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Key Takeaways
- Online learning platforms include learning destination sites (LDS) and learning management systems (LMS).
- LDS, like Coursera and Udemy, allow users to access individual courses and microcredentials.
- Educational institutions and other organizations use LMSes like Canvas and Blackboard to build, deliver, and manage courses and other educational resources.
- Online learning formats include video-based learning, one-on-one learning, and group learning.
Online learning platforms have seen a surge in popularity in recent years. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic forced a major leap towards online learning (and its effects are still felt today), advances in educational technology and high-speed internet connections were already making distance learning more widespread and accessible.
Students at all levels, including those in corporate training, are now using the internet to provide educational materials. Online learning platforms connect students with course content, instructors, and classmates.
In this article, we explain how online learning platforms work and which one you should choose based on your needs.
What is an online learning platform?
Online learning platforms allow students to access and study educational content digitally in group or individual settings. Online learning can be delivered live at set times or with pre-recorded lessons that students can complete on their own schedule.
What types of online learning platforms are there?
If you're planning on taking an online course or pursuing another type of distance learning, you'll first need to understand some of the different delivery platforms. Here are three of the most popular types of online education platforms and some of the best providers for each.
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Study Destination Sites
Learning sites allow you to access a variety of courses in one place. Udemy, a popular LDS, offers over 220,000 video-based lessons on a variety of topics. The following online learning platforms are also classified as LDS:
- Coursera: A great choice for those looking to upskill or change jobs in the workplace, Coursera offers virtual courses, certifications, and degree content.
- Code Academy: 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: The platform targets learners from kindergarten through eighth grade, high school, and college. It also offers test prep resources for the SAT, LSAT, and MCAT. Khan Academy is free and offers a wide range of courses on topics like math, reading, computers, and life skills.
- edX: This early massively open online course platform serves over 86 million users. edX offerings include competitive undergraduate programs, master's programs, coding bootcamps, and independent courses.
- Udacity: Udacity, a technology-focused LDS, offers courses and nano-degrees in areas such as AI, data science, programming, and cybersecurity.
Learning Management System
A learning management system (LMS) is a software system used by businesses and organizations for learning and training.
An LMS differs from an LDS in that it is not a public-facing website. An LMS is a portal where instructors distribute information for learners to access. An LMS can exist online or as installed software and can be either paid or open source.
Some of the most common LMS in use today include:
- blackboardBlackboard is an LMS that serves all grade levels, businesses, and government organizations. Through Blackboard, instructors can create and share educational content. The provider, Anthology, also has a related app.
- canvasCanvas is one of Blackboard's main competitors. All Ivy League schools have adopted Canvas as their primary LMS. The platform is feature-rich, efficient, and integrated with applications like Google Classroom, Zoom, Adobe, and more.
- Moodle: This robust LMS offers a free option that's perfect for users with experience with the administrative tasks involved in setting up an LMS. Moodle also offers a lower-priced paid version with more support.
- D2L Bright Space: This LMS serves K-12, higher education, and enterprise customers, partnering with over 1,100 organizations. It integrates with a wide range of learning technology products and adheres to global accessibility standards.
Learning Ecosystem
A learning ecosystem can be thought of as the combination of an LDS and an LMS, but this new model goes beyond software and content to also include an organization's members, culture, and learning and development strategy.
These comprehensive learning platforms offer a wide range of educational resources, but they are usually housed within a specific school or organization, meaning that you can only access them if you are affiliated with the organization to which they belong.
How to deliver online learning
Instructors can deliver online learning in a variety of ways. Below we describe some types of online learning delivery methods:
Video-Based Learning
Video-based learning involves learning from a video or a series of videos. This format is ideal for people who want flexibility in their learning. Students can usually watch the video at any time and from anywhere. This format can combine 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 almost any topic, but make sure the content creator is a credible source of information on that topic.
One-on-one learning
Online learning isn't necessarily asynchronous. One-on-one learning allows students to work with a teacher or tutor in real time. This format allows for more direct interaction with the student's instructor, allowing the learner to ask questions and solve problems face-to-face.
Group learning
Virtual classrooms, such as those offered by most online colleges, are a good example of group learning. These classes usually meet at set times and are led by a designated instructor.
Group learning classes often use other mediums, such as pre-recorded videos or lectures, to enhance the learning experience. Professors and instructors typically use an LMS to post grades, facilitate discussions, and track assignments.
Benefits of Online Learning Platforms
Online learning requires top-notch time management skills and a lot of self-discipline, and many students prefer to learn in a face-to-face environment. That said, distance learning has many benefits. Here are some positive aspects of online learning platforms:
Budget-friendly option
Online learning is often less expensive than in-person classes. Many universities offer in-state tuition to all distance learners, regardless of where you live. Similarly, online learning can reduce travel costs.
For aspiring tech professionals, online coding bootcamps are a fast, affordable way to gain in-demand job skills, and LDS is open source, so anyone can immerse themselves in a subject they care about for free.
Flexibility and convenience
Online course platforms often allow learners to study at their convenience, making it easier to continue working a full-time job while attending classes, and allowing students to take courses offered by out-of-state schools without having to travel or change their lives.
Options for every learning style
Online learning platforms offer something for everyone. For students who want the camaraderie of a face-to-face class and the convenience of remote learning, group-based online learning offers the best of both worlds. Meanwhile, those who feel overwhelmed in a group learning environment may prefer one-on-one online courses. And learners who have unpredictable work schedules and need a lot of flexibility may find what they need in video-based courses.
Online Learning Platform FAQs
How do you choose a platform for your online course?
If you're a student, look for an online course platform that fits your budget, has good reviews from students, and has instructors and teaching partners with demonstrable expertise in their field.
If you're a course creator, look for a platform that's user-friendly (for both you and your students), offers transparent pricing, and supports the content format you offer.
What online learning platforms do most universities use?
According to education technology market analytics firm Phil Hill & Associates, Canvas holds the largest higher education market share among LMS in North America, with 41% of institutions using the platform as of 2023. Blackboard is the second most popular platform at 17% of institutions, while Moodle and D2L Brightspace are tied for third place at 16% each.
What are the most popular online course platforms?
Some of the most popular online course platforms include Khan Academy (approximately 165 million users), Coursera (142 million), edX (86 million), Codecademy (85 million), and Udemy (70 million).