Best Free Tools for Teaching Online: Whiteboards, Video & Tests

You don't need expensive software to teach well online. The best free tools for online teaching cover four needs: video calling, a digital whiteboard, quick tests, and file sharing. Most of them have free plans that are enough for one-to-one or small-group tuition.

Note: features and free-plan limits change from time to time. Check each tool's current plan before relying on it.

1. Video Calling

Tool	Good for	Points to note
Google Meet	One-to-one classes; easy to join from a link	Works in a browser; free plan has limits for group calls
Zoom	Screen sharing, annotation, breakout rooms	Free plan has a time limit on meetings
Microsoft Teams	Students whose schools already use Teams	Free version available
WhatsApp video	Quick doubt-clearing calls	Not ideal for full classes or screen sharing

Tip: use one platform consistently, so students and parents don't get confused.

2. Digital Whiteboards

Tool	Good for
Microsoft Whiteboard	Freehand writing, diagrams and saving boards
Zoom's built-in whiteboard	Quick explanations during a call
Excalidraw	Simple, fast diagrams in the browser
A writing tablet + any whiteboard app	Natural handwriting for Maths and Science

Best low-cost upgrade: a basic graphics/writing tablet makes writing equations much easier than using a mouse.

3. Quizzes and Tests

Tool	Good for
Google Forms	Self-grading tests; easy to share by link
Microsoft Forms	The same, for Microsoft users
Quizizz / Kahoot (free plans)	Fun, game-style quizzes for younger students

Tip: make a weekly 10-question Google Form test. It grades automatically, and you can share results with parents.

4. Maths and Science Tools

Tool	Use
GeoGebra	Graphs, geometry constructions, interactive models
Desmos	Plotting graphs quickly
PhET simulations	Interactive science simulations

5. Sharing Notes and Homework

Tool	Use
Google Drive / Google Classroom	Organised folders, assignments and feedback
WhatsApp groups	Quick reminders (keep personal chats separate)
PDF scanner apps	Scanning students' handwritten work

A Simple Setup for Home Tutors

1. Device: laptop or desktop (a phone is fine for doubt calls, but not for full classes)
2. Internet: a stable broadband connection, with mobile data as a backup
3. Audio: a basic wired headset with a microphone
4. Writing: a writing tablet, or a phone/webcam pointed at your notebook
5. Lighting: face a window or a light, not away from it
6. Background: plain and quiet

Online Teaching Tips

• Start with a 2-minute tech check in the first class.
• Ask questions every few minutes — online attention drops faster.
• Ask students to keep their camera on where possible, and show their notebook.
• Share a summary of each class on Google Drive or by message.
• Keep parents in the loop with short weekly updates.

Safety and Privacy

• Use meeting links with passwords or waiting rooms.
• Never record a class without the parent's permission.
• Keep communication professional and on approved channels.
• Don't share students' personal details or photos online.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best free platform for online tuition?
Google Meet and Zoom are both popular. Choose one, check its current free-plan limits, and use it consistently.

Do I need a writing tablet to teach online?
Not necessarily, but it helps a lot for Maths and Science. A phone camera pointed at your notebook also works.

How can I take tests online for free?
Google Forms lets you create self-grading quizzes that you can share by link.

Is online tuition as effective as home tuition?
For many students, especially in senior classes, it can be very effective with the right tools and regular interaction.

Can I teach students in other cities online?
Yes. Online teaching lets you reach students anywhere, which can increase your number of tuitions.