10 Best Online Teaching Platforms for Teachers

In the rapidly evolving landscape of education, online teaching has become more than just a trend—it’s a necessity. As educators worldwide adapt to digital classrooms, choosing the right platform can significantly impact the quality of teaching and student engagement. 

Whether you’re an experienced teacher looking to expand your reach or a newcomer seeking to break into online education, selecting the best platform tailored to your needs is crucial. 

This article explores the top 10 best online teaching platforms, highlighting their features, benefits, and how they can help you create a successful and engaging learning environment.

Before starting with the list, let’s talk about the benefits of teaching online and certain qualities that you require to teach online. This will help you understand why you should think about teaching online and how you can be a better teacher. 

Start your tutoring journey with Wiingy and join other 4,500+ top tutors today. Click here to apply.

Benefits of teaching online

Online education has transformed the way teaching and learning occur, offering numerous advantages for educators. From flexible scheduling to reaching a global audience, online teaching opens doors to opportunities that traditional classrooms may not provide. 

In this section, we’ll explore five key benefits of teaching online, highlighting how these advantages can enhance both your professional life and the learning experiences you create for your students.

• Flexibility in Schedule: Teaching online allows educators to set their own hours, making it easier to balance professional and personal responsibilities.

• Global Reach: Online teaching provides the opportunity to connect with students from around the world, expanding your influence beyond geographical limitations.

• Access to Diverse Resources: Digital platforms offer a wide range of tools and materials that can enhance the learning experience and accommodate different learning styles.

• Cost-Effective: Teaching online eliminates the need for commuting and physical classroom space, reducing costs for both educators and students.

• Enhanced Professional Development: Online teaching platforms often provide access to professional development resources, enabling teachers to continuously improve their skills and stay updated on educational trends.

Best online teaching platforms

There are plenty of platforms available for teaching online, where you can teach subjects like English, math, science, or any other area that matches your skills and interests.

These platforms offer different types of teaching opportunities, such as one-on-one tutoring, group classes, and lessons for beginners, advanced students, children, or adults. You can usually set your own rates, schedule, and curriculum, though this may vary depending on the platform’s guidelines.

Here are some of the best online tutoring platforms,

1. Wiingy

The Wiingy platform offers private tutoring to school students, college students, and young adults through its network of 4,500+ expert-vetted tutors for coding, math, science, computer science, AP, language learning, and 350+ subjects. 

Over 20,000 students have used Wiingy for 1-on-1 tutoring, homework help, assignment help, language learning, homeschool tutoring, and test prep. Students and parents have consistently rated the Wiingy experience as 4.8 out of 5. 

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Tutors can teach a wide range of subjects, from academic courses to coding and technology, catering to different expertise levels.
• Opportunity to interact and connect with students from across the globe.
• No fixed timing, you can teach as per your schedule. 

Cons

• Option for online tutoring, but no option for offline or in-person tutoring.
• No option for group teaching, as tutors can only avail of 1:1 tutoring.

Pricing

Tutors can earn a minimum of $15/hr. This amount can vary based on the qualifications, expertise, and experience. No commission is charged from the platform. 

Process

To become a tutor, you have to follow 3 simple steps, 

• Apply using the online form: Please provide your educational background, qualifications, subject expertise, and contact details to complete our online form. 
• Appear for an online discussion: Your profile will be reviewed by our expert panel, and if shortlisted, we will contact you to schedule a 55-60 minute online discussion, potentially including a mock tutoring session.
• Final selection and onboarding: Selected applicants will be notified by phone and email within 7 days of the online discussion, followed by an online onboarding session after completing the joining formalities.

2. Preply

Preply.com is a platform designed for teachers who want to offer one-on-one tutoring. It connects you with learners seeking personalized lessons in subjects like languages, math, science, music, and more.

With Preply.com, you have the flexibility to set your own schedule, work from anywhere, choose your hourly rate, and receive secure payments. The platform gives you access to a diverse pool of students from over 180 countries.

Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Global Audience: Access to a large, international student base, increasing chances of finding students.
2. Flexible Scheduling: Tutors can set their own hours and availability, offering great flexibility.
3. Diverse Subjects: Ability to teach a wide range of subjects, not just limited to language tutoring.

Cons

1. Commission Fees: Preply takes a significant commission from each lesson, especially in the early stages.
2. Limited Support: Tutors may experience limited direct support or assistance when dealing with issues or disputes.

Pricing

You can teach students of any age or skill level, from beginners to advanced learners, and typically earn between $15-$25 per hour. Your rate can be adjusted based on your qualifications, experience, and demand.

Process

To join Preply.com, you’ll need to create a profile, upload a video introduction, pass a verification process, and get approved. Once approved, you can start receiving student requests, apply to open jobs, accept or decline requests, schedule lessons, teach, and get paid through the platform.

3. Lingoda

Lingoda offers live classes with native speakers in over 30 languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, and Chinese. You can teach students at various levels, from beginners to professionals, using interactive learning tools such as games, quizzes, and videos.

Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Flexible Scheduling: Tutors can set their own availability and work from anywhere, making it ideal for part-time work or those with other commitments.
2. Pre-Prepared Lesson Plans: Lingoda provides structured lesson plans, reducing the need for extensive prep work.
3. International Exposure: You work with students from around the world, gaining experience with diverse learners.

Cons

1. Lower Pay: Compared to private tutoring or other platforms, the pay per hour may be lower, particularly when considering experience and qualifications.
2. Strict Structure: The provided lesson plans limit flexibility in terms of content delivery and creativity in teaching styles.

Pricing

Lingoda provides a competitive salary, which varies based on factors like your education level and location. You’ll have the flexibility to work from home, set your own hours, and teach a structured curriculum aligned with CEFR standards.

Process

To join Lingoda, you need to have native or near-native proficiency in the language you wish to teach, a certification to teach that language as a foreign language, and at least 2-3 years of teaching experience.

The application process involves completing an online form, uploading your resume and a brief introduction video, passing demo and trial classes with real students, signing a contract, submitting your documents, and completing the orientation. Once completed, you can start teaching and earning money.

4. iTalki

iTalki links students and teachers, enabling the creation and sale of courses or the offering of live and on-demand tutoring for learners at all levels. The platform provides a range of tools and resources to improve the teaching experience, including an interactive whiteboard, video chat, lesson plans, and a feedback system. You’ll also have access to a vast, diverse student base spanning more than 190 countries.

Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Flexibility: You set your own hours and work with students worldwide.
2. Global Reach: Access to a large, diverse student base looking for language tutors.
3. No Lesson Planning Required: Many students prefer conversational practice, reducing the need for extensive prep.

Cons

1. Commission Fees: iTalki takes a percentage of your earnings.
2. Self-Promotion: You need to actively promote yourself to attract students.

Pricing

With iTalki, you can set your own rates, work from anywhere, and keep 85% of your earnings, with iTalki taking a 15% service fee for one-on-one online language lessons. You can teach over 150 languages, including English, Spanish, French, and Chinese.

Process

To join iTalki, you’ll need a native or near-native proficiency in the language you wish to teach, experience working with students, and a computer equipped with a webcam, headset, and stable internet connection.

Once you’re ready, you can create a profile, upload a video introduction, and complete the verification process. After getting approved, you can start receiving student requests or apply for open jobs, accept or decline requests, schedule your lessons, teach, and get paid.

5. VIPkid

VIPKid offers a narrative, game-based learning platform that connects English teachers with over 500,000 Chinese students aged 4 to 12. To teach with VIPKid, you must be eligible to work in the U.S. or Canada.

To qualify as a teacher with VIPKid, you need to be a native English speaker from the U.S. or Canada, hold a bachelor’s degree, have experience working with children, and possess a TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certificate, or be willing to obtain one.

Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Flexible Schedule: Tutors can choose their own hours and work from anywhere, as long as you have a stable internet connection.
2. Good Pay: VIPKid offers competitive rates, typically between $14-$22 per hour, with opportunities for bonuses and incentives.
3. Supportive Community: VIPKid provides a large network of fellow tutors and resources to help with teaching and professional development.

Cons

1. Strict Cancellation Policy: VIPKid has a strict policy for cancellations, and frequent cancellations or no-shows can result in penalties or account suspension.
2. Uncertain Demand: Tutor bookings depend on student demand, which can fluctuate, leading to periods with fewer classes and reduced income.

Pricing

You can earn $14-$18 per hour, along with bonuses and incentives, while working from home with flexible hours. VIPKid also provides free training and support from a friendly and professional team.

Process

To get started, you’ll need a computer, webcam, headset, and a stable internet connection. The process involves filling out an online application, uploading your resume, and passing a demo class.

Once accepted, you’ll sign a contract, upload your documents, complete the orientation and training, and begin teaching and earning money.

6. Udemy

Udemy is a leading online education marketplace that attracts millions of learners and partners with over 15,000 companies. Anyone can create a course on Udemy for free, but to earn money from it, you need to be approved as a premium instructor. The approval process is free and usually takes about two days.

Udemy provides extensive support to help beginners get started, offering guidance on video equipment and providing constructive feedback on course content.

Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Ease of Use: Udemy provides a user-friendly platform for creating, hosting, and promoting online courses.
2. Flexible Teaching Model: Tutors can teach at their own pace and create courses on any topic they are knowledgeable about.
3. Large Audience: Udemy has a vast global audience, giving tutors access to a wide pool of potential students.

Cons

1. Pricing Limitations: Udemy often discounts courses, which can reduce the perceived value of the tutor’s content and earnings.
2. Limited Interaction: The platform lacks personalized engagement, with limited direct communication between the tutor and students.

Pricing

While creating courses on Udemy is free, the platform makes money from the revenue your course generates. If a student purchases your course through your own promotion, you’ll receive 97% of the revenue. However, if the purchase comes from a Udemy promotion, you’ll only earn 37%.

Process

To become a tutor on Udemy, first sign up and create a course by registering on the platform and navigating to the “Teach on Udemy” section. Plan your course content and use Udemy’s tools to build and upload your materials. Next, set a price for your course or choose to offer it for free, then submit it for review to ensure it meets Udemy’s guidelines. Once your course is approved, it will be published, and you can promote it using Udemy’s marketing tools or your own methods to attract students.

7. Skillshare

Unlike other platforms that focus on helping you build your own online courses, Skillshare functions more like a marketplace where creative professionals can both take and teach short, project-based classes.All you need to do is select a Skillshare topic you’re comfortable with, create a course, and upload it – that’s the bulk of the work required.

Skillshare has a lot to offer. For starters, it allows you to teach in up to five different languages, so if English isn’t your strong suit, you have other options.

Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Wide Audience Reach: Skillshare has a large and diverse user base, providing tutors with access to a broad audience.
2. Ease of Use: The platform is user-friendly, making it easy to create and upload courses.
3. Revenue Potential: Tutors can earn money through royalties based on the number of minutes watched by Skillshare members.

Cons

1. Platform Fees: Skillshare takes a cut of the revenue, which can impact overall earnings.
2. Limited Course Control: Skillshare has its own set of guidelines and controls over course presentation and promotion, which might limit a tutor’s creative freedom.

Pricing

There’s no fee for instructors to upload courses on Skillshare, so you can upload your content for free. However, earning from your courses isn’t straightforward. Instructors are paid based on the minutes watched in their courses, as determined by Skillshare. Additionally, you can earn $10 for every student you refer to the platform.

Process

To enroll as a tutor on Skillshare, first sign up for an account and then navigate to the “Teach” section to complete the application process. Next, prepare a detailed course outline and record your lessons, ensuring they meet Skillshare’s guidelines for video quality and content. After uploading your videos and materials, your course will undergo a review. Once approved, you can publish it on Skillshare and use the platform’s promotional tools to attract students.

8. Coursera

Since 2012, Coursera has offered online courses from prestigious institutions like Yale, Google, and IBM to millions of students around the world.

With its massive global student base, your course on Coursera has the potential to reach a much larger audience, significantly increasing your earning potential.

Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Wide Audience Reach: Coursera has a global user base, providing access to a large audience for your courses.
2. Integrated Tools: Coursera offers built-in tools for course creation, management, and analytics.
3. Monetization Options: Coursera provides various monetization methods, including course fees and specializations.

Cons

1. Platform Fees: Coursera takes a significant share of the revenue from course sales.
2. Content Restrictions: You may face limitations on course format and content delivery, which can restrict your creativity.

Pricing

Coursera’s pricing model is based on revenue sharing, but the specific percentages are not publicly disclosed.

Process

To enroll as a tutor on Coursera, start by visiting the “Coursera for Business Partner Portal” to explore the available partnership options. If you’re affiliated with an institution or organization, you can apply to become a Coursera partner directly through the portal.

For independent tutors, it’s advisable to contact Coursera directly to inquire about potential opportunities. Once accepted, you will need to prepare and submit your course content, which includes video lectures, quizzes, and assignments, following Coursera’s guidelines for course development and quality assurance.

9. Kajabi

Kajabi is an all-in-one platform designed to help you monetize your expertise. Beyond courses, Kajabi allows you to offer live coaching, podcasts, and membership-based classes.

With a wide range of customizable templates, you can create anything from mini-courses to comprehensive online programs.

If you’re looking for a platform that gives you greater control over your online presence and the student experience, Kajabi is an excellent choice.

Pros and Cons

Pros

1. User-Friendly: It offers an intuitive interface that is relatively easy to navigate, even for those with limited tech experience.
2. All-in-One Solution: Kajabi integrates various tools needed for course creation, marketing, and sales in one platform, simplifying management.
3. Support and Resources: Kajabi offers strong customer support and a wealth of resources, including tutorials and community forums.

Cons

1. Cost: Kajabi can be expensive, especially for individual tutors or small operations, with plans starting at a higher price point compared to other platforms.
2. Less Flexibility for Certain Features: Some users find limitations in customization compared to other platforms that allow more granular control over design and functionality.

Pricing

The platform’s high price tag isn’t entirely justified by its features. There are other platforms that offer more for a lower cost.

Kajabi offers three subscription plans with different features and pricing, starting at around $149 per month. Higher-tier plans include additional features like custom landing page domains and advanced analytics tools.

Process

To enroll as a tutor on Kajabi, start by creating an account, selecting a plan that fits your needs, and utilizing the free trial to explore the platform’s features. Once your account is set up, begin building your course by adding content such as videos, lessons, and resources. 

Kajabi offers templates and tools to help organize your material into a structured program. After finalizing your course, publish it on the platform and use Kajabi’s marketing tools to promote your offerings to potential students. You can set pricing, offer promotions, and manage sales directly through the platform.

10. Thinkific

Thinkific is a scalable course creation platform suitable for teachers at any level, whether you’re just starting out or already established. With its easy-to-use drag-and-drop course and landing page builder, you can have a complete course up and running in a day.

Similar to other platforms, Thinkific offers standard course creation tools along with some sales and marketing features.

Pros and Cons

Pros

1. User-Friendly Platform: Thinkific is easy to navigate, making it simple to create, customize, and launch online courses without needing technical expertise.
2. Monetization Options: Thinkific offers various ways to monetize, including one-time payments, subscriptions, or memberships, giving tutors flexibility in pricing.
3. Marketing Support: Thinkific provides built-in marketing tools, integrations, and analytics to help tutors promote and sell courses more effectively.

Cons

1. Pricing: Though there’s a free plan, advanced features require higher-tier plans, which may be costly for tutors just starting.
2. Limited Mobile Experience: Thinkific doesn’t offer a mobile app for tutors, which could be a drawback for mobile-first tutors or students.

Pricing

Thinkific offers a free version that is limited to one course and two community spaces. The premium plan starts at $49 per month and unlocks premium features like unlimited courses. You can save up to 25% by opting for annual billing.

Process

To enroll as a tutor on Thinkific, begin by signing up for an account on their website, where you can choose between a free plan or one of their paid options, depending on your needs. Once registered, set up your instructor profile by adding key details such as your teaching expertise, experience, a professional bio, and a profile picture to enhance your credibility. 

After completing your profile, you can start creating your course using Thinkific’s intuitive course-building tools. Once your course is structured and ready, you can publish it and make it available to students directly through the platform.

Qualities of a great online teacher

Being able to teach offline is one thing. However online teaching requires certain skills to offer best lessons to your students and keeping them engaged. 

Engaging students in a virtual environment comes with its own set of challenges. It’s not just about presenting material; it’s about embodying the qualities of an exceptional teacher—creativity, adaptability, and the ability to forge a meaningful connection with your students.

Embracing the qualities of an exceptional teacher is crucial for crafting a dynamic and engaging online learning experience. By honing teaching expertise, communication skills, and personal attributes, educators can effectively meet the demands of the virtual classroom.

Through continuous improvement, adapting to student needs, and utilizing innovative teaching methods, these qualities work together to enable online teachers to inspire, support, and guide their students toward success. Adopting these principles will not only elevate your teaching but also leave a lasting positive influence on your students.

For a detailed list of qualities, read our blog on the qualities of a great online teacher.

Why is Wiingy the best platform to teach online?

Wiingy is a top choice for online teaching, offering numerous benefits for educators and students alike.

Here’s why it stands out:

• Comprehensive Subject Range: Wiingy covers a wide array of STEM subjects, including Computer Science, Coding, Music, Language Learning, Data Science, Web Development, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Test Prep such as AP, SAT, and NAPLAN. This variety allows you to teach subjects you are passionate about and have expertise in.
• Diverse Student Levels: Whether you prefer working with primary, secondary, high school, university students, or even professionals, Wiingy accommodates a range of educational stages. This flexibility ensures you can teach at the levels where you feel most comfortable.
• Flexible Teaching Hours: Wiingy offers the freedom to set your own schedule. You can choose to teach at times that fit your personal commitments—be it morning, afternoon, evening, or weekends—making it easy to balance teaching with other responsibilities.
• Global Reach: The platform connects you with students from across the globe, providing an enriching experience as you interact with learners from different backgrounds and cultures.
• Exciting Earning Potential: Tutoring with Wiingy not only allows you to engage in meaningful work but also offers competitive compensation. You are rewarded for your expertise and dedication, with opportunities to earn based on your passion and teaching skills.
• Customized Tutoring Opportunities: Wiingy lets you select tutoring roles that align with your interests and expertise, ensuring you can focus on teaching subjects you love and are knowledgeable about.

By offering a flexible, rewarding, and global teaching experience, Wiingy is an excellent platform for online educators seeking to make a significant impact.

Bottomline

In conclusion, online teaching offers immense opportunities for educators to expand their reach, gain flexibility, and enhance their professional skills. Selecting the right platform is essential to deliver engaging, effective lessons tailored to your expertise and student needs. 

By understanding the benefits of online teaching and embracing the qualities of a great online educator, you can create a dynamic learning environment that not only captivates students but also fosters success. 

Whether you’re teaching one-on-one, conducting group classes, or building comprehensive courses, these platforms offer the tools and resources to help you thrive in the ever-growing digital classroom.

Start your tutoring journey with Wiingy and join other 4,500+ top tutors today. Click here to apply.

Additional Read

Qualities of a Great Online Teacher

Strategies to Increase Student Engagement

FAQs