Unlike conventional learning, online learning (eLearning) is driven by a slew of digital devices and tools. These digital technologies make online learning more effective than conventional learning by providing students and working professionals with the freedom to learn. Learners these days acquire knowledge and develop skills by accessing eLearning content on digital devices like desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
Likewise, organizations need special-purpose software to deliver eLearning content, track learner progress, foster learner engagement, and boost learning experiences. No organization can adopt and implement eLearning successfully without implementing and integrating multiple online learning tools. We are discussing some of these online learning tools essential for educational institutions and enterprises.
7 Online Learning Tools Essential for Organizations
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Learning Management System (LMS)
Every organization needs a learning management system (LMS) to deliver virtual learning experiences. The web-based software helps organizations streamline the creation, delivery, and management of online courses and training programs.
Learners use the LMS to access eLearning content in multiple formats using computers and mobile devices. New-age LMS systems boost learner engagement and learning experiences by supporting collaborative and gamified learning.
They enable learners to collaborate in a virtual learning environment using features like discussion forums, query corners, real-time chat, and leaderboards. At the same time, the software gamifies online learning experiences by providing features like scorecards, badges, and virtual coins.
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Learning Experience Platform (LXP)
Many organizations opt for learning experience platforms (LXPs) as a new-age alternative to LMSs. This online learning tool facilitates self-directed learning using intelligence technologies. It uses AI algorithms to curate and share eLearning content in multiple formats.
Also, it delivers personalized eLearning content to each learner according to their precise learning needs and preferred learning style. Additionally, it fosters knowledge retention by answering various questions asked by a learner when he learns a new topic or concept.
LXPs create opportunities for learners to create and upload eLearning content. At the same time, they simplify learner progress monitoring by featuring intuitive dashboards. Leading LXPs further feature AI chatbots that act as virtual mentors and guides for learners.
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Online Classroom Software
Online classroom software enables learners and instructors to interact, collaborate, and engage with each other in a virtual learning environment. An instructor can train learners by taking live classes, sharing eLearning content, and giving assignments.
At the same time, they can use a built-in message board to answer questions asked by various students. Many organizations implement online classroom software to support the asynchronous learning model. They boost the software by integrating it with an LMS system or digital library software.
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Digital Library Software
Content is often described as the new oil that drives online learning and training initiatives. While implementing eLearning, organizations ensure that each learner can access the required content in his preferred format. Hence, they invest in the creation of eLearning content in multiple formats – eBooks, journals, infographics, videos, audio, and quizzes.
Leading digital library software helps organizations curtail eLearning content creation by providing off-the-shelf content and sharing curated content. The off-the-shelf content repository enables learners to develop skills by reading eBooks, listening to podcasts, watching educational videos, or taking quizzes.
At the same time, the curated content shared by the software provided in-depth and up-to-date information about various topics. Organizations can further ensure seamless eLearning content delivery by integrating the digital library software with an LMS or online classroom software.
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eLearning Authoring Tools
Companies and startups often boost online training programs by developing and delivering in-house eLearning content. Instructors and trainers use eLearning authoring tools to reduce eLearning content creation tools.
Leading eLearning authoring tools speed up content creation by featuring drag-and-drop editors, simplified user interfaces (UIs), and ready-to-use templates. Also, they enable instructors to save time repurposing and reusing existing content.
An organization can accelerate eLearning content creation using a variety of tools – screen recording tools, quizzes and assessment tools, and specialized media tools. Also, it has the option to leverage the built-in content authoring tools provided by Leading LMS systems.
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Content Curation tools
This category of online learning tools meets eLearning content needs by collecting content from external and internal sources. A content curation tool shares relevant and valuable content with learners according to specific topics or subjects.
At the same time, it recommends relevant content and enables learners to find additional information. Hence, it becomes easier for learners to understand a concept deeply by accessing content published by subject matter experts.
New-age content curation tools share and recommend high-quality content using intelligence technologies. However, an organization must focus on eliminating issues like content originality and relevancy while implementing content curation tools.
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AI Educational Chatbots
This AI-powered online learning tool drives eLearning by acting as a virtual instructor or mentor. Conversational AI technologies empower these educational chatbots to train and guide learners by simulating written or oral human conversations.
Learners can interact with AI chatbots to understand a concept clearly by accessing information and asking questions. Organizations can customize these chatbots to automate online learning activities like course creation, content delivery, and learner progress monitoring.
Additionally, these chatbots help organizations boost the online learning process by gathering feedback and suggestions from learners. They help organizations increase online course completion rates by driving learner engagement.
Conclusion
Online learning tools make eLearning initiatives successful by automating important and recurring activities. For instance, an organization can use specific digital learning tools to curtail content creation time and cost. Likewise, it can manage multiple courses or training programs efficiently by implementing special-purpose online learning software.
Most organizations these days opt for cloud-based eLearning tools to simplify implementation and integration while curtailing upfront and recurring costs. At the same time, many organizations prefer unified learning platforms to curb the time and resources required to implement and integrate individual online learning solutions.
About Mintbook
Mintbook helps organizations implement eLearning successfully by providing a unified learning platform. The integrated learning platform comes with essential eLearning tools like a learning management system (LMS), online classroom software, and digital library software. An organization can customize these cloud-based online learning tools according to its precise needs and goals.
