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Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, online learning platforms have drastically increased in popularity over recent years. Students of all levels, including those in corporate training, now rely on the internet to deliver their educational materials.
In this article, we’ll discuss how online learning platforms work and which platform to choose based on your needs.
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What Is an Online Learning Platform?
An online learning platform allows students to access and absorb educational content in a strictly digital fashion, in either groups or individual settings. Online learning can take place live at set times, or it can entail pre-recorded lessons for students to complete on their own time.
What Are the Different Types of Online Learning Platforms?
If you plan to take an online course or pursue another type of distance learning, you should first become familiar with a few different delivery platforms. Below, we’ll discuss three of the most popular online learning platforms and a few of the best providers for each.
Learning Destination Sites
A learning destination site (LDS) allows you to access a variety of courses in one place. Udemy, a popular LDS, offers more than 185,000 video-based lessons on an array of topics. The following online learning platforms are also categorized as learning destination sites:
- Coursera. A great option for those in the workplace looking to enhance skills or change careers, Coursera offers virtual courses, certifications and degree content.
- Codecademy. This online coding bootcamp offers comprehensive instruction to students who want to learn how to code. Learners can choose from career paths and individual courses.
- Khan Academy. This learning platform specializes in online learning for kids in kindergarten through eighth grade and includes courses for high school and college as well. Khan Academy is free and boasts a wealth of courses in topics like math, reading, computers and social and emotional development.
Learning Management Systems
Learning management systems (LMS) are software systems used by companies and organizations for learning and training.
An LMS differs from an LDS in that it’s not a standalone website. Rather, an LMS is a portal through which instructors disseminate information for learners to access. An LMS can exist online or as installed software, and it can be paid or open-source.
Below, we detail a few of the most common learning management systems used today:
- Blackboard (traditional). Blackboard is an LMS that serves all grade levels. Through Blackboard, instructors can build and share educational content. The provider has an associated app as well.
- Canvas (traditional). Canvas is one of Blackboard’s primary competitors. All Ivy League schools have adopted Canvas as their main LMS. This up-and-coming platform is feature-heavy and efficient.
- Moodle (open-source). This robust learning management system is completely free to use. It works best for those who have some experience with the administrative tasks involved in setting up an LMS.
Learning Management Ecosystems
A learning management ecosystem (LME) can be thought of as a combination of an LDS and an LMS. These comprehensive learning platforms offer a variety of courses, but they are internal to particular organizations. This means you can’t access an LME without being a part of the organization to which it belongs. Large colleges and universities often use their own LMEs.
Online Learning Delivery Methods
Instructors can deliver online learning through several methods. We’ll go over a few types of online learning delivery methods below.
Video-Based Learning
Video-based learning involves learning from a video or series of videos. This format works best for those seeking flexibility in their learning. Students can typically view videos at any time from any location. This format combines speaking, graphics and animation to provide a 360-degree learning experience.
A great example of video-based learning is YouTube, where viewers can watch tutorials on just about any topic. Just make sure that the content creator is a credible source on their given topic.
One-on-One Learning
Online learning is not always asynchronous. With one-on-one learning, students can work with a teacher or tutor in real time. This format provides more direct interaction with students’ instructors, allowing learners to ask questions and work out problems face to face.
Group Learning
Virtual classrooms, like those offered by most online colleges, are a good example of group learning. These classes typically meet at set times, during which an appointed instructor leads the class.
Group learning classes often use other mediums, like pre-recorded videos and lectures, to enhance the learning experience. Professors and instructors typically use LMSs to post grades, facilitate discussions and keep track of assignments.
Benefits of Online Learning Platforms
Online learning requires top-notch time management skills and plenty of self-discipline, and many students prefer to learn in in-person environments. That said, distance learning brings a wealth of benefits as well. Here are a few positive outcomes of online learning platforms:
Budget-Friendly Choices
Online learning often costs less than in-person instruction. Many colleges and universities offer in-state tuition rates to all remote learners, regardless of where they reside. Likewise, studying online reduces costs associated with housing and transportation.
For aspiring tech professionals, online coding bootcamps offer a cheaper alternative to traditional degree programs. And open-source learning destination sites allow anyone to dive into a subject that interests them—free of charge.
Flexibility and Convenience
Online learning often allows learners to study at their convenience. This makes it easier to hold down a full-time job while attending courses. It also means students can attend courses offered by out-of-state schools without having to travel or uproot their lives.
Options for Every Learning Style
Online learning platforms offer something for everyone. For students who want the camaraderie of in-person classes with the convenience of remote learning, group-based online learning combines the best of both worlds. On the other hand, those who feel overwhelmed in group learning settings might prefer one-on-one online courses. And learners with unpredictable work schedules who need lots of flexibility can find what they need in video-based courses.
