Choosing the Right E-Learning Platform
Online learning is learning that takes place via the internet. E-learning is electronic learning. It is learning that takes place via an electronic device via a laptop, computer, tablet, cell phone etc.
Online learning has increased in popularity. It is estimated that over 100 million students are currently studying online worldwide. Online learning is continuing to grow in popularity and the e-learning industry expected to be worth $830 billion dollars by 2030.
Learning Platform
Online and e-learning tends to take place on a learning platform or LMS.
An LMS is a learning management platform is a way of delivering and managing online courses. The LMS can be described as a software platform or as a web-based technology.
LMS can be thought of as similar to a library as it is as large repository of information, where education providers can store and track information.
But it is so much more than a library. It is not just a place to store information, but an interactive platform, where students and education providers can engage and learn.
An LMS can be used to plan, implement and assess students.
Studying Online
When planning to study online, an online provider should bear in mind the advantages and disadvantages of online studying to the student. For example –
Disadvantages –
- Studying online can make distraction possible. For example, students looking at social media, videos etc when studying online.
- Some students will study with isolation if they are studying alone.
- Students need to be self-disciplined and have good time management to study well online.
- Spending long hours on computers can result in back problems or eye strain.
- A lack of a fixed time for a lesson or course to start can make it harder for some students to commit to studying.
- Online courses can expect a certain level of literacy prior to starting the course.
Advantages -
- No travel time
- No travel costs
- Some students will benefit from studying online as they do not have the distractions of other students.
- Online learning fits in better with busy schedules
- Research also sees improved time management, independence and self-discipline in online students.
- The lack of a fixed time to study can benefit many students who can fit in their studying around their lifestyle.
- People learning by e-learning tend to retain 60% of the information, compared to 25% of the information in students studying in classroom-based courses.
Online learning tends to give many students a freedom to study when and where they want to. Something they do not have in traditional, classroom based, study.
Read - What is the future of education for more information on this ever -evolving field.
E-Learning Platforms
When offering online courses, an e-learning provider also needs to consider which learning platform is suitable for their needs.
Interaction
Does the platform offer students and tutors the ability to interact?
For example –
- Is there an option for students and tutors to communicate? Can students submit questions to their tutor and tutors can respond?
- Can the student contact administration for other questions if necessary?
Assignments and Self Assessment Questions
- Are there self-assessments for the student to monitor their learning, such as multichoice questions?
- Can the student submit assignments via the LMS? Can the student receive feedback from the tutor via the LMS?
Completing self-assessments can help the student to monitor their own learning. Assignments submitted to tutors can help the student to receive feedback on how well they are doing and where they need to improve.
Management
The platform should enable easy management for the student, teacher and education provider. It should be clear to the users, and suitable for their requirements.
Compliance
It is also recommended the platforms are SCORM compliant. SCORM stands for Sharable Content Object Reference Model. It means that online training material can be shared across systems. It is basically a set of standards for e-learning courses.