Online learning, also known as eLearning is a type of distance learning that uses electronic technologies to deliver educational course materials and communicate between students and instructors. eLearning platforms are web-based applications that allow users to access and interact with online learning materials and resources.
Online learning has many benefits, including learning at your own pace, the flexibility to learn from anywhere and the convenience of having all your course materials in one place. eLearning can also be more engaging and interactive than traditional classroom-based learning, with multimedia resources and collaboration tools.
There are a variety of eLearning platforms available, each with its own set of features and capabilities. Some popular eLearning platforms include Blackboard, Moodle, and Canvas. This blog post will entail eLearning benefits and its platforms.
The Benefits of Online Learning
Online learning or eLearning is defined as the delivery of learning and training using electronic resources. It can be delivered via various devices, including personal computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones. ELearning has several benefits, making it an attractive proposition for students, learners, and businesses.
- Online Learning is Flexible and Convenient
One of the main advantages of eLearning is that it is flexible and convenient. Learners can access courses and learning materials anytime and from any location. It is particularly beneficial for those who have busy lifestyles or who live in remote areas.
- E-Learning saves Time and Money
Another advantage of eLearning is that it can save time and money. There is no need to travel to a training venue or to take time out from work to attend classes. eLearning can also be less expensive than traditional classroom-based learning.
- Tailors Individual Needs
Another benefit of eLearning is that it tailors to individual needs. Learners can study at their own pace and choose courses relevant to their specific needs. eLearning is also customized to provide a unique learning experience for each learner.
- eLearning is Eco-Friendly
eLearning is also eco-friendly as it reduces the need for printed materials, associated costs, and environmental impact.
- Improve Retention Rates
Studies have shown that eLearning can improve retention rates by up to 60%. It is because learners can review and revisit course materials as often as they need to.
- eLearning Promotes Collaboration
eLearning can promote Collaboration as learners can interact with each other and instructors via discussion forums and chat rooms. It can lead to a more enriching and effective learning experience.
- Leads to Improved Performance
eLearning can lead to improved performance as learners can apply what they have learned to their work immediately. It is particularly beneficial for those who work in fast-paced environments.
- Online Learning can increase motivation
eLearning can increase motivation as learners can receive feedback and recognition for their achievements. It can improve the Performance and devotion of learners toward their goals.
The eLearning (Online Learning) Platform
The eLearning Platform is one of the most important aspects of online learning. The software makes it possible for students to interact with their instructors and fellow students and access the course materials. There are many different eLearning platforms on the market, and choosing the right one can be daunting. However, it is important to choose a platform that will best meet the needs of your students and your course. There are different types of eLearning platforms available. Some of them are listed below.
1- Coursera
Coursera is an online learning platform that offers courses from top universities and organizations. World-renowned instructors often teach courses that cover a wide range of topics. You can sign up for Coursera courses for free some courses even offer a certificate upon completion. However, you will need to pay a fee if you want access to all course materials and assignments.
Coursera courses are flexible; you can usually watch the lectures and do the assignments at your own pace. However, some courses have assignment deadlines, so you must be aware before enrolling. Coursera also offers specializations, a series of courses that help you master a particular subject. Specializations usually cost more than individual courses, but they can be a great way to learn everything you need about a specific topic.
2- Udemy
Udemy is an e-learning platform that offers online courses on various topics. Founded in 2010, Udemy is headquartered in San Francisco, California. As of 2019, the company has more than 30 million students and 57,000 instructors teaching courses in over 65 languages. Udemy offers both free and paid courses. Paid courses typically range in price from $20 to $200, although some courses are priced higher. Free courses are also available, but these tend to be shorter and less comprehensive than paid courses.
Its courses are typically video-based, including downloadable lectures, quizzes, and assignments. Some courses also offer live sessions or one-on-one coaching. While Udemy is not accredited, many courses are developed in partnership with industry leaders and experts. It ensures that the courses are up-to-date and relevant to today’s marketplace. It is a great option for those looking for an affordable, flexible way to learn new skills or improve existing ones. With a wide variety of courses available, there is something for everyone.
3- Silkshare
Skillshare is an eLearning platform that offers online courses in various subject areas. Experts teach classes in their field and cover topics like design, business, technology, and more. It is a great way to learn new skills or brush up on existing ones. The platform is simple to use and designed to be engaging. Courses are divided into lessons, and each lesson has a video component. You can watch the videos at your own pace and pause, rewind, and fast-forward as needed. In addition to the video lessons, most courses also include downloadable resources like PDFs, templates, and project files.
It also offers a Premium membership, which gives you access to exclusive content, discounts on courses, and a personal profile page. Premium Members also participate in the community, which is a great way to connect with other learners and find inspiration. It is an online learning community with thousands of classes on everything from design to business, whether you want to learn a new skill or improve your existing one.
4- MasterClass
MasterClass is an online eLearning platform that enables individuals to learn from the best in the world by offering online video classes taught by renowned instructors. Once you sign up for an account on MasterClass, you can choose from a variety of courses offered in a wide range of topics, including cooking, business, design, and more. Each course comprises a series of video lessons and supplementary materials such as PDFs and quizzes. You can watch the lessons at your own pace, and revisit them as often as you like.
The courses are designed to give students an in-depth, immersive learning experience. The platform offers a wide range of courses, covering topics such as cooking, business, music, and more. They are divided into lessons, with each lesson covering a specific topic. The courses also include assignments and quizzes to help students learn and retain the information they are taught. It offers a unique learning experience that is unlike any other. The platform allows students to learn from some of the best instructors in the world.
5- Udacity
Udacity is an online learning platform that offers MOOCs (massive open online courses). It was founded in 2012 by two Stanford University professors, Sebastian Thrun and Peter Norvig. Udacity’s mission is to make education accessible, regardless of location or economic situation. The company offers courses in various subjects, including computer science, data science, business, and artificial intelligence. While most of Udacity’s courses are free, the company also offers a few paid courses and a nano degree program.
The nano degree program is a more intensive form of learning that includes one-on-one mentoring, career services, and a job guarantee. Udacity also offers Nanodegree programs, which are specialized, project-based courses that help you gain practical experience in your field of study. First, you create an account and choose the course or Nanodegree program you want to take. Then you will be given access to a variety of resources, including video lectures, quizzes, and projects.
You can work through the material at your own pace, and there are deadlines for completing each section. Once you have finished a course or Nanodegree program, you will receive a certificate of completion that you can share with potential employers.
The Benefits of the Online Learning Platforms
As we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to change how we live and work. One of the biggest changes has been the way we learn. With schools and universities closed around the world, students have been forced to find alternative ways to continue their education.
One of the most popular alternatives is online learning or eLearning. eLearning platforms are websites or software that allow users to access educational content remotely. There are many benefits of using an eLearning platform to learn online. Here are some of the top benefits.
- Convenience and Flexibility
One of the biggest benefits of online learning is its convenience and flexibility. You can learn at your own pace without travelling to a physical classroom. It is perfect for busy people who want to upskill or learn new things but need more time to commit to a traditional course.
- Cost-Effective
Another big benefit of eLearning is that it is often more cost-effective than traditional learning methods. There are no travel costs or expensive course materials to worry about. And, if you choose a self-paced course, you can take as long as you want to complete it without paying extra tuition.
- Wide Range of Courses
There is a huge range of online courses, so you are sure to find one perfect for you. Whether you want to learn a new language, improve your IT skills, or get a qualification for a new job, there is an online course for you.
- Accessible
As long as you have an internet connection, you can access your eLearning courses from anywhere in the world. It is perfect for people who are always on the go or want to study while on vacation.
- Learn at Your Own Pace
One of the great things about learning online is that you can discover at your personal rate. If you find a certain subject complicated, you can take your time and go over it again. And, if you want to move ahead quickly, you can do that too. This flexibility is perfect for people who want to learn at their own speed.
- Get Certified
Many online courses offer certification upon completion. It can be a great way to improve your CV and show potential employers that you have the skills and knowledge they’re looking for.
- Improve Your Job Prospects
By upskilling with an online course, you can improve your job position. There is just a need for practice and experience to enhance skills. That ultimately enhances capabilities and develops a person.
Which eLearning platform is right for me?
Choosing the right eLearning platform is essential to ensuring a successful online learning experience. There are many different factors to consider when choosing an eLearning platform, including the type, of course you are teaching, the size of your class, and your budget. Here we will explore the different eLearning platforms and help you choose the right one for your needs.
The first step in choosing an eLearning platform is deciding what course you are teaching. There are three main types of courses: asynchronous, synchronous, and hybrid.
- Asynchronous courses are those that do not require students to be online at the same time. Students can complete the course at their own pace and on their own schedule. This course is best for students with busy schedules or who live in different time zones.
- Synchronous courses require students to be online at the same time. These courses are typically live or real-time courses. Students will need to be available simultaneously for live lectures or discussions. This type, of course, is best for students who are able to commit to a regular schedule.
- Hybrid courses are a mix of asynchronous and synchronous courses. These courses typically have asynchronous components, such as pre-recorded lectures, and some synchronous components, such as live discussions or office hours. This type, of course, is best for students who can commit to a regular schedule but also need some flexibility.
The next step in choosing an eLearning platform is to decide the size of your class. There are two main types of classes: small and large. Small classes are those that have fewer than most. These classes are typically more intimate and allow for more one-on-one interaction between the instructor and the students. Small classes are best for courses that require a lot of interaction, such as discussion-based courses. Large classes are those that have more than 20 students. These classes typically have more lecture-based content and require less interaction between the instructor and the students. Large classes are best for more content-heavy courses, such as courses that require a lot of reading or videos.
The final step is to prepare the content of the lecture. It will help in delivering the right material to students. Also, a teacher can be able to respond to students quickly. Collaborative sessions enable students to ask questions and help teachers to get feedback on time.
The Drawbacks of eLearning Platforms
The internet has allowed people to learn anything they want, anytime, anywhere. But with this newfound freedom comes some potential drawbacks to consider before signing up for an online learning platform. This blog will explore four of the main drawbacks of eLearning platforms.
- Lack of Human Interaction
One of the biggest drawbacks of eLearning platforms is the lack of need for more traction. When you are learning online, you are usually doing so alone, without the benefit of a teacher or classmates to help you along the way. It can make it difficult to stay motivated, and can also make it harder to retain information.
- Less Engaging
Another drawback of eLearning platforms is that they can often be less engaging than traditional methods of learning. It is because there needs to be more interaction and text-based learning materials. It can make it easy to get bored or lost in the material.
- Technical Difficulties
Another potential drawback of eLearning platforms is that technical difficulties can sometimes plague them. It can include everything from website crashes to problems with audio and video playback. These technical difficulties can make it difficult to learn effectively.
- Limited Resources
Finally, another drawback of eLearning platforms is that they can often have limited resources. It means there may be fewer learning materials available. Finding the right course or material for your needs can make it easier.
The Future of eLearning Platforms
The future of eLearning platforms is very exciting. With the advent of new technologies, there are endless possibilities for how these platforms are used to improve the learning experience for students. Here are five ways how technology will transform the way we learn:
- Virtual Reality
Virtual reality is used to create realistic, immersive learning experiences. For example, students could be placed in a virtual world where they can learn about different historical events or explore different cultures. It would allow them to look at different places and times and learn more interactively.
- Augmented Reality
Augmented reality is used to overlay digital information in the real world. It is used to enhance the learning experience in several ways. For example, students could use augmented reality to view 3D models of molecules or see real-time translations of foreign language text.
- Gamification
Gamification can be used to make learning more fun and engaging. For example, students could earn points and badges for completing tasks or answering questions. It would make learning more motivating and enjoyable for students.
- Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is used to personalize the learning experience for each student. For example, AI is also used to track students’ progress and give them tailored feedback. AI also creates adaptive learning courses that adjust to the student’s individual needs.
- Blockchain
Blockchain technology is used to create a secure, decentralized platform for eLearning. It allows students to access courses and learning materials from anywhere in the world.
Conclusion
The future of eLearning is very exciting. With the advent of new technologies, there are endless possibilities for how these platforms are used to improve the learning experience for students. Online learning is a great way to get ahead in your academic learning, career development, learn new things, and network with other professionals. It can be daunting to get started, but several great platforms can make the process easy and fun. By taking advantage of online learning, you can take learning to a whole new level.
