In this article, we discussed the meaning of online learning platforms, we also talked about the
Advantages and disadvantages of online learning.
Definition
Online learning, also known as distance education or eLearning, refers to the delivery of educational content and instruction through the internet. It allows students to take courses and earn degrees remotely, without the need to be physically present on campus. Online learning can take many different forms, such as web-based courses, video conferencing, and self-paced learning programs. It is becoming an increasingly popular way for students to access education, as it offers flexibility and convenience.
An online learning platform is a combined set of interactive online services that provide trainers, learners, and others involved in education with information, tools, and resources to support and enhance education delivery and management.
Best Online Learning Platforms
Here are some of the best platforms for taking high-quality online courses:
Get Response
Beyond being your go-to email marketing tool, GetResponse offers a dedicated knowledge base with a few digital marketing certification courses. With 14 renowned digital marketing experts, you’ll access rich courses to improve your online marketing game.
Some major courses on GetResponse include marketing automation, content marketing, landing page and conversion optimization, email marketing, and inbound marketing.
These in-depth courses provide a hands-on learning experience. You’ll learn based on real-life case studies and best practices.
Alison Learning Paths
Alison offers free online courses created by experts in various fields for postsecondary, non-degree training. You’ll find a mix of educators and entrepreneurs creating these certificates and diplomas.
Popular coursework includes:
Business
Teaching and academics
IT
Management
Engineering and construction
Certificates of completion are awarded for each course, and you can see an overview of how long the course takes (about two to three hours) and who created the course (a company or individual). Most diplomas can be completed in eight to fifteen hours.
Better Explained
For those wanting to learn math and how it applies to the real world, Better Explained is an educational platform focused on simplifying math concepts through intuitive, easy-to-understand explanations on subjects and strategies like:
Calculus
Colorized math topics (Euler’s formula, Pythagorean theorem, etc.)
Articles and cheat sheets (Brevity is beautiful, intuitive learning, etc.)
Founded by Kalid Azad, the platform aims to make learning math more accessible by emphasizing clarity and memorable insights. Azad, a Princeton graduate, developed the site to help others grasp math concepts in a way that resonates beyond traditional methods.
A free Alison membership gets you access to both individual certificate courses and diploma courses. A premium membership costs €7.99 ($8.90) per month or €79 ($88) per year with add-on features like a resume builder and up to 50% off certification. Diploma course digital certificates are priced at €69 ($77) and certificate course digital certificates at €22 ($25).
Canvas Network
Instructure provides educators access to professional development courses and programs, and some of its courses are open to the public through the Canvas Network. Their mission is to foster openness, innovation, and experimentation in education. Browse the catalog, select a course, and click “Enroll” to access a wide range of content and lessons for free, including:
Copyright for Educators (K-12/HE)
Enhancing Learning in Computer Science and Mathematics
Writing in the Disciplines (professional development)
Statistics for Everyone
Research Data Management Librarian Academy (best practices)
Content is also available under an open license, so those wanting to create content and lesson plans can use what Canvas makes available in some cases. Canvas offers courses and tools in a variety of languages, making it open and more accessible than some other options on our list.
Skill Share
skill Share is an online course platform with a rich library of classes taught by industry experts on a wide range of creative topics. It’s not as formal as other learning platforms, but you’re likely to enjoy the practicality of Skillshare courses.
Whether you dream of mastering animation or brushing up your photography skills, Skillshare has something to help you get started. You only need to browse various categories like illustrations, marketing, or even crafts. Most classes also offer downloadable resources so you can learn on the go.
Codecademy
Codecademy is dedicated to teaching people how to code. The free service has helped millions of people with its fast-paced teaching method designed to keep you moving and stay encouraged with supportive groups and a gamified points system.
The platform offers courses on a number of languages—including PHP, Python, and Ruby—as well as career courses for:
Cloud computing
AI
Web development
Data science
Web design
Coursera
Coursera is perhaps the biggest name in online courses and education, with a global roster of universities and partners offering more than 7,000 specialized courses. Much of the service is available for free, or you can use it to earn an online degree from an accredited university.
Software companies have also added many of their certification lessons and exams to Coursera, which can help you with things like database management or using enterprise resource planning (ERP) tools. Some of their subject offerings include:
Data science
Business
Computer science
Information technology
Language learning
Health
Two of their most popular specializations include the IBM AI Developer Professional Certificate and the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate.
Drawspace
Drawspace offers full courses and individual lessons to help you master different drawing techniques. The interactive platform provides a mix of free and paid content. You can learn the basics of drawing and painting all the way through advanced elements, drawing people, and using special techniques to create art with tea bags or make your own colors. Students can choose between self-directed and guided learning options and are awarded a certificate of completion.
Self-directed learning
Individuals can explore a comprehensive portfolio of over 500 art lessons, setting their own goals and starting with the lessons that interest them. The course list is structured, beginning with Introduction to Drawing, where learners can complete one of five lessons in any order for part one. In part two, students explore Drawing from Line to Life, which includes lessons on drawing with erasers and using gradations. Additional topics cover contour drawing, shading techniques, composition and perspective, and more.
Guided learning
This option offers Drawspace courses, providing a structured online environment with weekly assignments to help learners progress toward their goals. Getting Started with Drawing is offered free and features step-by-step interactive education on multiple projects by talented artists. Aside from the free courses, you can pay for instruction course by course and each course has its own syllabus.
FutureLearn
FutureLearn offers subscribers online courses from over 260 top universities and organizations, such as the University of Glasgow and King’s College London. You can earn certificates at your own pace. Popular subjects of study include:
Business and management
Health care and medicine
IT and computer science
Creative arts and media
Science, engineering, and math
You can sign up for expert tracks to master various disciplines. For example, the Advanced and Applied AI course includes four classes in IT and computer science. The class is accredited by Microsoft and normally takes 15 weeks to complete.
Advantages And Disadvantages of Online Learning
There are both advantages and disadvantages to online learning. Some of the main advantages include:
Flexibility
Online courses allow students to learn at their own pace and schedule, as they can access course materials and complete assignments whenever it is convenient for them.
Cost
Online courses are often less expensive than traditional in-person courses, as there are no transportation or relocation costs.
Access to a wider range of courses
Students who live in rural areas or who have busy schedules may have limited access to certain courses or programs. Online learning allows students to take courses from anywhere in the world.
Self-paced learning
Online courses allow students to work at their own pace and spend as much time as they need on each lesson.
Some of the main disadvantages of online learning include:
Lack of face-to-face interaction
Online courses do not offer the same level of interaction and support as in-person courses.
Technical difficulties
There is a risk of technical issues such as internet outages or computer problems that can disrupt learning.
Limited access to resources
In-person courses often have access to resources such as laboratories or studios that may not be available to online students.
Self-motivation
Online courses require a high level of self-motivation, as there is no instructor present to provide structure and support.
In conclusion, online learning can be a helpful and convenient and offering flexibility, access to a wider range of courses, and the opportunity to develop important technology skills. However, it is not the right choice for every child, as it may lack the face-to-face interaction and support that some students need to thrive. It is important for parents to consider their child’s individual learning style and needs when deciding if online learning is a good fit.
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