How eLearning Platforms Have Changed Education
Thinking about creating a video-based eLearning platform? Applaud yourself because this is the golden period for creating online learning platforms. Gradually, the world is embracing the trend of eLearning and it is forecast that the global eLearning industry could reach $400 billion by 2026. The pandemic molded our lifestyles. The traditional education practice was replaced by eLearning apps and digital learning platforms. Today, eLearning is mainstream, and most educational institutions are delivering lectures through virtual classrooms and video lessons. Owing to the sudden upsurge in the demand for eLearning, the demand for video learning platforms has skyrocketed. Hence, this is the right time to enter this market with the right tech stack, features, and surplus benefits. Let’s get started with creating a video learning platform.
Digital Learning Platforms
The industry for video learning platforms is headed by a couple of titans, like Udemy, Coursera, Skillshare, and Mind Valley. Most of the educational content on these platforms is available in video formats because this is easily consumable by students and learners. Online learning platforms have a strong adoption rate among users in the United States. Udemy is one of the leading digital learning platforms with an adoption rate of 39%. Since there is limited competition, for the time being, the video-based learning industry is an open field.
But for how long will remain it open? The simple answer is: for a short period only. Since there’s enough space in the online learning industry, more and more start-ups are coming into being to lock horns with the titans like Udemy, Coursera, Skillshare, and Mind Valley. The ever-evolving technology has made it simpler for developers to integrate additional features in video-based eLearning platforms. Moreover, users wish to see and use something new in such platforms or apps. With that being said, the question that rises is, how to create digital learning platforms? It’s time to answer this question.
How Video-Based eLearning Platforms Help
There’s no doubt that video learning outsmarts the traditional methods of teaching and learning. Absorbing the knowledge becomes easier. Not just schools, but many corporate houses are inclined toward eLearning to upgrade their employee skillset. It doesn’t stop there. eLearning platforms help in optimizing expenses as well. Here’s a quick look at how it can optimize expenses.
1. Curbs Training Expense
Traditional learning and teaching methods are expensive, because they involve expenses for infrastructure and commuting. On the other hand, video learning eliminates the hassle of traveling and infrastructure.
2. Offers Learning Flexibility
Online learning platforms offer learning flexibility. Students can enroll for online degrees, professional certificates, development programs, and individual courses. Video learning platforms promise a top-notch learning experience because students can attend lectures remotely. On the other hand, corporate houses can educate their employees without hampering work productivity.
3. Time Management
Time restraints do not exist in online teaching, as many platforms have been created for teaching internationally. Also, a missed lecture can be revisited easily at any time.
The eLearning market trends also play a vital role in determining the global revenue of the industry. Hence, it becomes essential to learn about the market trends in the eLearning sector.
Market Trends For Online Learning Platforms
Over the last few years, a noticeable upsurge has been recorded in the video learning industry. In 2016, the eLearning market size was $163.6 billion, and it grew to surpass $243 billion in 2022. Statistics about Udemy, a noted video learning platform, state that only 39% of Americans are aware of it. However, only 28% of Americans like the platform and 23% of them have been using it. Having said that, Udemy has a steady brand loyalty among Americans who use online learning platforms for attending video lessons. Eventually, these statistics will improve because of the benefits users get by using digital learning platforms. The right video-based eLearning platform can be created by choosing a suitable tech stack.
Tech Stack For Video-Based eLearning Platform Development
The following components would help in creating a robust and efficient video learning platform for students and working professionals.
- Front end
JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and React JS are prominent development languages chosen by software developers to create online learning platforms. - Backend
The backend development becomes simplified through different tools. Some popular tools available include PHP, Python, Node JS, etc. - Database
Mongo DB and MySQL are considered prime choices for database management. - Mobile technologies
Mobile app development is essential for different operating platforms. For Android OS, Kotlin and Java are prime choices and for iOS development, developers choose Swift or Objective-C. Besides, React Native and Flutter are two languages chosen for cross-platform app development.
Developing video learning is an opportunity and a challenge at the same time. Hence, the entire process should be executed step-by-step. The development process of digital learning platforms is explained below.
Video-Based eLearning Platform Development Process
Here’s the answer to your question about how to create a video learning platform.
1. Envision The Purpose
Envisioning the purpose of the learning platform is vital. By having a vision for the product, it becomes easier to decide on the User Interface, prominent features, and other key specifications. Moreover, it helps the development team. Envisioning is also called the discovery stage, because this is when a vetted market analysis is conducted. It usually includes considering preexisting video learning platforms, their features and functionalities, user reviews, and user expectations.
2. Identify The Target Demographic
Before developing a digital learning platform, it is important to identify the target audience for whom it will be developed. Today, students and working professionals are making the best use of eLearning platforms. Hence, it is crucial to understand for whom the platform is being developed. Figuring out the target market can simplify a lot of things, including the integration of suitable learning features and choosing the right promotional strategy.
3. Chalk Out A Business Strategy
Once you have clarity on the eLearning platform’s features, appearance, and functionality, creating a business strategy becomes a must. Chalking out an apt business strategy is an essential element. The business strategy helps in deciding the right budget for creating, developing, and promoting the eLearning platform in the market. Besides, it also helps to set up subscription models, charges for premium accounts, and fees (if any).
4. Development Strategy And MVP
Choosing the right development strategy cannot be missed out on, whether it is web development or eLearning platform development. One can choose an in-house development team or hire freelance software developers to execute the project as required. Instead of immediately creating the final product, developing an MVP and releasing it into the market is considered better. Why? Because it prevents additional expenses whenever a change needs to be integrated. In the MVP stage, users can provide feedback that helps in making major changes, including the addition/removal of features.
5. Testing And Reviewing
The final stage of video-based eLearning app development is testing and reviewing. After creating the eLearning platform, there’s a probability of missing some loopholes which could invite bugs. Bugs obstruct the smooth functioning of eLearning platforms and removing them is a must for offering a seamless User Experience. With every update, users provide feedback based on their experience. The feedback could be either positive or negative, but ultimately it will help in making the platform better for online education.
Features To Include In Online Learning Platforms
More and more eLearning platforms, with new features, are entering the market. Hence, it is important to consider the inclusion of not-so-regular features. First, we must discuss the necessary and basic features of an eLearning platform. The essentials include the administration panel, registration panel, login/signup, user profile, dashboard, payment gateway, notifications, etc. Now, let’s read more about the more unusual but still vital features to include in online learning platforms.
1. Augmented And Virtual Reality
Modern technology proves to be a great aid in explaining complex concepts. Using Virtual Reality in eLearning platforms, teachers and educators can easily create virtual whiteboards for students, to offer a classroom-like teaching experience.
2. Video Streaming
Video lessons are an engaging way to learn. Even the most boring chapter or lecture becomes interesting with video streaming. Teachers can stream the lesson live and communicate with students at the same time.
3. Gamification
Gamification is a feature that makes everything engaging. By integrating this feature into a video learning platform, users can be encouraged to complete assignment/course levels and beat fellow competitors. This will not only engage students but encourage them to move closer to their goals. After successful completion, students can be awarded virtual trophies, medals, or just points for motivation.
Online Learning Platforms
The adoption rate for video-based eLearning platforms is on the upsurge. Considering the pace of adoption for this technology, it will become a permanent feature in the near future, owing to the various advantages that it offers to us. With the wider adoption of remote learning, the eLearning platform market is growing speedily. By having a streamlined approach to creating eLearning platforms, you can stand out from the crowd and generate revenue easily.
