Gone are the days when you need to travel to get a good college education. Today, thanks to robust online platforms, high-quality education is one tap away.
The number of colleges using robust online platforms is increasing. From undergrad to grad school, students increasingly rely on the Internet for their education.
But what are online learning platforms?
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Robust online platforms allow students to study using digital tools alone or in groups. This can happen in real time or through pre-recorded lessons that students do independently.
Here are the most commonly known types of online learning platforms:
Learning Destination Sites (LDS)
An LDS is like an online marketplace where various educators share their courses. It works similarly to Amazon but for learning online. You can pick courses and instructors that interest you and enroll in them at your speed.
Courses on an LDS usually let you learn at your own pace.
Learning Management Systems (LMS)
An LMS is software that organizations like schools and universities use internally. Each institution might use a different LMS, with Blackboard being one of the most well-known. Like an LDS, it can be accessed online, or you might need to download and install it on your computer.
Learning Management Ecosystems (LME)
An LME is a large online learning tool with many different software parts. These include adaptive learning engines, tools to manage learning content, software to create courses, tools to assess learning, and more. LMEs are mostly used by schools that offer hundreds of online degree programs and learning materials.
The three primary purposes of robust online platforms are to help students in these respects:
- Spend less on college expenses.
- Study at their convenience.
- Pick the learning style that best suits their needs.
This article will highlight colleges with the best online learning platforms. We will also discuss online learning platforms’ importance and how they add to the overall college experience.
What Makes a Great Online Learning Platform?
With the number of online learning platforms claiming to be “the best” skyrocketing, it can be confusing to discern which of them are telling the truth. It’s important to look beyond catchy marketing slogans.
Here are the key factors that make an online learning platform great:
User-friendliness
Online colleges can easily advertise themselves as “user-friendly online colleges,” but only a few can actually live up to their words. When assessing the user-friendliness of an online learning platform or online college, look for its instructions. Do they offer clear and concise how-tos for the learning platform? Can you read the text well? Are there any icons?
A clear and easy-to-use interface helps students and teachers navigate. Choose eLearning platforms with straightforward designs and features that are easy to find.
Seamless interaction between students and instructors
One of the pitfalls of online learning is the feeling of isolation. Online students often miss out on social connections and community interactions. This lack of interaction can make them more susceptible to mental health problems like feeling sad, worried, or stressed.
Seamless interaction in online courses is a key feature of great eLearning platforms. Students should feel supported as they do in regular classrooms. A key aspect of achieving this seamless interaction is through robust communication channels.
When choosing an online learning platform, consider these factors:
- Instructors should be reachable by email, chat platforms, or discussion forums.
- Regular virtual office hours or synchronous sessions simulate face-to-face interactions.
- It features transparent and constructive feedback mechanisms.
Easy access to course materials
Accessibility plays a big role in an online student’s success. Some of the features that make a great online learning platform include:
- Downloadable materials
- Record and post lectures
- Accessibility toolbar
- Search function
- Mobile accessibility
- Integration
- Class notes and slides
But then again, there’s not one learning platform that has all of the features mentioned earlier. You need to choose based on your needs. For instance, if you travel a lot, you’ll need platforms that work well on mobile and let you download materials. On the other hand, if you learn best by talking with instructors, look for platforms that offer live sessions and good ways to communicate.
Every student is different, so it’s vital to determine what features you need for your learning. Here are more things to think about when you’re checking out best colleges for online learning:
- Quality of content
- Flexibility
- Support services
- Cost and value
- Engagement tools
Top 5 Colleges with Excellent Online Learning Platforms
Northern Illinois University
More than 90% of NIU educators utilize Blackboard for their online credit courses. Blackboard is known to offer the best engagement and student-instructor interaction online. Its tools support online and hybrid learning, let teachers use effective teaching methods, and streamline tasks for students and instructors alike.
Key Features:
- Online or hybrid learning model compatibility
- Tailored views based on roles
- Easy access to relevant course content
- Consolidated messages
- Internal calendar and two-way syncs with external calendars
University of New England
Have you heard of the D2L Brightspace learning platform? UNE uses it, and it is one of the top learning platforms for students seeking highly personalized learner experiences. The platform includes user-friendly capabilities for personalizing learning experiences and digitizing courses. Brightspace also offers advanced learning modes like mastery-based learning.
Key Features:
- Built-in virtual assistant
- Track high-risk learners
- Activity Feed
- Plagiarism checker and identity verification
- Mobile-responsive design
- Rubrics creation
Liberty University
Liberty University uses Canva, one of the oldest and most tested online learning platforms worldwide. The Ivy League primarily uses this platform.
This learning platform is a centralized platform for content delivery and individualized learning. Additionally, the Canvas LMS ensures that every student has equitable access. Its built-in collaboration features guarantee that communication between educators and students is simple.
Key Features:
- Participation tracking and grades
- Personalized learning through MasteryPaths
- Unlimited file size
- Course analytics
- Hundreds of integrations
- Chat and video messaging
The University of New Orleans
UNO utilizes Moodle for its online course materials. Moodle is a widely recognized open-source LMS known for its flexibility and robust features. It offers a platform that supports various teaching methodologies and interactive learning experiences.
Key Features:
- Customizable learning environment
- Collaborative tools
- Assessment and feedback
- Multimedia integration
- Seamless digital learning ecosystem
Menlo College
Menlo College uses Schoology to offer an enhanced learning experience online. It is a comprehensive learning platform that focuses on boosting student performance. The platform assists teachers and administrators in analyzing data on student performance from many sources, such as classroom conduct and benchmark examinations.
Key Features:
- Support for self-paced learning
- Assessment reporting
- Proficiency-based grading
- Course resources
- Individualized instruction
How These Platforms Enhance the Learning Experience
The overall college education value isn’t evaluated solely based on the school’s name. You also need to factor in your experiences, relationships formed, and skills acquired.
You won’t get as much exposure to physical campus life as an online student. Often, you won’t get to enjoy the fellowship and spontaneous interactions that occur in face-to-face settings. So, it’s essential to carefully choose the best online platform that meets your needs to ensure that you can have a similar experience to your on-campus peers.
While preferences may change from student to student, you should always consider the following factors:
Real-time communication tools
These tools will allow you to experience an immersive college community. They will allow you to communicate with friends and teachers via live chat, video conferencing, discussion boards, and virtual classrooms. This will make it easier to receive feedback immediately, make the learning environment more dynamic, and allow for easy sharing and debate of ideas.
Interactive and engaging course materials
It has been proven that interactive eLearning keeps students interested and improves their educational experience. You should look for online colleges that use platforms with videos, simulations, and quizzes with which you can interact. Some may even offer virtual labs to keep students engaged.
Furthermore, interactive and engaging course materials will empower you to take charge of your own learning. When you engage in problem-solving activities and receive prompt feedback, you’ll improve your thinking ability and apply what you’ve learned in real-life situations.
Flexibility and accessibility
Online degree programs are sought after due to their flexibility and accessibility. However, not all learning platforms offer flexibility, and not all online students seek 100% independence.
If you want a more structured approach to learning, you should opt for learning platforms that require you to attend classes at scheduled times. On the other hand, if flexibility is your priority and you prefer to study at your own pace, asynchronous learning options would be more suitable.
The Value of a College Education with a Strong Online Platform
The benefits of online learning platforms extend beyond accessibility. By giving students control over their college experience, robust online platforms offer the following benefits:
Improved learning outcomes
Unlike traditional classrooms, where students follow the same pace, online education allows students to move based on their capabilities. You no longer need to force yourself to keep up with the class or wait for others to catch up.
Better preparation for the workforce
As industries increasingly depend on technology, opting for an online degree program could offer greater advantages than traditional on-campus formats. Online learning helps students develop strong technical skills by familiarizing them with various digital communication, scheduling, and learning tools. Mastering these platforms prepares you for virtual classrooms and equips you for diverse workplace settings, whether remote or in-office.
Financial benefits
Online education has long-term financial benefits as well. Online education is known to be much more affordable than its on-campus counterparts.
While tuition costs may be similar, online degrees do not incur transportation, meal plans, or housing expenses. Additionally, online learning often provides digital textbooks, avoiding the need for expensive physical copies.
By reducing these costs, online education can significantly lighten the financial burden on students. It can lead to less financial stress after graduation, providing a sense of security and allowing graduates to focus on their work without the weight of hefty loan repayments. The flexibility of online learning also enables many students to work while studying, which further eases financial pressures.
Conclusion
Online learning platforms have transformed higher education. In many cases, these platforms can mimic traditional campus settings. Yet, the increasing number of online learning platforms confuses many prospective students.
You may often need help deciding which learning platform best suits your needs and preferences. You can always use comparison tools and charts to make an informed choice. You can also read testimonials from current and past users of a specific online learning platform.