Best apps and services to work and study from home

Paul8 appsUpdated Mar 13, 2020

Microsoft Teams
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Integrates seamlessly with Office 365 to centralize chat, files, and tools. Supports HD audio and video meetings, available across multiple platforms.
Cost / License
Freemium
Proprietary
Application typeApplication types
Group Chat App
Video Calling App
Platforms
Mac
Windows
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Android Auto
Microsoft 365
Apple Car Play
+8
Paul’s note
Microsoft's complete, collaborative work platform provides everything needed for team-based communication. Its distinctive integration with Microsoft 365 for easy sharing of documents makes it one of the best options for groups already using the office suite. The platform is available for both businesses and education needs.
Zoom
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Offers high-quality video meetings, screen sharing, team messaging, collaborative whiteboards, support for 100 participants, AI meeting summaries, and seamless device switching.
Cost / License
Freemium
Proprietary
Application typeApplication types
Video Calling App
Web Conferencing Tool
Platforms
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Apple Watch
Snapcraft
Android Auto
Apple TV
Flathub
Samsung Galaxy Store
Android TV
Apple Car Play
Chocolatey
+9
Paul’s note
Similar to Microsoft Teams in communication capability but different in focus, ZOOM offers a cloud video conferencing service that makes it totally practical to conduct meetings online. It's an excellent choice for those who don't need Microsoft 365 integration and it works great for holding work meetings and conducting online classes.
Moodle
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Moodle is an open source tool for creating online dynamic web sites for their students. To work, it needs to be installed on a web server somewhere, either on one of your own computers or one at a web hosting company.
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application typeApplication types
Learning Management System
Online Education Service
Platforms
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
Cloudron
Paul’s note
Moodle lets you manage educational content through your own server totally for free or through a subscription-based cloud service. The LMS (learning management system) offers practically limitless features through its plugin ecosystem. This may require a bit of time in configuration but it's a powerful system for tech savvy educators or businesses needing flexibility.
Edmodo LMS
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Edmodo is a social learning platform that provides a safe environment for students and teachers to connect and collaborate.
Cost / License
Freemium
Proprietary
Application typeApplication types
Learning Management System
Online Education Service
Platforms
Windows
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Software as a Service (SaaS)
+5
Paul’s note
A commercial LMS solution similar to Moodle, Edmodo makes it very easy for teachers to conduct class online through a familiar, social networking interface. It's not plugin-based like Moodle, which can make it a simpler system to work with.
Google Classroom
Like
Google Classroom is your mission control for class. Create classes, distribute assignments, send feedback, and see everything in one place. Instant. Paperless. Easy.
Cost / License
Free
Proprietary
Application typeApplication types
Online Education Service
Learning Management System
Platforms
Online
Android
iPhone
Chrome OS
Android Tablet
iPad
+7
Paul’s note
Another great option for educators, Google offers a fast, easy and free way to hold classes online. Unlike the other LMS services mentioned, this one simply isn't available for business use. That tends to make it easier to use, and being Google based makes it easier for many users to get started.
Kahoot!
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Kahoot! is a classroom response system which creates an engaging learning space, through a game-based digital pedagogy.
Cost / License
Freemium
Proprietary
Application typeApplication types
Online Education Service
Survey Creator
Platforms
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Paul’s note
Kahoot! makes it super easy for educators to create fun and engaging quizzes that can be played with live interaction. The app uses a proven formula that students across the world have enjoyed and it's now available for both educational and business use.
Prezi
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Design non-linear, visually engaging presentations using zooming canvases, collaborative tools, multimedia integration, analytics, and adaptive formatting.
Cost / License
Freemium
Proprietary
Application typeApplication types
Presentation Maker
Slideshow Maker
Platforms
Mac
Windows
Online
iPhone
iPad
+3
Paul’s note
Presentations are a must for both work and school and Prezi fills that need with a super simple but very stylish way of presenting content. Easily create zooming and panning slideshows explaining class concepts or business matters.
Genially
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Interactive visual communication tool offering stunning presentations, images, infographics, quizzes, and more, enriched with animations.
Cost / License
Freemium
Proprietary
Application typeApplication types
Presentation Maker
Graphic Design Tool
Platforms
Online
Software as a Service (SaaS)
+3
Paul’s note
Covering a broader base of presentation needs than services like Prezi, Genial.ly lets users create infographics, quizzes and other interactive content as well as slideshows.