Implementing the virtual learning environment (VLE) approach in education has become the ‘norm’ in today’s digital age. While there’s still a time and place for in-person learning, more courses and classes are getting conducted through digital channels — giving educators the chance to reach students from a distance.
Because of this, online learning platforms and applications have been modernized and diversified. So, whether you’re a teacher transitioning your practice to the digital world or a student looking to streamline your digital learning, using the right apps and platforms is key.
Here are some of the best online school and learning platforms or apps you can use.
Google Classroom
Google Classroom is a part of G Suite made for education and is becoming the go-to platform for schools, giving teachers a convenient way to connect with students online. Additionally, it also allows them to directly teach and make teaching materials, meaning students who didn’t attend classes can still get catch-up works and notes. However, Google Classroom doesn’t allow access from several domains, making it solely for ‘Google’ users.
Docebo
Docebo is a learning management system (LMS) that enables users to organize, monitor, and share online courses for formal learning, whether for employees, clients, or customers. It follows a unique teaching solution by encouraging collaboration and allowing learners to ask questions and receive answers from experts on the subject matter. They can also share their knowledge that can be validated through peer-reviews shared across teams.
However, Docebo doesn’t offer any support and provides minimal admin training before going live, making it challenging for beginners in the field.
WizIQ
WizIQ offers quality virtual classrooms and LMS software to teachers, allowing you to create interactive courses that you can deliver as live classes or materials that students can use to study at their preferred pace. You can also convert these to massive open online courses (MOOCs) to enhance student enrolment worldwide alongside revenue. All classes made from WizIQ are accessible through smartphones and computers.
However, many have complained about its customer support system to be faulty and recording issues.
Adobe Captivate
Adobe Captivate Prime is a learning management system platform that makes training easy-to-run and enjoyable to finish. You can complete courses in less than 90 minutes thanks to its tools that can help you set up with ease, alongside a responsive online help center and 24/7 customer service support. Prices begin at only $4 a month.
However, the downside is that it isn’t the most user-friendly platform out there, and it’ll take longer to learn how to use it if you have no prior coding experience.
Shift
Shift is an e-learning authoring tool designed to help users create powerful and informative e-learning resources efficiently and fast. You don’t need programming experience to make a feature-packed and navigable e-learning resource. You can make one from scratch or choose from any of their 400 responsive screen templates using HTML5 and Adobe Flash.
Although it’s user-friendly and convenient, the downside is that it’s very expensive. There’s a 30-day free trial available, but the lowest price tier starts at $99 per month or $999 per year. You can test it out beforehand to see if it’s worth the investment.
Online learning is both convenient and challenging, giving you a great deal of flexibility, ensuring students get the education they need whenever and wherever — and the apps and platforms mentioned can make the process a bit easier.
