What are polls, chats, and whiteboards used for in virtual classrooms?

Polls, chats, and whiteboards increase engagement, check understanding, and promote collaboration in virtual classrooms.

These features transform passive content into active experiences. Polls quickly gather opinions or assess knowledge. Chat enables constant learner voice, reflection, and peer input—especially helpful for introverts or large groups. Whiteboards allow visual collaboration, brainstorming, and annotation. When used intentionally, these tools make virtual sessions feel dynamic, inclusive, and responsive.

Uses for Each Tool:

• Polls: Conduct quick knowledge checks, gather opinions, or kick off discussion.
• Chat: Encourage real-time questions, feedback, and learner-led insights.
• Whiteboards: Enable collaborative thinking, diagrams, and group input.

Additional Resources:

• Blog: 5 Facilitation Strategies to Elevate Engagement in Hybrid Training
• Workshop: Virtual Classroom Platform Deep Dives
• Certification: Design Fundamentals