What to Look For In a Quality Online Learning Platform

For what it's worth, online learning platforms have kept the education and training sectors functional since shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Business organizations have also benefited hugely from online learning, perhaps now more than ever. Even as many employees continue to work from home, they can still get access to training and other courses related to growing their careers. Thanks to the internet and online-based technology, learning wasn't paralyzed by the pandemic.  

Picture 1 of What to Look For In a Quality Online Learning Platform

However, while there are a lot of these online learning platforms in the market, choosing one that perfectly meets the institution's specific needs goes a long way. Remember, every vendor out there will always claim to have the best online learning platform. This begs the question, how then should you ensure that a particular platform is best for you? In this article, we will highlight some essentials to look for in a quality online learning platform.

1. User-Friendly and Intuitive Design

First of all, an efficient online learning platform should be designed with learners' experience in mind. Therefore, its interface should be easy to use. As you can easily tell from the list at edwize.org, some of the best online course platforms have icons and text that are clear and legible for both teachers and students. Also, the users should be able to log in quickly and navigate through smoothly, with easy access to the required resources. In other words, with just a few clicks, a student or a teacher should be able to get what they need with minimal effort. Many of them offer 'how to get started' instructions as well as 'how-to' tutorials. The bottom line is, everyone should be able to use the system without any unnecessary difficulties.

2. Responsive Design

A responsive system design enables students and teachers to log in from any device and at any time. Moreover, a responsive design is crucial because learning won't be conducted only during working hours while you're on a desktop. Also, different individuals can afford different devices. Therefore, testing the responsiveness of the online learning platform is imperative. You would definitely want to make sure all the learning resources within the platform are responsive before signing up.

3. Automated Evaluation

Automated evaluation comes in handy in saving time and resources for the instructors of an online course. It is best to pick an online learning platform that is fully automated and designed to correct and record data automatically. Also, the system should be able to administer and evaluate quizzes and tests to students in real-time, giving results ASAP. Moreover, the system should be customizable enough to mark both the right and the wrong answers, hence providing a student with relevant resources and information for revision. It should also record individual student performances, their averages, and final grades- all this automatically.

4. Virtual Classrooms

We are living in times whereby learning doesn't have to be restricted in physical classrooms anymore –thanks to internet technology. With the functionality of virtual classrooms, the learning process becomes even more flexible. Learners can take classes from the comfort of their couches or even on the go via their smartphones, tablets, desktops, or laptops. For this reason, when shopping for a quality online learning platform, virtual classroom system functionality should be a priority.

5. Integration

An efficient online learning platform should be well integrated with other functionalities and solutions applicable in the learning environment. This helps ensure that students get successful learning experiences. For example, the same system should be capable of managing different types and styles of learning various forums, and delivery methods. It should also accommodate aspects such as enrollment, student communities, virtual classrooms, class reservations, online library resources, and also tools to create additional personalized learning content.

Picture 2 of What to Look For In a Quality Online Learning Platform

6. Reports and Analytics

To measure the efficiency of an online course program is not an easy feat. However, an e-learning platform should be able to perform automatic analysis of classes, performances, and attendance information. It should generate comprehensive course reports for learners. Also, the system should highlight the student's weak areas to help instructors plan remedial actions and any other necessary personalized tutoring for offering assistance to students.  

7. Security

Security is another important factor to consider in a quality online learning platform. It is crucial to ensure the platform conforms to personal information security laws and regulations. Teacher's and students' personal information should be protected from unauthorized access at all times. For example, an eBook can be encrypted with DRM protection thus preventing unauthorized use or download. That way, courses can only be viewed and accessed by users with access codes.

Searching for a quality online learning platform may feel overwhelming, especially for beginners. However, the guidelines provided in this post are helpful to find an effective online learning platform that meets students' specific learning needs. Curious learners, educators, and businesses should find these tips helpful.

Lesley Montoya

Update 20 December 2020