What is a learning platform?
Marc Bachofner, May 24, 2022· Digital Learning
A learning platform is a type of software that enables teachers to create and deliver courses online. It can also be used for education and training, e-learning or digital learning in companies.
Do you also want to offer e-learning in your company? Cleverclip can help you choose the right learning platform and create and deliver targeted learning content. Learn more
There are many different types of learning platforms. They range from simple tools that allow you to create simple online courses to more sophisticated systems that include features like video conferencing, social networking, and assessment tools. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the different types of learning platforms and help you decide which one is right for your needs.
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Who needs a learning platform?
Anyone who wants to create and deliver online courses or use eLearning for education and training needs a learning platform. This includes educators, trainers, corporate HR departments, and even small businesses that want to offer some basic eLearning to their employees.
For example, if you want to provide regular training to supervisors in your company to increase their leadership skills, a learning platform may be suitable to efficiently provide the learning materials and information, such as training videos, and track progress.
There are many different types of learning platforms, so it’s important to choose one that meets your specific needs. For example, if you plan to incorporate video conferencing into your courses, you’ll need a platform that supports this feature. If you plan to incorporate social networking into your courses, you need a platform that has that feature built in. Sound obvious? It is.
How do I choose the right platform for my needs?
When choosing a learning platform, you should consider several factors:
The needs of your learners: What kind of learners will use the platform? Do they need access to certain features like video conferencing or social networking?
The needs of your organization: What kind of courses do you want to create? Do you want to use the platform for training and development or just for course delivery? Do you need a platform that meets specific industry standards?
Your budget: learning platform prices can range from free to several thousand francs. Discuss a budget in advance so you can make a decision efficiently.
If you take the time to consider these factors, your learning platform will also meet your needs. Take your time and find you can choose a learning platform that meets your needs.
What are the advantages of a learning platform?
A learning platform can offer a number of benefits for both educators and learners.
For educators, a learning platform can be a way to create and deliver courses online without having to worry about the technical aspects of setting up a website or hosting courses. It can also be used to track learner progress and activity and generate reports on course completion rates.
For learners, a learning platform provides a convenient way to access courses and training materials from anywhere in the world. And it doesn’t stop at location independence. Learners can also access content when they want.
Let’s summarize the advantages of using a learning platform again:
Convenience: A learning platform provides a location- and time-independent opportunity to access training materials.
Engagement: Many LMSs include features such as social networking and video conferencing that can make learning more interactive and engaging.
Tracking: a learning platform can be used to track learner progress and activities and generate reports on course completion rates.
Ease of use: With a learning platform, courses can be created and delivered online without having to worry about the technical aspects of setting up a website or hosting courses.
When considering using a learning platform for your courses or training materials, consider the benefits it can offer you and your learners. Choose a platform that meets your specific needs and is within your budget. With the right learning platform, you can provide your learners with an intuitive, engaging, and easy-to-use learning experience.
What are the typical functions of a learning platform?
A learning platform enables you to provide efficiently organized learning content to users. It allows you to properly manage both your content and user data. There are many different functions that can be found in a learning platform. Some of the most common functions are:
A central user portal for all users, administrators, and course creators to securely log in and complete tasks.
The ability to create and deliver courses online.
Live classroom and webinar environments for remote instructors and students, client presentations, and more.
Scheduling features that guide users through specific learning plans.
A variety of assessment tools. These can include automated test scoring and performance management systems based on user behavior.
Certificates, learning badges and profiles that learners can use to prove their knowledge.
Social media features.
When choosing a learning platform, look for the features that are important to you and your learners.
Common functional requirements of learners
Mobile first: Smartphone and tablet support.
Ease of use: Easy to use without in-depth technical knowledge. Clearly structured navigation; can be used without instructions or training.
Entertainment: Varied and entertaining learning; interesting content and multimedia technologies.
Common functional requirements of trainers
Compatibility: Smartphones and tablets must be supported.
Flexibility: Media such as videos, presentations and graphics must be able to be implemented.
Communication: Diverse options for communicating with participants on the platform.
Security and privacy
Costs: Ongoing costs with updates
Technical support
What are the different types of learning platforms?
There are different types of learning platforms, each with its own features and benefits.
We can usually distinguish between:
Cloud-based platforms: These platforms are hosted on a remote server and can be used by anyone with an Internet connection.
Installed platforms: These platforms are installed on your local computer or server and can only be used by people who have access to that computer or server.
Read also our article on the best e-learning platforms.
Learning Management System (LMS)
A Learning Management System (LMS) is a type of learning platform used to manage and deliver courses and training materials. An LMS can be used to track and assess learner progress and generate reports on course completion rates. An LMS does not typically allow you to create content.
An LMS can also manage more traditional forms of learning and training, such as scheduling in-person workshops, facilitating conversations between learners via social forums, and sharing resources.
Goal(s): LMSs are best suited for tracking learner progress against learning objectives. They can be used for e-learning as well as more traditional forms of learning.
Example: a life coach wants to deliver coaching both online and in on-site workshops. The supporting material for the coaching and workshops has already been created – he now wants to make it available online. With an LMS, the workshops can be planned and all resources can be made available to all participants in one central location.
System zur Verwaltung von Lerninhalten (LCMS)
LCMS stands for Learning Content Management System. It’s a platform that lets you create, manage, host, and track digital learning content. Broadly speaking, an LCMS is quite similar to an LMS, but it specializes exclusively in digital learning content and also allows you to create content.
Goal(s): With an LCMS, you can create and manage learning experiences online and with a single tool. Learn how to create learning videos in our blog post.
Example: you are a company and want to recreate training for your executives and make it available online. An LCMS allows you to create content and make it centrally available online for all participants.
Plattform für Lernerfahrungen (LXP)
An LXP is a newer type of learning platform that focuses on the learner experience. LXPs provide learners with personalized learning paths, social and collaborative features. This may include allowing learners to develop their own material and publish it to the platform.
Goal(s): The goal of an LXP is to provide learners with a more engaging and personalized learning experience and to deepen interaction and collaboration.
Example: you want to train your employees and foster collaboration. An LXP is the best way to bring employees together, and there is a range of choice and voice – your employees can decide what, when, and how they learn, and can make their opinions known through surveys, polls, and discussion boards.
Fazit
Learning platforms offer a great opportunity for education and training or internal training. Check out our list of the best e-learning platforms to get an idea of possibilities.
Ease of use, mobile accessibility, cost, and technical support are important factors to consider. Each type of learning platform has its own advantages, so choose the one that best suits your needs.