10 Best Chrome Extensions for Teachers for Virtual Classroom
Learn the 10 best Chrome extensions for teachers for virtual classroom success. Get tools for reading, planning, annotation, student engagement & more.
Teaching online is not just teaching — it’s juggling tabs, answering chats, managing submissions, and somehow still keeping students focused. No surprise, more teachers are turning to Chrome extensions to make virtual classrooms easier to run.
From grading assignments in Google Docs to giving feedback in Google Classroom or sharing quick video instructions through Google Meet, the right tools can save hours every week. Instead of switching between tabs or dealing with scattered student submissions, these best Chrome extensions for teachers for virtual classrooms help simplify day-to-day tasks.
This list features 10 Chrome extensions that are actually effective in a virtual classroom environment. You’ll find tools for screen recording, interactive classes, PDF files, annotation, lesson plans, math input, creating flashcards, and much more. Most of them are free or offer strong freemium plans, so you won’t need to worry about your school budget either.
Why Chrome Extensions Are a Must for Virtual Classrooms?
Google Chrome isn’t just a browser anymore. It has become a hub for nearly everything teachers do online. Thanks to its seamless integration with Google Workspace for Education, including Google Docs, Slides, Google Classroom, and Google Meet, it makes it the go-to setup for virtual teaching.
However, even with all these tools, teachers still encounter the same challenges: students getting distracted, missing assignments, delayed grading, low participation, or simply spending too much time switching between platforms.
That is where Chrome extensions help.
They act like quick fixes, letting you record lessons, track submissions, give feedback, or manage your class without needing to download heavy software or learn anything complicated.
Whether you're building a lesson plan in Google Sheets, leaving comments on student work in Docs, or running a quiz through Google Forms, there’s likely a Chrome extension that can make your job easier and your class run smoother.
The Top Chrome Extensions for Virtual Teaching
Let’s look at the list of 10 best Chrome extensions for teachers for virtual classrooms.
1. Web Highlights
If your teaching involves reading online articles, reviewing PDF documents, or using different websites, Web Highlights is one of the best Chrome extensions for teachers for virtual classroom workflows.
You can highlight any webpage or PDF, organize those highlights with tags and notes, and then export everything into tools like Capacities, Notion, Markdown or Obsidian. It’s designed for teachers who want to stay organized without constantly switching tabs.
Best For
Highlighting text, organizing research, and turning your reading into ready-to-use material for lesson planning.
Platform
Chrome Extension, Web App, Edge, Firefox, Mobile app
Features
- Highlight and annotate any web page or PDF inside the browser
- Add notes and tags to organize content
- Export highlights to tools like Notion, Obsidian, and Capacities
- Supports offline access and cross-device sync
- Import Kindle highlights and convert them into study flashcards
- Works with local PDF files after a one-time setup
- Save articles in clean reader mode for distraction-free reading
- Set email reminders and bookmarks to revisit saved highlights
- Collaborate or share highlights with others and export Chrome bookmarks
Top 3 Features of Web Highlights
1. Spaced Repetition + Flashcards
Teachers can turn highlights into flashcards and utilize spaced repetition to reinforce ideas. It’s perfect for reviewing key concepts, lesson notes, and prepping students during exam season.
2. Formatted Highlighting
Use bullet points, headings, and block quotes while highlighting to keep things structured. Formatted highlighting is great for breaking down long articles or organizing your lesson material.
3. Email Reminders
You can schedule email reminders for any highlight, so if you saved something important for next week’s lesson, it won’t get lost in a sea of bookmarks.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Multiple highlight colors
- Great for organizing research with tags and folders
- Excellent free version with unlimited offline highlights and bookmarks
- Offline access to multiple features
- Helps teachers stay organized across multiple educational platforms
Cons
- Web Highlights is built around tags instead of folders. If you prefer using folders, that could be a downside.
Pricing
- Basic – Free
- Premium – $3.49/month, $34.99/year, $139.99/lifetime (US prices)
- Ultimate – $3.99/month, $39.99/year, $144.99/lifetime (US prices)
Customer Support
- Blogs
- FAQs
- Email support
- Tutorials
- Extensive documentation
Average User Rating & Installs
4.8 / 5 (3.7K ratings), 100 000 + users on Chrome Web Store
2. Mote
Mote is a voice recording extension built for teachers who use Google Docs, Slides, and Google Classroom. It allows you to leave voice comments directly on student work, eliminating the need to type everything out.
Best For
Adding voice feedback to assignments, especially in Google Workspace tools.
Platform
Chrome Extension
Features
- Record and insert voice notes in Google Docs, Slides, and Google Classroom
- Support for transcripts and captions
- Reading mode
- Share audio as links via email or classroom platforms
- Color coding highlights
Top 3 Features of Mote
1. Voice Comments
You can leave a quick voice comment on student work directly in Google Docs, which helps in saving time on grading.
2. Google Slides Feedback
Leave voice notes on each slide to clarify student presentations or give recorded instructions.
3. Reader Mode Support
Mote works with reader-friendly formats, making it easier to focus when reviewing content-heavy pages. While it doesn’t have a built-in reader mode, it pairs well with tools that simplify pages for distraction-free review.
Pros
- Saves time on written feedback
- More personal than text-only comments
- Easy integration with Google for Education tools
Cons
- No built-in tagging or annotation system
- Limited use outside of Google Workspace
- Full features are locked behind the Pro plan
Pricing
- Free Plan – Limited functionality
- Unlimited – $59.40/year
- Department/Team – $49.00/year
- School – $1500/per building
Customer Support
- Online help center
- Email support
- Google for Education integrations and guides
Average User Rating & Installs
4.6 / 5 (165 ratings), 500 000 + users on Chrome Web Store
3. Kami
Kami is another one of the best Chrome extensions for teachers for virtual classrooms that helps mark up assignments or collaborate on digital worksheets. It turns PDFs and other files into interactive canvases with drawing, typing, and voice feedback tools.
Best For
Collaborating on and annotating PDF files in Google Drive or Google Classroom.
Platform
Chrome Extension, Web App
Features
- Annotate PDF files, Word documents, and images
- Integrates with Google Classroom, docs, and drive
- Document sharing
- Read aloud and highlighting tools
- Offline mode
- Live collaboration
Top 3 Features of Kami
1. PDF Annotation
Mark up documents with highlighters, shapes, text boxes, or freehand tools, useful for homework reviews or open-ended assignments.
2. Offline mode
Kami works even without an internet connection, so students can annotate or complete work offline and sync it later.
3. Live Collaboration
Students and teachers can edit the same file at once, which works well for group tasks or formative assessments.
Pros
- Increases classroom engagement
- Wide range of annotation tools
- Easy accessibility
Cons
- Most of the useful tools require premium packages
- Interface can be slow with large PDF files
Pricing
- Free Plan – Basic annotation tools
- Teacher Plan – $149
- School or District Plans – Custom pricing
Customer Support
- Help center with video tutorials
- Email and form support
- Google Workspace for Education guides available
Average User Rating & Installs
4.6 / 5 (8.4K ratings), 3,000,000 + users on Chrome Web Store
4. Screencastify
Screencastify is mainly a screen recording tool used to create video lessons or walkthroughs. It’s a solid option for teachers doing remote lessons, but the free version allows only 10 videos to be recorded.
Best For
Recording short lessons, how-to tutorials, and assignment instructions.
Platform
Chrome Extension
Features
- Record browser tab, full desktop, or webcam
- Built-in video editor
- Export Options
- Add quizzes or interactive questions
Top 3 Features of Screencastify
1. Screen Recording
This feature is useful for explaining assignment steps or doing visual lessons that need a personal touch.
2. Video Editor
Teachers can trim awkward pauses or merge multiple clips without using a separate tool.
3. Export Options
Every video you make is saved to Drive automatically. You can share it right away with your class.
Pros
- Easy to use for teachers at any tech skill level
- No student logins needed to view recordings
- Built for Google Classroom workflows
Cons
- 10 free recordings are a limit
- Editing and quizzes only available on the paid version
- Some uploads can be slow depending on the connection
Pricing
- Free Plan – Up to 10 videos
- Starter – $7/month billed annually
- Pro – $10/month billed annually
Customer Support
- Help center with video lessons
- Demo support
Average User Rating & Installs
4.0 / 5 (11.7K ratings), 4,000,000 + users on Chrome Web Store
5. Evernote
Evernote is a digital notebook that helps teachers organize class notes, lesson plans, clipped articles, and more. It works well for keeping everything in one place, but it lacks some real-time collaboration features that other education extensions offer.
Best For
Organizing notes, saving lesson ideas, and syncing across devices.
Platform
Chrome Extension, Web, Android, iOS, Desktop, Mac
Features
- Save entire web pages or selected text from Chrome
- Organize notes with tags
- Search handwriting, images, and PDFs
- Set reminders and create checklists
- Sync content across all devices
Top 3 Features of Evernote
1. Web Clipper Extension
With web clipper, teachers can save useful websites, articles, and PDF files while browsing. These clips can include annotations and tags, making research or lesson planning easier.
2. Organize and Tag System
Keep notes organized by subject or class using notebooks and tags. Great for managing multiple sections or prep materials.
3. Cross-Device Sync
Access your notes from any device, whether you're at home, school, or switching between laptops and tablets.
Pros
- Strong organization system with tags and folders
- Works on mobile, desktop, and Chrome
- Integrates with Google Drive
Cons
- Limited collaboration features for group projects
- Free plan has monthly upload caps
- Offline access only available on paid plans
Pricing
- Free Plan
- Personal – $14.99/month
- Professional – $17.99/month
- Enterprise – Contact team
Customer Support
- Help center with guides and articles
- Email support for free users
- Priority support for paid users
Average User Rating & Installs
4.7 / 5 (129.5K ratings), 2,000,000 + users on Chrome Web Store
6. EquatIO
EquatIO is built for math and science teachers who need an easier way to insert formulas, equations, and scientific symbols into digital assignments. It works well with virtual classrooms, but may take some time to get used to if you're not familiar with equation editors.
Best For
Typing or speaking math equations into Google Workspace tools without using complex code or formatting.
Platform
Chrome Extension, Windows, Mac
Features
- Insert math symbols in Google Docs and Google Forms
- Handwrite equations or use voice typing
- Converts handwritten math to digital format
- Predictive texts
- Chemistry formula prediction
Top 3 Features of EquatIO
1. Handwriting Recognition
You can write equations using a stylus or mouse, and EquatIO converts them into clean digital math.
2. Voice Input for Equations
Say the formula out loud, and EquatIO will convert it into written math. This works well for teachers who want to dictate while creating Google Docs or Forms.
3. Google Forms Integration
Add math questions directly to quizzes or state practice tests in Google Forms. No coding or formatting required.
Pros
- Saves time when writing equations
- Useful for assessment data and student submissions
- Includes options for accessibility (speech-to-math)
Cons
- Learning curve for beginners
- Graphing tools can feel limited compared to full math software
Pricing
- Free Plan – Limited features
- Single – $128.05
- Schools – $1171 - $3500
Customer Support
- Webinars
- Blogs
- Email Support
Average User Rating & Installs
3.9 / 5 (633 ratings), 1,000,000 + users on Chrome Web Store
7. Classwork Zoom
Classwork Zoom provides teachers with a clear visual timeline of student activity within Google Classroom. It’s especially helpful for spotting late work, missing assignments, or students who might be falling behind. It is primarily designed for Google Classroom, so it may not function well on its own.
Best For
Tracking student submissions, assignment status, and workflow inside Google Classroom.
Platform
Chrome Extension
Features
- Visual timeline of student work
- View submission dates and delays
- Filter by student or assignment
- Highlights and annotation
- Export reports
Top 3 Features of Classwork Zoom
1. Student Activity Timeline
See when each student viewed, opened, or submitted assignments. This helps flag participation issues early.
2. Highlights and Annotations
Teachers can review classroom activity highlights and notes to quickly assess individual or group progress, which is useful for lesson planning.
3. Export Reports
Download summaries of student work for grading or parent-teacher meetings.
Pros
- Great for assignment management
- Helps identify trends in student engagement
- Easy-to-use
Cons
- Only supports Google Classroom, not other LMS platforms
- No built-in grading tools
- Visual layout might take time to get used to
Pricing
- Free basic plan
- Premium – $2.99/month & $1.67/year
- Schools & Districts – Contact Team
Customer Support
- Email-based support
- Online help docs
Average User Rating & Installs
4.1 / 5 (7 ratings), 10 000 + users on Chrome Web Store
8. Weava
Weava is a Chrome extension that helps users highlight and organize research across websites and PDF documents.
It works similar like Web Highlights and it is commonly used by students and teachers to gather content for assignments or lesson plans.
While it covers basic needs well, syncing across devices and exporting to other platforms can be tricky for some users. In our comparison between Weava and Web Highlights, we found that Web Highlights is a much more convenient and powerful choice.
Best For
Highlighting and saving research content from the web and PDF files.
Platform
Chrome Extension, Web
Features
- Highlight text from web pages or PDF files
- Organize content into folders and subfolders
- Add notes to saved highlights
- Basic citation generation
- Export notes to different formats and apps
Top 3 Features of Weava
1. Multi-Color Highlighting
Teachers can highlight different parts of an article in color-coded layers. This works well for sorting lesson content by topic or theme.
2. Organized Folders
Keep highlights grouped by subject or project. Helps in managing multiple classes or ongoing research tasks.
3. Note-Taking with Highlights
Add simple notes alongside your highlights for context. This is useful for reminders or expanding on a quote or stat.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Cloud syncing
- Works well with both websites and PDF documents
Cons
- Sync and backup require account login
- Some features are only available in the Premium version
- Interface cluttered with ads
Pricing
- Free Plan
- Premium – $3.99/month
Customer Support
- Email support
- Help articles and video tutorials
Average User Rating & Installs
4.1 / 5 (2.7K ratings), 300 000 + users on Chrome Web Store
9. Loom
Loom is a video messaging tool that allows teachers to record quick videos to explain tasks, share announcements, or respond to student questions. It helps support real-time communication in a virtual classroom environment.
Best For
Recording short, clear video instructions for students or fellow teachers.
Platform
Chrome Extension, Web, Desktop, iOS, Android
Features
- Record screen, webcam, or both
- Share videos instantly with a link
- Add emoji reactions or comments
- Add comments or notes
- Integrates with Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Docs
Top 3 Features of Loom
1. Screen + Camera Recording
Great for walking through Google Classroom or showing students how to complete assignments in Google Sheets or Docs.
2. Instant Video Links
No downloads needed, just copy and paste the video link directly into Google Classroom or a message.
3. Viewer Insights
See who watched your videos and when. Helpful for tracking engagement or identifying students who might have missed instructions.
Pros
- Easy to use, even for non-tech-savvy teachers
- Speeds up feedback and class communication
- Useful for remote and hybrid classes
Cons
- Free plan has storage limits
- Editing tools are basic in the free version
- Slow and lagging interface
Pricing
A free plan is available. Contact sales for a custom quote.
Customer Support
- Help center with tutorials
- Email support
Average User Rating & Installs
4.6 / 5 (10.2K ratings), 7 000 000 + users on Chrome Web Store
10. Classroom Screen
Classroom Screen easily makes the list of the best web apps for teachers for virtual classroom setups. It helps you manage daily class routines without jumping between multiple apps. Although it doesn’t directly integrate with Google Classroom, it works smoothly for teachers.
Best For
Managing digital class flow and boosting student engagement during virtual education.
Platform
Web App (works in Google Chrome)
Features
- Customizable digital screen with widgets
- Timer, stopwatch, and traffic light tools
- QR code generator and drawing board
- Image highlights
- Draw and highlight
Top 3 Features of Classroom Screen
1. Digital Noise Meter
Monitor the sound in your environment to keep things calm. Great for teaching from home or shared spaces during interactive video classes.
2. Timers and Visual Cues
Use countdowns, visual reminders, or icons to structure class activities. Helpful for pacing lessons or group work online.
3. Instruction Display + Drawing Pad
Show key instructions or use the drawing board to visually explain concepts. Works well with students at different reading levels or with accessibility problems.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Helps structure virtual classroom environments
- Good support for visual learners
Cons
- Doesn’t directly integrate with Google Drive or Google Classroom
- No student login or progress tracking
- Limited file saving options
Pricing
- Free Plan
- Pro Plan – $3/month
Customer Support
- Online tutorials
- Email support
- Community Facebook group for teachers
Average User Rating & Installs
4.9 / 5 (40 ratings) on G2.
What to Consider When Choosing a Chrome Extension
Not every tool works the same in a virtual classroom environment. Before adding new Chrome extensions to your teaching setup, here are a few things to check:
1. Cross-Use for Reading, Research, and Note-Taking
Some extensions are designed for a single task, such as grading or recording. Others, like Web Highlights, support a wider range of needs, such as reading web articles in reader mode, creating study guides, organizing notes, and syncing them across devices. Having an extension that covers all those bases will save time and reduce the need for multiple tabs.
2. Free vs Paid Features
Some of the best Chrome extensions for teachers for virtual classroom use offer core tools for free, but advanced options (like collaboration or export features) are often behind a paywall. Always check what’s included in the free plan and what’s not.
3. Student Data & Privacy
With so many educational platforms collecting information, it’s essential to examine how each tool handles privacy and security. Does the extension store your files? Can it access student submissions or PDF documents? Review their privacy policy if you are unsure.
4. Reviews & User Ratings
Check ratings in the Chrome Web Store or on reputable teacher blogs. If other teachers have faced glitches, slow loading, or poor support, it is better to know before installing and wasting your time.
5. Tech Skill Level
Some tools (like math equation editors or annotation tools) may take more time to learn. Choose extensions that match your comfort level and don’t add extra work during lesson planning or assignment management.
Key Takeaways
There are tons of Chrome extensions out there, but only a handful actually make your virtual teaching easier. Whether it’s planning lessons, reviewing student work, or just trying to keep things organized, the right tools save time and help you focus on what matters.
If you're trying to decide which tools actually help in daily teaching, Web Highlights should be high on your list of the best Chrome extensions for teachers for virtual classroom use. It is perfect for anyone who spends time reading online articles, reviewing PDF files, or organizing teaching content. You can highlight, tag, take notes, and even export everything to Capacities, Notion, or Obsidian.
It also syncs across devices and keeps your work backed up, no extra effort needed. Try Web Highlights today, it’s simple, useful, and built for how teachers actually work.
Marius Bongarts