Let’s be real—teaching online isn’t just about turning on your webcam and talking. You’re expected to be a tech wizard, content creator, sound engineer, designer, and engagement expert—all rolled into one.

Whether you're a full-time educator, a part-time tutor, or someone turning your passion into a paid course, building an impactful online classroom takes more than just good intentions. You need the right tools—the kind that save time, boost engagement, and make you look like a total pro (even if you're working from your kitchen table in pajamas).

In this blog, we’ve rounded up the best online teaching tools—from screen recorders and video editors to whiteboards and presentation apps—all designed to help you teach smarter, not harder. We’ll also show you how platforms like Learnyst LMS bring it all together in one powerful place so you can focus on what you do best: teaching.

Let’s dive in and level up your digital classroom.

What Are Online Teaching Tools?

Online teaching tools are digital platforms, apps, or software that help educators teach students over the internet. These tools support everything from creating lessons to delivering content, interacting with learners, tracking progress, and managing courses.

Think of them as a teacher’s digital toolbox—helping you replicate (and sometimes enhance) the traditional classroom experience online.

These tools typically include:

• Video conferencing apps (like Zoom or Google Meet) for live classes

• Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Learnyst to host courses, videos, quizzes, and track student progress

• Content creation tools (like Canva, Loom, OBS) for making videos, slides, or visuals

• Assessment tools for creating quizzes, assignments, and tests

• Engagement tools (like polls, live chat, and discussion forums) to keep students interactive

• Analytics tools to measure performance and improve learning outcomes

Why are they important?

Because online learning is here to stay, these tools make teaching easier, more organized, and effective—whether you're running a full academy, tutoring part-time, or training professionals.

With platforms like Learnyst, educators get all the must-have tools in one place—making online teaching not just possible, but powerful.

The Real Struggles of Online Educators

Teaching online can be exciting, but it also comes with its own set of challenges that many educators face daily.

1. Creating high-quality lessons
   Teachers often struggle with recording professional-looking videos. Without the right tools, it can be hard to capture clear audio, smooth screen recordings, or visually engaging content.
2. Keeping students engaged
   Unlike in a physical classroom, grabbing and maintaining attention in an online setting requires more effort. Educators need interactive tools to make learning active, not passive.
3. Tracking student progress
   Manually keeping up with each learner’s performance can be time-consuming. Without a smart system, it’s difficult to understand who’s learning well and who needs more support.
4. Hosting and organizing content
   Managing multiple files across different platforms can get messy. Teachers need a single place to upload, organize, and deliver lessons seamlessly to their students.

Best Tools for Online Teaching

1. Learnyst LMS – Your All-in-One Teaching Platform

Before jumping into individual tools, let’s start with the backbone of your online academy—your LMS (Learning Management System).

Think of it as your virtual classroom, website, and content hub—all rolled into one. With Learnyst LMS, you get everything you need to create, manage, and grow your online teaching business. No coding, no complex setup. Just upload your content, go live, and start teaching like a pro.

With Learnyst LMS, you can:

• Create & sell online courses
• Conduct live classes and webinars
• Run mock tests and interactive quizzes
• Launch your own branded website & mobile app
• Accept payments from students around the world
• Use gamification and cohort-based learning to boost engagement
• Track student performance with powerful analytics
• Secure your precious content from piracy and increase your income. 

Whether you’re a solo tutor, a coaching center, or a training institute, Learnyst helps you teach smarter, faster, and more professionally.

Now, let’s explore the other online teaching tools that pair beautifully with Learnyst to make your content more engaging and impactful.

2. Screen Recording & Video Creation Tools

High-quality video lessons are the heart of effective online teaching. Whether you're breaking down tough concepts, sharing feedback, or recording step-by-step walkthroughs, the right tools can make the process smooth and stress-free. These screen recording solutions help you teach with clarity and confidence—no studio required.

• OBS Studio (Free) – A powerful open-source tool perfect for screen recording and live streaming. Great for detailed tutorials or full-length classes.

• Loom (Free + Paid) – Record your screen and webcam together in a few clicks. Ideal for short, personal video updates or concept explainers.

• Screenpal (Free + Paid) – Quick, easy, and reliable. Great for creating short screencasts, tutorials, and student-facing videos with voiceover.

3. Video Editing Software

Recording your lesson is just the beginning—editing is where your content truly comes to life. It’s your chance to cut the clutter, add visual interest, and make your message crystal clear. Clean transitions, sharp visuals, and well-placed subtitles not only boost your video’s quality but also keep your learners focused, engaged, and coming back for more. A little polish can make a big difference in how your teaching is received.

• Camtasia (Paid) – A beginner-friendly tool with built-in editing. Perfect if you want polished, professional-looking lessons without a steep learning curve.

• CapCut – A user-friendly editor perfect for quick edits, captions, and creative effects. Great for educators who want fast results with minimal effort.

• iMovie – A clean, easy editor for Apple users. Drag, drop, and publish polished videos in minutes.

• Veed.io – Online tool to trim videos, add subtitles, and repurpose your content for different platforms.

4.  Graphic Design & Image Creation Tools

Visual content is key to grabbing attention and keeping your learners engaged, especially in an online environment where first impressions matter. Whether it’s a course thumbnail, social media post, or banner for your website, well-designed visuals help build trust and professionalism around your brand.

But, with all the copyright infringement laws in place, it is really hard to find websites that give copyright-free images to use as promotional images.  This is where tools like Canva, Figma, and VistaCreate become invaluable. With pre-designed templates and access to libraries of royalty-free images, you don’t need to be a graphic designer to create standout visuals. In fact, with tools like Canva, you can create eye-catching designs in under 5 minutes—perfectly sized for platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or your own LMS landing pages.

Here are three must-have tools for educators and course creators:

• Canva – One of the easiest and most versatile tools available. With thousands of ready-to-use templates and free images, you can create stunning course thumbnails, social media graphics, email banners, and more. A recent survey showed that 96.7% of instructors rated Canva 8/10 or higher for ease of use and creative flexibility.

• Figma – A powerful tool for designing visual layouts, infographics, or even slide decks. Especially useful for educators in design, UX, and tech-related fields. Figma’s collaboration feature also makes it great for teams working on shared content.

• VistaCreate (formerly Crello) – Ideal for animated social media graphics and video content that stands out. It offers beautiful motion design templates that require zero editing experience.

5.  Online Whiteboard Tools

Whiteboards have always been a teacher’s best friend. They help simplify complex concepts, draw diagrams, and make lessons interactive. In the online world, while the traditional blackboard stays behind, digital whiteboards take the stage—and they’re incredibly powerful.

Whether you're explaining a math problem, illustrating a scientific process, or brainstorming with your class, these tools bring the familiar “draw and explain” method right to your students’ screens—whether they’re on a laptop or a mobile device.

Here are some top online whiteboard tools for educators:

• Miro – A collaborative whiteboard that’s perfect for group brainstorming, flowcharts, and interactive sessions. It’s loaded with features like sticky notes, templates, and real-time collaboration.

• Whiteboard.fi – Gives each student their own personal whiteboard during a live class. It’s great for quick assessments, practicing equations, and offering real-time feedback.

• Microsoft Whiteboard – A reliable tool with drawing and diagram features. Perfect for explaining step-by-step concepts in subjects like math and science.

6. Audio Tools for Clear Teaching Voice

When it comes to online teaching, audio quality can make or break the learning experience. Students need to hear you clearly to stay focused and truly understand your lessons. Muffled audio or background noise can quickly lead to frustration or disengagement.

Here are some top tools to make sure your voice always sounds crisp and professional:

• Audacity – A free, open-source audio editing tool that lets you clean up noise, adjust volume levels, and enhance voice clarity. Perfect for polishing pre-recorded lessons.

• Krisp.ai – An AI-powered app that removes background noise in real time, ideal for live classes. Whether you're teaching from a home office or a noisy space, Krisp ensures only your voice gets through.

• Voicemod – A fun tool that lets you modify your voice. Great for adding variety to your sessions or keeping younger learners entertained and engaged.

Final Thoughts: The Right Tools Make All the Difference 🎯

Online teaching is no longer a temporary trend—it’s a powerful, permanent shift in how we learn and teach. But let’s face it: going digital can feel overwhelming. From recording lessons and editing videos to designing visuals and managing students, you wear a lot of hats as an educator.

The good news? You don’t have to do it alone.

With the right toolkit—and a solid LMS backing you up—you can simplify your workflow, increase your reach, and build a teaching business that truly scales.

That’s where Learnyst comes in.

• Host & sell courses
• Run live classes & mock tests
• Launch your own branded website and app
• Accept payments globally
• Track student progress with advanced analytics
• Protect your content from piracy
• And a lot more—without writing a single line of code.

Thousands of educators have already built thriving online academies on Learnyst. Now, it’s your turn.

Start your free trial with Learnyst today.

FAQs

1. What are the must-have tools for online teaching?

You’ll need tools for screen recording, video editing, whiteboarding, audio clarity, and an LMS to manage everything in one place—like Learnyst.

2. Why do I need an LMS like Learnyst for teaching online?

An LMS helps you organize, host, and sell your courses while tracking student progress. Learnyst makes this easy with no tech expertise needed.

3. Are these online teaching tools beginner-friendly?

Yes! Most tools like Canva, Loom, and CapCut are designed for ease of use, even if you're just starting your online teaching journey.

4. Can I make money using these tools and Learnyst?

Absolutely. Learnyst allows you to monetize your content through paid courses, live classes, and mock tests—all from your own branded platform.

6. How does Learnyst protect my content from piracy?

Learnyst offers content security features like DRM encryption, login restrictions, and domain control to safeguard your videos and course material.