E-learning Platform: What are they and the list of the top 9.

Introduction: Navigating the Future with E-learning Platforms The landscape of education is rapidly evolving, and at the forefront of this transformation is the "E-learning platform." As technology permeates every facet of our lives, these platforms emerge as vital tools, democratizing knowledge and making it accessible to anyone, anywhere.

What are eLearning Platforms?

E-learning platforms, also known as learning management systems (LMS), are online tools that provide a structured learning environment. These platforms host and distribute course content, assessments, and tutorials. Providers of these systems enable both educators and learners to create, manage, and partake in online courses, offering an array of functionalities to enhance the learning experience.

Top 10 Use Cases of E-learning Platforms

1. Professional Development: Professionals often use e-learning platforms to acquire new skills, ensuring they stay relevant in their fields. Platforms like LinkedIn Learning offer a plethora of courses tailored for professional advancement.
2. Corporate Training: Companies utilize these platforms for employee training, offering modules on everything from onboarding processes to advanced technical skills.
3. Academic Learning: Many educational institutions have integrated e-learning platforms to supplement or even replace traditional classrooms, ensuring continuous learning.
4. Skill Acquisition: Platforms like Udemy and Coursera cater to individuals aiming to pick up new skills, be it guitar playing, digital marketing, or cooking.
5. Self-paced Learning: One of the biggest appeals of e-learning is the flexibility it offers. Learners can progress at their own pace, revisiting course materials whenever needed.
6. Training Courses & Workshops: Providers often host intensive training programs and workshops on these platforms, often accompanied by webinars and forums for in-depth discussions.
7. Certification Programs: Many e-learning platforms offer certification upon course completion, which can be pivotal for job applications or promotions.
8. Supplementing Traditional Learning: Students often turn to platforms like Khan Academy or edX for additional learning materials to complement their formal education.
9. Community Learning: Open-source platforms like Moodle have given rise to communities where members share learning materials, engage in forums, and support each other’s educational journeys.
10. Free Courses: Many platforms offer free courses, making high-quality education accessible to all, regardless of economic status.

Examples of eLearning Services

Some top-notch e-learning services include Coursera, edX, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, and Moodle. These platforms cater to a diverse range of learners, offering everything from free courses to specialized professional development programs.

E-learning vs Classroom

Learning While both methods have their merits, e-learning offers flexibility, often being self-paced, and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. Classroom learning, on the other hand, provides a physical interaction environment but might not offer the same level of convenience and accessibility.

Advantages of E-learning Platforms

• Flexibility: Learners can access content anytime, anywhere.
• Variety of Content: From videos, quizzes, to gamified content, e-learning platforms offer diverse learning materials.
• Cost-Effective: Often cheaper than traditional education, with many platforms even offering high-quality free courses.
• Customization: Many platforms provide templates and drag-and-drop functionality, allowing for tailored learning experiences.
• Feedback and Assessment: Instant quizzes and assessments ensure continuous feedback for learners.

Basic Functions And Features of E-learning Platforms

• Course Creation: Providers offer tools for content creation, ensuring user-friendly interfaces.
• Quizzes and Assessments: These allow educators to test learners' understanding and provide instant feedback.
• Mobile App Integration: For learning on the go.
• Social Media Integration: For sharing and promoting courses.
• Notifications and Messaging: To keep learners informed and engaged.

Comparing the Top 5 E-learning Platforms

<table>

<thead>

<tr>

<th>Platform</th>

<th>Features</th>

<th>Pricing</th>

</tr>

</thead>

<tbody>

<tr>

<td>Coursera</td>

<td>Professional certificates, Degree programs, Mobile app</td>

<td>Free courses available, Specializations from $39-$79/month</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>edX</td>

<td>University-level courses, MicroMasters, Self-paced</td>

<td>Free access, Verified Certificates from $50</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Udemy</td>

<td>Course creation, Lifetime access, Mobile app</td>

<td>Starting from $9.99 per course</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>LinkedIn Learning</td>

<td>Professional development, In-depth tutorials, Offline viewing</td>

<td>1-month free trial, Monthly subscription at $29.99</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Moodle</td>

<td>Open-source, Customizable plugins, SCORM compliant</td>

<td>Free (costs associated with hosting and customization)</td>

</tr>

</tbody>

</table>

E-learning Platform Tools

1. Moodle: A free, open-source learning management system. Known for its customization with plugins, Moodle caters to educators and institutions. Top 5 features: Open-source, SCORM compliant, Customizable plugins, Mobile app, and Community forums.
2. Coursera: A platform hosting courses from top universities and organizations. Features: Peer-reviewed assignments, Professional certificates, Degree programs, Mobile app, and Course platform with quizzes.
3. edX: A product of a collaboration between Harvard and MIT, edX is an e-learning platform that offers university-level courses from institutions around the world. Top 5 Features: University partnerships, MicroMasters programs, Self-paced learning, High-quality course materials, and Verified certificates.
4. LinkedIn Learning: Previously known as Lynda, it focuses on professional development. Top 5 Features: In-depth course content, Expert instructors, Integration with LinkedIn, Offline learning, and Personalized course recommendations.
5. Udemy: A vast platform with a marketplace model where anyone can create and sell courses. Top 5 Features: Lifetime access to purchased courses, User reviews and ratings, Course creation tools, Broad subject variety, and Mobile access.
6. Khan Academy: Focused on academic subjects, Khan Academy offers free courses to students globally. Top 5 Features: Interactive exercises, Progress dashboard, Teachers’ tools, Content available in multiple languages, and Personalized learning dashboard.
7. Teachable: A platform allowing users to create and sell their own courses. Top 5 Features: Drag-and-drop course builder, Customizable domain, Integrated payment processing, Student feedback tools, and Comprehensive analytics.
8. Pluralsight: A tech-skills focused e-learning platform. Top 5 Features: Skill assessments, Learning paths, Expert-authored content, Offline and mobile access, and Interactive courses.
9. Thinkific: Tailored for entrepreneurs, it allows users to create and sell online courses. Top 5 Features: Full course customization, Built-in sales tools, Membership sites, Quizzes and surveys, and Student reporting and analytics.

FAQs

• What is the best device for eLearning?
• • While eLearning can be accessed from any device with internet connectivity, tablets and laptops are most preferred due to their screen size and functionality.
• What is the most widely used LMS?
• • Moodle, being open-source and highly customizable, is one of the most widely adopted LMS globally.
• What are some benefits of eLearning?
• • E-learning offers flexibility, a wide range of content, cost-effectiveness, customized learning experiences, and instant feedback.
• What is the best way to learn how to use eLearning platforms?
• • Most platforms offer onboarding tutorials, and there are numerous online resources, webinars, and forums dedicated to helping newcomers navigate eLearning platforms.

Understanding the Popularity and Growth of E-learning Platforms

The rise of e-learning platforms is not accidental. The past decade has seen a rapid surge in online education for multiple reasons. Economic dynamics, globalization, and more recently, global challenges like the pandemic, have accelerated the move towards online learning. The continuous pursuit of knowledge, upskilling, and the necessity for continuous professional development in an ever-evolving job market, has made e-learning not just an alternative but often the preferred mode of education.

The award-winning content, coupled with the interactive nature of many courses (thanks to gamification), and the ability to learn at one’s own pace, makes online education a highly appealing proposition. Additionally, forums, messaging tools, and social media integrations in these platforms have ensured that learners can communicate, discuss, and debate topics, ensuring a holistic learning environment.

Moreover, the financial model of many e-learning platforms also contributes to their popularity. Many platforms offer free courses, while others have a pay-as-you-go model. This flexibility in pricing and the lack of need for credit card commitments in many cases make them accessible to a wide audience.

Lastly, the versatility of e-learning platforms is commendable. Whether one is a beginner aiming to learn the basics of a subject, an expert delving into advanced topics, an employee undergoing corporate training, or even an educator looking to impart knowledge, e-learning platforms have tools, modules, and functionalities tailored for every need.

E-learning platforms have undeniably revolutionized the way we perceive education. From high-quality tutorials to interactive modules, and from self-paced training courses to community-driven open-source platforms, the world of online education is diverse and expansive. Whether you're looking to upskill, educate others, or simply quench your thirst for knowledge, there's an e-learning platform out there tailored for you. As technology advances, these platforms will continue to evolve, ensuring that learners everywhere have access to top-notch educational resources.