Flat

Flat is an open-source desktop app that provides a dedicated virtual classroom environment. It enables real-time interaction between instructors and students through a combination of audio, video, and shared visual tools. The software is available as a web client and as a desktop application for Windows and macOS, allowing users to maintain a consistent learning experience across different operating systems.

Users install the desktop version via an Electron implementation or access the platform through a web browser. The system supports the creation and scheduling of classrooms, including the ability to set up periodic rooms for recurring lessons. Authentication is handled through GitHub and WeChat integrations, which simplifies the onboarding process for students and teachers. The software is designed to be built and run using pnpm, providing a streamlined workflow for those who wish to deploy their own instance of the client.

Key features

• Multifunctional interactive whiteboard
• Real-time video and audio chat
• Real-time messaging
• Cloud recording for video and audio
• Whiteboard and messaging replaying
• Cloud storage for multi-media courseware
• Screen sharing
• Classroom scheduling and periodic room support

The application architecture separates the user interface from the business logic, which allows developers to view and develop Flat components via Storybook. It integrates with the Agora ecosystem to handle real-time communication and is designed to work in tandem with a dedicated Flat server. This separation of concerns makes the software suitable for educators, developers, and institutions that require a customizable e-learning environment where the visual presentation can be modified independently of the core functionality. The project also provides a path for packaging executables specifically for macOS or Windows systems.

Flat is a flexible, open-source foundation for virtual classrooms and online education, providing the necessary tools for synchronous and asynchronous learning.