The pandemic may have caused the biggest ever revolution in online learning. Whilst eLearning was alive and well pre–pandemic, it wasn’t until we were forced to do it full time that we realised it could, in theory, replace many of the traditional education mechanisms we’re used to. Whether we like it or not, eLearning is here to stay, so here are 7 of the best eLearning platforms. 

Google Classroom

As the name might suggest, educators can use Google classroom in place of a real classroom to manage the learning experience. By combining familiar G Suite tools like Google Docs, Google Hangouts, and online presentation tools, teachers can emulate everything they’re used to in the classroom. 

WizIQ 

If live and on-demand webinars are the priority, this online teaching software is many an instructor’s go-to. WizIQ is very easy to use and has a range of plug-ins for popular learning management software such as Moodle and Sakai.

Udemy 

Udemy is a platform for peer-reviewed courses to be published on. It offers creators a range of media resources such as video, calculation sheets, documents, etc. Just remember that there’s little quality control, so be sure to only trust the courses that are well reviewed.

LinkedIn Learning (Previously Lynda) 

If you’re looking for career-focused courses on business, creative disciplines, and technology-related fields, this platform offers courses in a similar fashion to Udemy. Compared to Udemy, there’s a slightly higher barrier to entry if you want to become an instructor. So arguably LinkedIn Learning has more trustworthy content.

Coursera 

Coursera partners with world-class universities and businesses to create quality online training courses. This offers a student the opportunity to receive certifications from some of the most prominent names in education and business. Companies such as Google, IBM, Imperial College London, and Stanford. The courses include specialised courses and degree programs that are complemented by lectures, discussion forums, and homework assignments.

edX & Open edX 

Created by Harvard and MIT grads and similar to Coursera, this platform is designed to deliver college level education. It hosts online courses from universities and unlike LinkedIn learning, it’s focused on student education. Whilst edX is the course platform, Open edX functions as a content management system that’s both free and open source. This allows a large supportive community to complement the course content. 

Blackboard Learn

This online learning and learning management system is aimed specifically at higher-education teachers and students. Available on any device, the Blackboard Learn platform allows educators to host it on their own server and manage all the tools and resources needed for educating. Delivering courses, marking work, timetabling, etc. It can even be used just as effectively for corporate training.  

This ‘best eLearning platforms’ list is by no means exhaustive. There is a range of platforms and programs that can help an educational establishment do its job better. This ranges from platforms like we’ve seen above, to simple communication tools like Microsoft Teams or SharePoint. Primary ICT can help you navigate all these technology areas and recommend the tools to make the most of the online classroom.

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