In this article, we discuss the elements that, in 2022, must absolutely not be missing from an E-learning platform. There are five features that we believe make the use of an e-learning platform optimal for managing and delivering training in a wide variety of contexts.
So, if you’re wondering what features are necessary for an e-learning platform, we’re here to take you by the hand and guide you!
If you don’t know us yet, let us introduce ourselves: we are WhoTeach, the Digital Learning platform specialized for B2B.
So let’s look together at the 5 requirements that must not be missing from a good LMS. In this article, we will talk about:
- A clear and easy-to-use interface
- Interactive features
- Smart content organization and modularity
- Efficient support
- Reports
A Clear and Easy-to-Use Interface
The platform’s visual and logical components must be smooth and clear, to minimize cognitive friction during use.
This way, students can focus entirely on the content and won’t waste time figuring out how the platform works.
That’s why, before adopting an e-learning platform, you should request a demo version: WhoTeach, for example, lets you try its features with your entire organization before activating the license.
User Interaction
The relationship between student and teacher is recognized as one of the main factors for the success of educational activities, just as group activities among participants can foster engagement and increase motivation. For this reason, an e-learning platform should allow users to interact and meet virtually.
For example, tools that enable group activities can be:
- quizzes (like the popular Kahoot!)
- simulators
- discussion forums and chats
- polls
Videoconferencing systems also promote user interaction: WhoTeach, for example, offers virtual classrooms that allow you to attend lessons together and carry out various group activities, thanks also to breakout room features.
Flexible and Modular Content Organization
Another key aspect concerns the organization of learning units: content must be accessible in a flexible and personalized way by the user, and the platform must have programs designed for this purpose. A modular organization allows content to be divided into independent and short units, up to 30 minutes. This way, users can personalize and choose content without a scheme imposed by the system: these aspects are related to the concept of Microlearning.
WhoTeach, for example, offers a Recommender System that allows you, by entering keywords, to filter content and show you only what you’re interested in.
It’s also important that the platform you choose allows you to manage different file types. Providing your students with educational materials in various formats can make your lessons more accessible and easier to consult. That’s why an e-learning platform should have a Learning Management System capable of supporting different formats:
- mp4
- podcasts
- infographics
- images
It should also be able to handle interactive material, such as the SCORM format: this is a set of standards that allows educational content to be cataloged, tracked, and reused on different platforms.
With a platform that allows these functions, a teacher can personalize their courses and choose content without being limited by the system. The organization of these Learning Objects will therefore be flexible and modular, also enabling teaching based on Microlearning.
WhoTeach can handle multiple file types, but not only that: it also offers a Recommender System that allows you, by entering keywords, to filter content and show you only what you’re interested in.
Available and Easily Reachable Customer Service
A survey by Genesys Global Survey Customer Experience shows that 78% of respondents identify customer support as the main factor for a positive experience. At the same time, on Capterra, one of the main criticisms of the major e-learning players is the lack of fast and efficient customer service.
Thinking that problems will never arise when using an e-learning platform is utopian: that’s why finding ready and efficient support to solve issues is a necessary requirement.
WhoTeach, for example, does not use a ticket system, nor does it leave users at the mercy of an automatic chatbot: instead, the technicians who develop the platform provide direct support to customers, being available by email or phone.
So, finding support ready to respond promptly to your requests will guarantee you a positive experience using the platform.
Reporting
The last requirement I’ll talk about today is reporting.
What are Reports?
Reports are the record of what users have actually learned, files that show their activities within the platform (lessons completed, goals achieved).
Why is this aspect so central?
Funded training, as described by Innovation Post, represents a rapidly growing market:
Every year, €659 million are managed in relation to these funds, and about €357 million are allocated through public notices. This means that each company can obtain much more than it pays in, drawing on unused shares from other companies that give up their share.
Innovation post
That’s why, if you also access funding to facilitate training, you should use a platform that automatically provides reports on your educational service, so you can demonstrate your activities to the entities that funded your project, without teachers having to manually collect the necessary data.
Reports show and quantify the results of your service, allowing you to monitor the effectiveness of your teaching with concrete and measurable data.
For example, WhoTeach allows you to obtain reporting compliant with the regulations of funding bodies: it provides data on user activity, certifies test results, and offers the possibility to issue a certificate of participation and course completion.
A Few Final Thoughts
We know well that in this historical period, the ability to learn through digital platforms is a necessity and no longer a luxury.
E-learning platforms are the future of learning, and if you are considering using such a service, I hope I have helped you understand the most important aspects to consider.
If you want to better understand how WhoTeach works, just contact us and we’ll be happy to show you how we can support your training project.
Good luck with your choice!
