For the past few years online learning has become a standard way of learning either with the combination of online and face-to-face approach, or as an independent, fully functional method.
It has been greatly beneficial to students and educators alike due to its effectiveness in terms of flexibility, cost reductions, and overall enhanced experience provided by the utilization of advanced technology innovations. Yet, not all such websites create the amazing learning experience one would expect to encounter. When visiting truly successful online learning websites, we can easily figure out what are some of the features that distinguish them from the less prominent ones in the niche.
1. Quality content
First and foremost, modern learners are infatuated with the idea of getting top quality education without spending large sums of money required for the tuition for Ivy League universities. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Open Yale Courses would attract many learners excited to learn from Yale instructors on more than 30 subjects.
Of course, not all e-learning websites can afford an Ivy League lecturer, however, great content speaks for itself and can slowly, but surely find its way to target users and keep them loyal.
2. Quick user integration and seamless way to pay for courses
Providing meaningful content means obtaining more users, yet, another requirement needs to be met in order to maintain a smooth running educational website. The process of registration and payment needs to be as quick and easy as possible so as not to create unnecessary delays in the delivery of content which could discourage potential users from applying. Luckily, contemporary edtech design is constantly developing and coming up with efficient solutions to provide easy access to content and to manage payment system. One such solution can be found in WordPress LMS theme for online courses, Skilled, which integrates with the Sensei plugin to produce quick signing up for courses and easy charging for courses through Woo Commerce shop support.
3. Motivational triggers
Once a significant list of registered learners is acquired, further steps must be taken to provide continual motivation and a sense of progress which is a feature found on every up-and-coming online learning platform. The key to achieve this is to create relevant and diversified tests to follow each lesson so as to provide students with a sense of completion and evaluation of their work. With the aforementioned Sensei plugin that seamlessly integrates with a vast majority of WordPress LMS premium themes, tests can be created and graded in numerous ways that add to variety, which is always a desired quality in education. Additional successful means to motivate users is to provide visual progress tracking on progress bars above the lessons, a feature also provided by the Sensei plugin.
4. Personal approach
When it comes to e-learning practice, it is essentially important to avoid the impersonal trait that is often attributed to this learning method. Therefore, online learning websites are building the trusting relationship with users by creating and displaying teachers’ profiles, offering scheduled one-on-one sessions with tutors and most importantly, creating social network of their own to encourage networking between students and other users of their content. BuddyPress plugin is one of the most commonly used to integrate with premium WordPress themes.
5. Diversity
Coursera has understood the importance of choice options for today’s user and has assembled great list of users by offering an extensive list of courses ranging from Data Science to Arts and Humanities, thus making sure that the user does not leave their website in search of a different course.
Therefore, a fully functional online learning website offers a variety of great free and paid content. It also encourages learners to do more and to successfully network with tutors and peers at the same time providing easy and efficient access to courses.
