for engaging and scalable online learning experiences. Its ability to support persistent rooms, custom layouts, and multiscreen dashboards enhances collaboration and organization, especially for sessions involving larger groups or complex workflows. Additionally, features like preloading PowerPoint presentations and video assets streamline performance and ensure smooth delivery, even when working with large files.

The base package includes essential tools such as chat, file sharing, polling, whiteboards, and breakout rooms, making it suitable for most general training needs. However, advanced features like scored assessments, detailed attendance tracking, and enhanced reporting are only available with premium subscriptions, such as the Adobe Connect Learning Pro Pack.

Unlike earlier versions, Adobe Connect now operates directly within web browsers, eliminating the need for additional plugins and simplifying IT requirements. This shift makes it more accessible and easier to implement across various devices and organizational systems.

Zoom & Zoom Webinar

$0 - $79+/monthly, monthly or annual subscriptions available

Zoom remains a popular choice for virtual training, offering a range of plans from free to premium options. The free Basic plan allows meetings of up to 100 participants with a 40-minute limit, including features like chat, file sharing, polling, whiteboards, and breakout rooms. However, for extended sessions and larger groups, the Pro plan at $14.99 per month per user extends meeting durations up to 30 hours and provides 5GB of cloud storage. For enhanced functionalities such as attendance tracking, branding, and advanced user management, Zoom offers Webinar add-ons. These start at $79 per month, with pricing varying based on attendee capacity.

While Zoom has made significant improvements in performance and scalability, some users have reported occasional issues in larger sessions, such as audio delays and video disruptions. These challenges can often be mitigated by ensuring a stable internet connection and utilizing Zoom's best practices for large meetings.

Sharing PowerPoint presentations and video assets during sessions is generally seamless, though it's advisable to test your setup beforehand to ensure compatibility with your operating system and to optimize the experience for both presenters and attendees.

For organizations conducting training sessions with larger groups, investing in the appropriate Zoom plan and add-ons is essential to access the necessary features and support for a smooth and professional virtual training environment.

GoToTraining

$314/month, requires an annual subscription

GoToTraining remains one of the most feature-rich platforms for virtual training, designed to cater to organizations seeking advanced functionality for interactive sessions. While you may already be familiar with GoToMeeting for virtual meetings, GoToTraining requires a separate subscription to access specialized tools like breakout rooms, whiteboards, and attendance records.

Although somewhat pricey, GoToTraining Plus stands out for its extensive feature set, including hard-to-find options such as scored quizzes, auto-generated completion certificates, and PayPal integration for attendee payments. These tools make it particularly appealing for organizations conducting paid training sessions or requiring robust engagement metrics.

Because an annual subscription is required and means making a hefty investment, we recommend you take advantage of the free trial option before making a commitment.

Webex

$0 - $270+/year, monthly or annual subscriptions available

Webex Meeting is a familiar tool in the virtual training space and includes chat, file sharing, polling, and whiteboards. To access more advanced features, however, such as breakout rooms and attendance records, you need to expand your subscription to include Webex Training, which also includes a built-in (optional) eCommerce feature if you charge for your sessions.

Since Webex as a platform has been around for a while, you can count on reliable performance and a decent set of features. It also offers a higher level of security and expanded functionality for user authentication, which may make it an attractive option for organizations operating in regulated industries. One point of frustration, however, is the unclear pricing model; the Plans and Pricing page only provides options for the base package of Webex Meeting, which means pricing for the Webex Training add-on requires contacting Cisco for a custom quote.

Blackboard Collaborate

$300+/year, requires an annual subscription

Blackboard Collaborate is relatively new to the conferencing space, although Blackboard itself is familiar to many due to its longevity as an LMS widely used by educational institutions. Because the Blackboard Collaborate platform grew out of a system already designed for training, it has the most robust set of features we found, even in the base plan. It includes chat, file sharing, polling, whiteboards, breakout rooms, scored activities, attendance, and more. It truly is designed as a virtual classroom, incorporating features that will appeal to business subscribers who may not normally seek out a “classroom” solution for conferencing.

The Blackboard Collaborate pricing model is based on the number of instructors or classrooms you need and whether you want to integrate it with an LMS. All plans require an annual commitment, so we recommend taking advantage of the 30-day free trial before subscribing. The base plan (at $300/year) allows for an individual classroom with up to 100 attendees. If you need unlimited classrooms and LMS integration, you’ll have to step it up to a Department License (at $9,000/year). Unfortunately, there are currently no plan options between these two price points, although they do offer custom pricing for enterprise accounts.

Selecting the best option

Identifying and selecting the best training tool for you and your organization depends on your budget and how you plan to leverage it. If your needs are simple, you can likely opt for a less expensive option and stick with basic functionality. Shiny new bells and whistles are great, but remember that user experience is primarily based on ease of use and performance. And, if your goal is to provide a meaningful learning experience for participants, keep in mind that the quality of your content is just as important as the technology with which it is deployed.

Cynuria is passionate about helping organizations cultivate a culture of learning and development. We’re here to partner with you in developing a winning strategy for growth.

Contact us today to learn more.