How to Create an E-Learning Platform

The expansion of online learning solutions is becoming increasingly pronounced. A diverse array of individuals now finds it not only convenient but effective to learn at their own pace, choose their preferred instructors and courses, and participate in classes at their leisure.

This preference for online learning over traditional classroom-based education is notable, with more than 70% of students favouring e-learning platforms. It's not just students who are embracing this trend. Reports indicate that a staggering 90% of companies are keen to provide their employees with access to online learning resources. In the U.S., companies have reported an average 42% increase in revenue following the adoption of e-learning platforms.

These trends underscore a clear message: e-learning platforms are not a fleeting phenomenon; they are a permanent fixture in the landscape of education and professional development.

For those venturing into the development of e-learning solutions, a crucial question arises: what key features should be integrated to appeal to users?

To answer this, we delve into several essential elements that should be considered in the creation of an e-learning platform, ensuring that it not only serves the needs of its users but also stands out in a competitive market. Let's explore these in detail.

What is an e-learning platform?

An e-learning platform, alternatively known as a virtual learning environment, is a sophisticated digital system designed to provide access to educational materials and courses online. This type of platform is accessible through various devices including desktop computers, mobile phones, tablets, and other smart devices, making learning more accessible than ever before.

The platform typically offers a diverse range of learning materials such as video lectures, interactive quizzes, and downloadable resources like PDF files, all aimed at enhancing the user's educational experience.

E-learning platforms are versatile, catering to a wide spectrum of needs ranging from academic subjects and professional training to personal development pursuits. Their primary advantage lies in the flexibility they offer, allowing users to learn at their pace, choose courses that align with their interests, and select instructors that resonate with their learning style.

Additional benefits of e-learning platforms include the ability to track one's progress, engage in community discussions through forums, and use self-assessment tools that help users gauge their skills and abilities. This modern approach to learning stands in stark contrast to traditional physical learning environments, offering a more personalised and convenient educational experience.

Benefits of creating an e-learning platform

Developing an e-learning platform presents numerous advantages, particularly when contrasted with conventional methods of education.

Here are six pivotal benefits to consider when embarking on the creation of an online learning platform:

• Cost-effectiveness: E-learning platforms offer a significant financial benefit. The initial investment in course creation is offset by the ability to sell access to these courses multiple times, resulting in higher profit margins. Additionally, these platforms negate the need for physical infrastructure and commute, thereby reducing overhead costs.
• Time efficiency: Online learning platforms are a boon for time-saving, especially for learners in rural areas or those with demanding schedules. These platforms remove the need for physical commuting and adhere to strict class timetables, making education more accessible.
• Control of content: Instructors have the flexibility to regularly update, modify, or customise their content to suit the specific needs and preferences of their audience, ensuring that the material remains relevant and current.
• Wider audience reach: A significant advantage of e-learning platforms is their ability to transcend geographical boundaries, enabling educators to connect with a global audience without the limitations of a physical location.
• Enhanced retention rates: E-learning platforms often see higher retention rates compared to traditional educational methods. This is attributed to features like regular course updates, interactive learning exercises, and the provision of personalised course recommendations.
• Flexibility: These platforms provide unparalleled flexibility, allowing users to learn at their own pace and access content from anywhere at any time. This flexibility extends to device compatibility as well, enabling learners to engage with courses on their preferred devices, be it mobile phones, tablets, or desktops, with just an internet connection.

These attributes make e-learning platforms a compelling option in the modern educational landscape, providing a convenient, efficient, and adaptable approach to learning.

The cost of developing an e-learning platform

The financial investment required to create an e-learning platform akin to Coursera or Udemy typically ranges between $20,000 and $40,000 at the outset. This initial cost is just the beginning, as ongoing operational expenses will further contribute to the total investment. The final cost is also influenced by the choice of features and functionalities included in the platform. Here's a breakdown of the key cost factors:

• Mobile app development: Building a mobile application, especially one that is compatible with both Android and iOS platforms, significantly impacts the overall cost.
• Feature complexity: Incorporating various features like sophisticated progress tracking, interactive elements, and personalisation increases both the complexity and cost of development.
• Integrations and third-party tools: Implementing third-party tools and integrations enhances user experience but also brings additional licensing fees and development costs.
• Design costs: Investing in high-quality User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) design is crucial for a successful platform, but this necessitates hiring skilled designers, which adds to the expenses.
• Maintenance costs: Beyond the initial development, there are ongoing expenses to consider. These include updating and adding new courses, retaining a development team for regular maintenance, and hiring customer support staff.

Each of these factors contributes to the overall cost of developing an e-learning platform, and they should be carefully considered in the planning and budgeting phases.

Technical requirements for an e-learning platform

When designing your e-learning platform, there are several key technical aspects to consider to ensure its effectiveness and user-friendliness. These include:

• Hosting: This is akin to digital 'rent' for your platform's presence on the internet. Hosting not only affects how your e-learning platform performs in terms of speed and accessibility but also impacts its security and uptime.
• Content Management System (CMS): A CMS is pivotal for the easy uploading, organizing, and managing of educational content. It acts as the central hub for managing the front-end elements of your e-learning platform.
• Assessment tools: These tools are essential for evaluating learners' progress, providing feedback, and ensuring that the educational goals are being met effectively.
• Mobile compatibility: Given the prevalence of mobile device usage, it's critical to ensure that your e-learning platform is compatible with mobile devices. Additionally, developing a dedicated mobile app for your e-learning platform can further enhance user accessibility and engagement.
• Payment gateway integration: Integrating a secure and efficient payment gateway is crucial for facilitating financial transactions on your platform. This feature allows users to easily pay for course access or subscriptions, adding convenience and security to the user experience. Each of these technical requirements plays a vital role in the overall functionality and success of an e-learning platform, ensuring that it meets the needs of its users effectively.

Steps to create an e-learning platform

Creating an e-learning platform involves a series of well-thought-out steps to ensure its success and effectiveness. Here's a streamlined approach to guide you through this process:

• Identify your niche: Start by focusing on a specific area of education. This could be anything from digital marketing to online writing classes, based on your initial goals. A targeted approach helps manage resources effectively and reduces competition, as opposed to a broad initial focus.

• Decide on a business model: Determine how your platform will generate revenue. You might consider various models like:

1. Subscription model: Users pay a regular fee for access to courses.
2. Pay-per-course model: Users pay for individual courses.
3. Freemium model: Basic access is free, with premium content available for a fee.

• Choose a development approach: You have two main options:

1. Custom development: Build a bespoke platform from scratch using frameworks like Django or Ruby on Rails. This offers full customization but requires more resources.
2. Content Management System (CMS): Use a platform like WordPress or Joomla for quicker, less customizable setup.

• Incorporate unique features: Beyond standard e-learning features like quizzes and personalized content, consider adding unique elements to differentiate your platform. These could include:

1. Course creation tools: Enable instructors to easily create and manage courses.
2. Interactive quiz games: Offer gamified learning experiences for popular subjects.
3. Community forums: Facilitate discussions and peer support, akin to platforms like Reddit and Quora.

• Collaborate with expert educators: Partner with knowledgeable and engaging instructors. The quality of your initial instructors is crucial, as they will be a key draw for early users.

Each of these steps is vital in developing an e-learning platform that not only meets the educational needs of its users but also stands out in a competitive market.

Read more: How to Build an E-Learning Platform
Case Study: How Digital Samba enabled digital expansion for LMS Collaborator

Supercharge your e-learning platform with Digital Samba

Constructing your ideal e-learning platform fundamentally hinges on two pivotal elements. Initially, the focus should be on recruiting qualified and engaging course instructors. Following that, it's crucial to equip the platform with innovative features that elevate the online learning experience beyond traditional educational methods.

A distinguishing feature that can significantly enhance your platform's appeal is the incorporation of live video conferencing capabilities between instructors and students. For a platform handling video conferences at scale, a robust video API, such as Digital Samba, is essential.

Integrating Digital Samba's video conferencing API can transform your platform, enabling smooth, real-time video interactions between instructors and students. This feature not only fosters a more interactive learning environment but also adds a personal touch to the online learning experience. For further information on integrating this technology into your e-learning platform, consider consulting with our sales team.