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The top 10 online learning platforms for 2024, share this article.

There are a lot of online learning platforms out there, so how do you choose? Start by exploring these top picks!

Online learning platforms are great for helping you set up or teach a course. Often, you can also leverage them to monetize your own content, too!  Creators everywhere are learning how to build an online learning platform so that they can generate new revenue streams. 

But, there are a lot of online learning platforms out there, so how do you choose? Start by exploring these top picks!

Skip ahead:

Quick facts: Top online learning platforms

• The value of online learning platforms

How to choose the best online learning platform

• The difference between online learning platforms and learning management systems

LinkedIn Learning

Openlearning, masterclass, khan academy.

• Tips to monetize your courses

What value do online learning platforms bring?

In a paper titled Online Learning Platforms: Reconstructing Modern Higher Education , Zi-Yu Liu, Natalya Lomovtseva and Elena Korobeynikova argue that online learning platforms can change the way higher education works in the future. They said the greatest benefits to this type of tool includes, “ greater freedom of access, lower education prices, the possibility of dividing the content of the e-course into modules, flexibility of education, the ability to keep up with modern pace of life, and the ability to define criteria for assessing knowledge.”

In general, you should look at structure, course content, community and price when evaluating which online learning platform is best suited for you. This will apply regardless if you’re using it to learn or to monetize your content! 

Choosing the right online learning platform will generally mean balancing these four aspects in a way that works best for you.

Structure of the platform

Course structure is important because it leads to a better learning experience and more effective delivery of professional development programs. As an example, you can probably piece together knowledge on almost any topic through YouTube, but it would lack a structured and progressive environment. This would make it hard for students to learn independently. 

Available course content

Looking at the course content is key to whatever you’re planning to learn or teach. All online degree programs and course materials are somewhat unique in how they approach any given subject. Take web development or programming, for example. There are so many principles, languages and frameworks that you can learn that it can’t simply be covered by individual courses. Some specialization is necessary.

If you’re planning to deliver a course through an online learning platform, it will help to look for ones that offer similar topics already. You can also look for platforms that offer similar set-ups. Free or mini courses attract a much different audience than Bachelor’s degree programs! 

Community support

Community makes the learning process much more fun and effective. When you’re stuck and can ask your peers for help, it reinforces what you’ve just learned with another perspective. Plus, doing something with a cohort of students is much more motivating than going alone.

From the teaching perspective, you can leverage learning communities to empower brainstorming, independent problem-solving, and passion-building for the course topic.

Price is another key factor in selecting course materials that work for you. There are many free courses available but paid ones tend to be more engaging and of higher quality. Some courses offer free trials while others offer refunds if you don’t like it. Some courses give you lifetime unlimited access while others rely on a subscription model or only work for a limited time.

Whether you’re monetizing or purchasing a course, you need to consider the value that the course provides to the student. Is the topic of interest, and does it provide enough content to be worth the pricing model offered?

When you’re selling through an online learning tool, you’ll also want to consider if there are any added costs. Sometimes the cost is accrued per sale, and sometimes it is a monthly fee. 

What’s the difference between online learning platforms and learning management systems?

When you’re researching which online learning platform is right for you, it’s important to know how it differs from other similar solutions such as learning management systems (LMS) and online course websites .

An online learning platform is a user-facing environment where students can learn new skills. In comparison, a learning management system is a back-end solution that provides all the necessary tools to the online learning platform so it can function smoothly. This would provide features like uploading videos, creating quizzes, grading assignments and much more.

Online learning platforms are similar to online course websites. In practice, the difference is that the online learning platforms tend to offer more flexibility than course websites. Online course websites are used for course creation, whereas online learning platforms can encompass all kinds of learning experiences, from short videos to online degrees.

10 Best online learning platforms

Now that you know what online learning platforms offer, and have a general idea of what you’re planning to study or teach, you can see which one of these 10 top-notch learning platforms suits you best. 

Skip ahead here:

Start by looking into the most flexible online learning platform of all — Thinkific.

Thinkific is not a gallery of courses, rather it’s one of the best platforms to create learning products and organize a custom learning experience for your team. The flexibility of the platform makes it work great for educating students, training employees, and building product education programs, or anything else you can dream up!

Not sure where to start? Thinkific Academy will teach you how to build with an online learning platform, as well as how to price and market your courses effectively.

Best For: Custom course creation and digital products

G2 Score: 4.7/5

Thinkific Pricing

Thinkific has a free plan that allows you to start building courses right away. Paid plans provide you with access to more engagement, tracking, and monetization features, and start at $149 per month.

For learners, Thinkific’s courses are all priced independently by the course creators using the platform. Take some time to research a topic that you love and you’ll likely find a bunch of free courses, too! 

“ It was just so easy. I decided to stick with it, and I have never had any problems. If I’d known that platforms like Thinkific were available to me, I think I could have handled it better on my own from the beginning.” — Amanda Schonberg

Coursera partners with top universities like Stanford and Yale, offering certificates and degrees recognized by employers. Whether you want to boost your career or explore a new subject, Coursera has thousands of courses to choose from.

Best For: Accredited certificates and degrees

G2 Score: 4.5/5

Coursera Pricing

Lots of courses are available for free. Paid courses start at $9.99, with certificate-level courses beginning at $39, and university courses at $2,000. You can also choose to pay $59 a month or a $399 annual fee to unlock all the courses on Coursera. However, the monthly or yearly subscriptions do not include university degrees or MasterTrack certificates. 

“Being a mother — especially a working mother means I’m constantly trying to juggle my schedule, my kids’ schedules, and work. I am very grateful for the flexible and remote learning programs that Coursera has to offer.” — Kenia R.

• Coursera Alternatives

LinkedIn Learning is ideal for professionals looking to develop career-relevant skills. With thousands of courses on business, tech, and creativity, it’s easy to add certifications directly to your LinkedIn profile.

Best For: Professional skill-building

G2 Score: 4.4/5 

LinkedIn Learning Pricing

Individual courses vary between $20 and $50. LinkedIn Learning costs $39.99 for a monthly subscription, and $239.88 for an annual plan (which is a 50% savings!) These plans also give you access to LinkedIn Premium, with advanced networking and career-building tools. 

Bulk pricing is also available for companies or educational institutions who want to offer the platform to their organization.

“Step by step, we’re leveraging LinkedIn Learning to exchange knowledge and create a more open learning culture,” said Stefanie. “We’re changing the learning mindset to teach our coworkers how they can use LinkedIn Learning to build up their skills and grow their careers.” — Stefanie Reich

Skillshare is great for learning creative skills in a flexible, accessible way. Most courses are project-based and led by real-world creatives, making it a favorite for artists, designers, and makers.

Best For: Creative skills and projects

G2 Score: 3.4/5

SkillShare Pricing

The pricing seems to depend on the country where you reside. However, on average, you can expect to pay $168 per year, or $14 per month. 

“I absolutely love Skillshare! There are a huge range of subjects to choose from with different levels usually available. The rating system is terrific for picking teachers. I’ve also never had a bad teacher—of the classes I’ve taken, the teachers have all been wonderful. Can’t recommend Skillshare enough!” — Elizapainter

Related: Skillshare vs Thinkific – A detailed comparison

edX offers courses from top universities like Harvard and MIT. It’s perfect for learners who want formal education without the high cost of in-person programs. Most courses are STEM-focused but there are options across various subjects.

Best For: Formal education

edX Pricing

Free classes do not offer certificates. Courses that come with certificates cost between $50 and $300. Full degree programs combine multiple courses and are usually $1,000 or higher. 

“edX has a wide range of courses that are easy to follow and genuinely useful. I just finished a course in Project Management, and it’s already making a difference at work.” — Louise

OpenLearning is a community-focused platform that emphasizes collaboration and interaction. It’s especially popular in Australia and offers microcredentials that can be applied toward university degrees.

Best For: Microcredentials and community learning

G2 Score: 4.6/5

OpenLearning Pricing

Free courses available; microcredential courses $150-$500. Course creation starts at $900/year.

“The taster team at CSU has had unbelievable support from the OpenLearning team. Whether it involved suggesting ways to improve our search results, creating a results-oriented marketing campaign, developing creative and clean online modules, responding to any technical requests, or providing input and feedback into a myriad of questions, OpenLearning has been there for us.” — Professor Valerie Peachey

Udemy has the widest selection of courses, covering everything from personal development to professional skills. You pay per course, making it easy to pick and choose what you need.

Best For: Variety and affordability

Udemy Pricing

Each course on Udemy is sold separately, from as little as $10 and up to $200. Udemy subscriptions are not available to all students. Hence, you may have to shell out on individual courses if you are looking for premium learning. Note that only a selection of 10,500 courses from the full catalog are provided to subscribers on the Personal Plan. 

“The beauty of Udemy is that anyone, anywhere with an internet connection can learn from the world’s experts. Most courses are taught on demand, meaning you can take them at your own pace, and every course includes a discussion board where you can interact with the instructor and your fellow students. The best part is that most courses are free(!)… and even the paid courses cost far less than what you’d pay at a local college or university.” — Udemy Reviews, edshelf

• Udemy vs Thinkific – A detailed comparison
• Top alternatives to Udemy

Treehouse is an interactive platform for learning to code. Courses are organized into tracks, offering structured learning in topics like front-end development, cybersecurity, and app development.

Best For: Coding and web development

G2 Score: 4.3/5

Treehouse Pricing

Treehouse charges $25 per month for regular memberships, or $250 for the annual plan (which essentially gives you two free months). If you want a certificate, however, there are even more structured Techdegree programs starting at $49 per month.

“Treehouse has such a variety of learning, and the easy-to-follow videos, challenges, and practices are fantastic. The community is amazing, especially in the Techdegrees.” — Claire Tregunna

MasterClass features top professionals like Gordon Ramsay and Martin Scorsese, offering insight into their crafts. The platform is perfect if you want to learn directly from industry leaders.

Best For: Learning from experts

MasterClass Pricing

Billed annually, MasterClass costs $10 per month on an Individual plan, $20 for Duo (which allows access on 2 devices) and $23 for Family (up to 6 devices).

“Masterclass is amazing! The instructors are top experts, and the lessons are both inspiring and practical. The platform is user-friendly, and the video lessons are so engaging. I really can’t fault Masterclass!” — Jasmine

Khan Academy offers free courses primarily focused on K-12 subjects like math, science, and economics. It’s a valuable resource for students, parents, and lifelong learners.

Best For: Free foundational education

Khan Academy Pricing

Absolutely free! Khan Academy is a non-profit.

“Fantastic resource for all! I’m so very impressed with the extensive content available to everyone, for free, via Khan Academy. What a gift!” — Caroline Williams

How to monetize your own content on online learning platforms

There are so many online learning platforms and so much to learn on almost any subject imaginable. The best thing is that once you acquire enough knowledge, you can start monetizing it as well through your own courses in your own unique way. All you need is the platform to do it! 

As you build your course, a few tips to keep in mind are:

• Reflect on the skills you currently have
• Consider what other people want to learn
• Figure out the best structure for your course
• Determine how to price your course
• Consider how you’ll market your course
• Get feedback from your students about what they like or don’t like
• Continually optimize and refresh your content over time 

Start building an online learning platform with Thinkific

Thinkific is an intuitive and easy-to-use course-creation solution that enables you to build and sell courses of any complexity. No coding skills required — just use a professionally designed template and customize it to your liking using a drag-and-drop editor. As a result, you can create a course in an hour and monetize it for years to come.

Sign up for free here!

This blog was originally published in February 2024, it’s since been updated in August 2024 to include the most relevant information.

Stephanie is a content marketing expert with a passion for connecting the dots of strategy and content. She has worked with industry leaders including HubSpot, Oracle, Travel + Leisure, and Forbes.

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Online Learning Platforms: The Different Types And Their Benefits

Updated: Aug 27, 2024, 5:37am

Key Takeaways

• Online learning platforms include learning destination sites (LDSs) and learning management systems (LMSs).
• LDSs, such as Coursera and Udemy, allow users to access individual courses and microcredentials.
• Educational institutions and other organizations use LMSs, such as Canvas and Blackboard, to build, deliver and manage classes as well as other educational resources.
• Online learning formats include video-based learning, one-on-one learning and group learning.

Online learning platforms have drastically increased in popularity over recent years. Even before the Covid-19 pandemic forced a massive leap toward online study—the effects of which remain with us today—advances in educational technology and high-speed internet access had begun to make remote learning more widespread and accessible.

Students of all levels, including those in corporate training, now rely on the internet to deliver educational materials. Online learning platforms are where this happens, connecting students with course content, instructors and classmates.

In this article, we’ll discuss how online learning platforms work and which platform to choose based on your needs.

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• Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

What Is an Online Learning Platform?

An online learning platform allows students to access and absorb educational content digitally, in either groups or individual settings. Online learning can take place live at set times, or it can entail prerecorded lessons for students to complete on their own schedule.

What Are the Different Types of Online Learning Platforms?

If you plan to take an online course or pursue another type of distance learning, you should first become familiar with a few different delivery platforms. Here are three of the most popular types of online education platforms and a few of the best providers for each.

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Learning Destination Sites

A learning destination site allows you to access a variety of courses in one place. Udemy , a popular LDS, offers more than 220,000 video-based lessons on an array of topics. The following online learning platforms are also categorized as LDSs:

• Coursera : A great option for those in the workplace looking to enhance skills or change careers, Coursera offers virtual courses, certifications and degree content.
• Codecademy : This online coding bootcamp offers comprehensive instruction to students who want to learn how to code. Learners can choose from career paths and individual courses.
• Khan Academy : This platform serves learners in kindergarten through eighth grade, high school and college. It also offers test prep resources for the SAT, LSAT and MCAT. Khan Academy is free and boasts a wealth of courses in topics like math, reading, computing and life skills.
• edX : This early massive open online course platform serves over 86 million users. edX’s offerings include bachelor’s competition programs, master’s degrees, coding bootcamps and standalone courses.
• Udacity : A tech-focused LDS, Udacity offers courses and nanodegrees in areas like AI, data science, programming and cybersecurity.

Learning Management Systems

Learning management systems (LMS) are software systems used by companies and organizations for learning and training.

An LMS differs from an LDS in that it’s not a public-facing website. Rather, an LMS is a portal through which instructors disseminate information for learners to access. An LMS can exist online or as installed software, and it can be either paid or open source.

A few of the most common LMSs used today include:

• Blackboard : Blackboard is an LMS that serves all grade levels, as well as business and government organizations. Through Blackboard, instructors can build and share educational content. Its provider Anthology has an associated app as well.
• Canvas : Canvas is one of Blackboard’s primary competitors. All Ivy League schools have adopted Canvas as their main LMS. This platform is feature heavy, efficient and integrates with applications like Google Classroom, Zoom and Adobe.
• Moodle : This robust LMS offers a free option that may work best for those who have some experience with the administrative tasks involved in setting up an LMS. Moodle also offers low-cost paid versions with more support.
• D2L Brightspace : This LMS serves K-12, higher education and corporate customers, partnering with over 1,100 organizations. It integrates with a wide array of learning technology products and aligns with global accessibility standards.

Learning Ecosystems

A learning ecosystem can be thought of as a combination of an LDS and an LMS. However, this emerging model can also go beyond software and content to include an organization’s members, culture, and learning and development strategy.

These comprehensive learning platforms offer a variety of educational resources, but they’re generally internal to particular schools or organizations. This means you can’t access one without being a part of the organization to which it belongs.

Online Learning Delivery Methods

Instructors can deliver online learning through several methods. We’ll go over a few types of online learning delivery methods below.

Video-Based Learning

Video-based learning involves learning from a video or series of videos. This format works best for those seeking flexibility in their learning. Students can typically view videos at any time from any location. This format may combine speaking, graphics and animation to provide a 360-degree learning experience.

A great example of video-based learning is YouTube, where viewers can watch tutorials on just about any topic. Just make sure that the content creator is a credible source on their given topic.

One-on-One Learning

Online learning is not always asynchronous. With one-on-one learning, students can work with a teacher or tutor in real time. This format provides more direct interaction with students’ instructors, allowing learners to ask questions and work out problems face to face.

Group Learning

Virtual classrooms, like those offered by most online colleges, are a good example of group learning. These classes typically meet at set times, during which an appointed instructor leads the class.

Group learning classes often use other mediums, like pre-recorded videos and lectures, to enhance the learning experience. Professors and instructors typically use an LMS to post grades, facilitate discussions and keep track of assignments.

Benefits of Online Learning Platforms

Online learning requires top-notch time management skills and plenty of self-discipline, and many students prefer to learn in in-person environments. That said, distance learning brings a wealth of benefits as well. Here are a few positive outcomes of online learning platforms:

Budget-Friendly Choices

Online learning often costs less than in-person instruction. Many colleges and universities offer in-state tuition rates to all remote learners, regardless of where they reside. Likewise, studying online reduces costs associated with transportation.

For aspiring tech professionals, online coding bootcamps offer a fast and often affordable way to develop in-demand job skills. Additionally, open-source LDSs allow anyone to dive into a subject that interests them—free of charge.

Flexibility and Convenience

Online course platforms often allow learners to study at their convenience. This can make it easier to hold down a full-time job while attending classes. It also means students can attend courses offered by out-of-state schools without having to travel or uproot their lives.

Options for Every Learning Style

Online learning platforms offer something for everyone. For students who want the camaraderie of in-person classes with the convenience of remote learning, group-based online learning combines the best of both worlds. On the other hand, those who feel overwhelmed in group learning settings might prefer one-on-one online courses. And learners with unpredictable work schedules who need lots of flexibility can find what they need in video-based courses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Learning Platforms

How should you choose an online course platform.

If you’re a student, look for an online course platform that fits your budget, has strong student reviews and features instructors or educational partners with demonstrable expertise in their fields.

If you’re a course creator, look for a platform that’s user-friendly (for both you and your students), offers transparent pricing practices and supports the content formats you provide.

What online learning platform do most colleges use?

According to edtech market analysis firm Phil Hill & Associates , Canvas holds the largest higher education market share among LMSs in North America as of 2023, with 41% of institutions using the platform. Blackboard is the second-most-popular platform, with 17% of institutions, and Moodle and D2L Brightspace tie for third with 16% each.

What is the most popular online course platform?

The most popular online course platforms include Khan Academy (approximately 165 million users), Coursera (142 million), edX (86 million), Codecademy (85 million) and Udemy (70 million).

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Christin Perry is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in numerous outlets, including WeddingWire, The Knot, Parents and Verywell Family. When she's not working, Christin enjoys reading, gardening and hanging out with her husband and four young kids. She also loves to do small home improvement projects any chance she gets.

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With Online Learning, ‘Let’s Take a Breath and See What Worked and Didn’t Work’

The massive expansion of online higher education created a worldwide laboratory to finally assess its value and its future.

By Jon Marcus

This article is part of our Learning special report about how the pandemic has continued to change how we approach education.

Kameshwari Shankar watched for years as college and university courses were increasingly taught online instead of face to face, but without a definitive way of understanding which students benefited the most from them, or what if anything they learned.

As an associate professor of economics at City College in New York, Dr. Shankar knew that one of the most important requirements of scientific research was often missing from studies of the effectiveness of online higher education: a control group.

Then came the Covid-19 pandemic, forcing almost everyone on earth online and creating a randomized trial on a planetary scale with a control group so big, it was a researcher’s wildest dream.

“The pandemic and the lockdown — that’s a great natural experiment,” said Dr. Shankar. A study she co-authored called it “a gold mine of evidence.”

Now the results of this experiment are starting to come in. They suggest that online higher education may work better than prepandemic research suggested, and that it is evolving decisively toward a combination of in-person and online, or “blended,” classes.

“For two years we’ve had sort of a petri dish of experimenting with learning online,” said Anant Agarwal, chief platform officer of the online program management company 2U and former CEO of edX, the online provider created by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard and sold last year to 2U for $800 million. “Now people are sitting down and saying, ‘Let’s take a breath. Let’s see what worked and didn’t work.’ ”

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How technology is shaping learning in higher education

About the authors.

This article is a collaborative effort by Claudio Brasca, Charag Krishnan , Varun Marya , Katie Owen, Joshua Sirois, and Shyla Ziade, representing views from McKinsey’s Education Practice.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced a shift to remote learning overnight for most higher-education students, starting in the spring of 2020. To complement video lectures and engage students in the virtual classroom, educators adopted technologies that enabled more interactivity and hybrid models of online and in-person activities. These tools changed learning, teaching, and assessment in ways that may persist after the pandemic. Investors have taken note. Edtech start-ups raised record amounts of venture capital in 2020 and 2021, and market valuations for bigger players soared.

A study conducted by McKinsey in 2021 found that to engage most effectively with students, higher-education institutions can focus on eight dimensions  of the learning experience. In this article, we describe the findings of a study of the learning technologies that can enable aspects of several of those eight dimensions (see sidebar “Eight dimensions of the online learning experience”).

Eight dimensions of the online learning experience

Leading online higher-education institutions focus on eight key dimensions of the learning experience across three overarching principles.

Seamless journey

Clear education road map: “My online program provides a road map to achieve my life goals and helps me structure my day to day to achieve steady progress.”

Seamless connections: “I have one-click access to classes and learning resources in the virtual learning platform through my laptop or my phone.”

Engaging teaching approach

Range of learning formats: “My program offers a menu of engaging courses with both self-guided and real-time classes, and lots of interaction with instructors and peers.”

Captivating experiences: “I learn from the best professors and experts. My classes are high quality, with up-to-date content.”

Adaptive learning: “I access a personalized platform that helps me practice exercises and exams and gives immediate feedback without having to wait for the course teacher.”

Real-world skills application: “My online program helps me get hands-on practice using exciting virtual tools to solve real-world problems.”

Caring network

Timely support: “I am not alone in my learning journey and have adequate 24/7 support for academic and nonacademic issues.”

Strong community: “I feel part of an academic community and I’m able to make friends online.”

In November 2021, McKinsey surveyed 600 faculty members and 800 students from public and private nonprofit colleges and universities in the United States, including minority-serving institutions, about the use and impact of eight different classroom learning technologies (Exhibit 1). (For more on the learning technologies analyzed in this research, see sidebar “Descriptions of the eight learning technologies.”) To supplement the survey, we interviewed industry experts and higher-education professionals who make decisions about classroom technology use. We discovered which learning tools and approaches have seen the highest uptake, how students and educators view them, the barriers to higher adoption, how institutions have successfully adopted innovative technologies, and the notable impacts on learning (for details about our methodology, see sidebar “About the research”).

Double-digit growth in adoption and positive perceptions

Descriptions of the eight learning technologies.

• Classroom interactions: These are software platforms that allow students to ask questions, make comments, respond to polls, and attend breakout discussions in real time, among other features. They are downloadable and accessible from phones, computers, and tablets, relevant to all subject areas, and useful for remote and in-person learning.
• Classroom exercises: These platforms gamify learning with fun, low-stakes competitions, pose problems to solve during online classes, allow students to challenge peers to quizzes, and promote engagement with badges and awards. They are relevant to all subject areas.
• Connectivity and community building: A broad range of informal, opt-in tools, these allow students to engage with one another and instructors and participate in the learning community. They also include apps that give students 24/7 asynchronous access to lectures, expanded course materials, and notes with enhanced search and retrieval functionality.
• Group work: These tools let students collaborate in and out of class via breakout/study rooms, group preparation for exams and quizzes, and streamlined file sharing.
• Augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR): Interactive simulations immerse learners in course content, such as advanced lab simulations for hard sciences, medical simulations for nursing, and virtual exhibit tours for the liberal arts. AR can be offered with proprietary software on most mobile or laptop devices. VR requires special headsets, proprietary software, and adequate classroom space for simultaneous use.
• AI adaptive course delivery: Cloud-based, AI-powered software adapts course content to a student’s knowledge level and abilities. These are fully customizable by instructors and available in many subject areas, including business, humanities, and sciences.
• Machine learning–powered teaching assistants: Also known as chatbot programs, machine learning–powered teaching assistants answer student questions and explain course content outside of class. These can auto-create, deliver, and grade assignments and exams, saving instructors’ time; they are downloadable from mobile app stores and can be accessed on personal devices.
• Student progress monitoring: These tools let instructors monitor academic progress, content mastery, and engagement. Custom alerts and reports identify at-risk learners and help instructors tailor the content or their teaching style for greater effectiveness. This capability is often included with subscriptions to adaptive learning platforms.

Survey respondents reported a 19 percent average increase in overall use of these learning technologies since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Technologies that enable connectivity and community building, such as social media–inspired discussion platforms and virtual study groups, saw the biggest uptick in use—49 percent—followed by group work tools, which grew by 29 percent (Exhibit 2). These technologies likely fill the void left by the lack of in-person experiences more effectively than individual-focused learning tools such as augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR). Classroom interaction technologies such as real-time chatting, polling, and breakout room discussions were the most widely used tools before the pandemic and remain so; 67 percent of survey respondents said they currently use these tools in the classroom.

About the research

In November 2021, McKinsey surveyed 634 faculty members and 818 students from public, private, and minority-serving colleges and universities over a ten-day period. The survey included only students and faculty who had some remote- or online-learning experience with any of the eight featured technologies. Respondents were 63 percent female, 35 percent male, and 2 percent other gender identities; 69 percent White, 18 percent Black or African American, 8 percent Asian, and 4 percent other ethnicities; and represented every US region. The survey asked respondents about their:

• experiences with technology in the classroom pre-COVID-19;
• experiences with technology in the classroom since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic; and
• desire for future learning experiences in relation to technology.

The shift to more interactive and diverse learning models will likely continue. One industry expert told us, “The pandemic pushed the need for a new learning experience online. It recentered institutions to think about how they’ll teach moving forward and has brought synchronous and hybrid learning into focus.” Consequently, many US colleges and universities are actively investing to scale up their online and hybrid program offerings .

Differences in adoption by type of institution observed in the research

• Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and tribal colleges and universities made the most use of classroom interactions and group work tools (55 percent) and the least use of tools for monitoring student progress (15 percent).
• Private institutions used classroom interaction technologies (84 percent) more than public institutions (63 percent).
• Public institutions, often associated with larger student populations and course sizes, employed group work and connectivity and community-building tools more often than private institutions.
• The use of AI teaching-assistant technologies increased significantly more at public institutions (30 percent) than at private institutions (9 percent), though overall usage remained comparatively higher at private institutions.
• The use of tools for monitoring student progress increased by 14 percent at private institutions, versus no growth at public institutions.

Some technologies lag behind in adoption. Tools enabling student progress monitoring, AR/VR, machine learning–powered teaching assistants (TAs), AI adaptive course delivery, and classroom exercises are currently used by less than half of survey respondents. Anecdotal evidence suggests that technologies such as AR/VR require a substantial investment in equipment and may be difficult to use at scale in classes with high enrollment. Our survey also revealed utilization disparities based on size. Small public institutions use machine learning–powered TAs, AR/VR, and technologies for monitoring student progress at double or more the rates of medium and large public institutions, perhaps because smaller, specialized schools can make more targeted and cost-effective investments. We also found that medium and large public institutions made greater use of connectivity and community-building tools than small public institutions (57 to 59 percent compared with 45 percent, respectively). Although the uptake of AI-powered tools was slower, higher-education experts we interviewed predict their use will increase; they allow faculty to tailor courses to each student’s progress, reduce their workload, and improve student engagement at scale (see sidebar “Differences in adoption by type of institution observed in the research”).

While many colleges and universities are interested in using more technologies to support student learning, the top three barriers indicated are lack of awareness, inadequate deployment capabilities, and cost (Exhibit 3).

Students want entertaining and efficient tools

More than 60 percent of students said that all the classroom learning technologies they’ve used since COVID-19 began had improved their learning and grades (Exhibit 4). However, two technologies earned higher marks than the rest for boosting academic performance: 80 percent of students cited classroom exercises, and 71 percent cited machine learning–powered teaching assistants.

Although AR/VR is not yet widely used, 37 percent of students said they are “most excited” about its potential in the classroom. While 88 percent of students believe AR/VR will make learning more entertaining, just 5 percent said they think it will improve their ability to learn or master content (Exhibit 5). Industry experts confirmed that while there is significant enthusiasm for AR/VR, its ability to improve learning outcomes is uncertain. Some data look promising. For example, in a recent pilot study, 1 “Immersive biology in the Alien Zoo: A Dreamscape Learn software product,” Dreamscape Learn, accessed October 2021. students who used a VR tool to complete coursework for an introductory biology class improved their subject mastery by an average of two letter grades.

Faculty embrace new tools but would benefit from more technical support and training

Faculty gave learning tools even higher marks than students did, for ease of use, engagement, access to course resources, and instructor connectivity. They also expressed greater excitement than students did for the future use of technologies. For example, while more than 30 percent of students expressed excitement for AR/VR and classroom interactions, more than 60 percent of faculty were excited about those, as well as machine learning–powered teaching assistants and AI adaptive technology.

Eighty-one percent or more of faculty said they feel the eight learning technology tools are a good investment of time and effort relative to the value they provide (Exhibit 6). Expert interviews suggest that employing learning technologies can be a strain on faculty members, but those we surveyed said this strain is worthwhile.

While faculty surveyed were enthusiastic about new technologies, experts we interviewed stressed some underlying challenges. For example, digital-literacy gaps have been more pronounced since the pandemic because it forced the near-universal adoption of some technology solutions, deepening a divide that was unnoticed when adoption was sporadic. More tech-savvy instructors are comfortable with interaction-engagement-focused solutions, while staff who are less familiar with these tools prefer content display and delivery-focused technologies.

According to experts we interviewed, learning new tools and features can bring on general fatigue. An associate vice president of e-learning at one university told us that faculty there found designing and executing a pilot study of VR for a computer science class difficult. “It’s a completely new way of instruction. . . . I imagine that the faculty using it now will not use it again in the spring.” Technical support and training help. A chief academic officer of e-learning who oversaw the introduction of virtual simulations for nursing and radiography students said that faculty holdouts were permitted to opt out but not to delay the program. “We structured it in a ‘we’re doing this together’ way. People who didn’t want to do it left, but we got a lot of support from vendors and training, which made it easy to implement simulations.”

Reimagining higher education in the United States

Takeaways from our research.

Despite the growing pains of digitizing the classroom learning experience, faculty and students believe there is a lot more they can gain. Faculty members are optimistic about the benefits, and students expect learning to stay entertaining and efficient. While adoption levels saw double-digit growth during the pandemic, many classrooms have yet to experience all the technologies. For institutions considering the investment, or those that have already started, there are several takeaways to keep in mind.

• It’s important for administration leaders, IT, and faculty to agree on what they want to accomplish by using a particular learning technology. Case studies and expert interviews suggest institutions that seek alignment from all their stakeholders before implementing new technologies are more successful. Is the primary objective student engagement and motivation? Better academic performance? Faculty satisfaction and retention? Once objectives are set, IT staff and faculty can collaborate more effectively in choosing the best technology and initiating programs.
• Factor in student access to technology before deployment. As education technology use grows, the digital divide for students puts access to education at risk. While all the institution types we surveyed use learning technologies in the classroom, they do so to varying degrees. For example, 55 percent of respondents from historically Black colleges and universities and tribal colleges and universities use classroom interaction tools. This is lower than public institutions’ overall utilization rate of 64 percent and private institutions’ utilization rate of 84 percent. Similarly, 15 percent of respondents from historically Black colleges and universities and tribal colleges and universities use tools for monitoring student progress, while the overall utilization rate for both public and private institutions is 25 percent.
• High-quality support eases adoption for students and faculty. Institutions that have successfully deployed new learning technologies provided technical support and training for students and guidance for faculty on how to adapt their course content and delivery. For example, institutions could include self-service resources, standardize tools for adoption, or provide stipend opportunities for faculty who attend technical training courses. One chief academic officer told us, “The adoption of platforms at the individual faculty level can be very difficult. Ease of use is still very dependent upon your IT support representative and how they will go to bat to support you.”
• Agree on impact metrics and start measuring in advance of deployment. Higher-education institutions often don’t have the means to measure the impact of their investment in learning technologies, yet it’s essential for maximizing returns. Attributing student outcomes to a specific technology can be complex due to the number of variables involved in academic performance. However, prior to investing in learning technologies, the institution and its faculty members can align on a core set of metrics to quantify and measure their impact. One approach is to measure a broad set of success indicators, such as tool usage, user satisfaction, letter grades, and DFW rates (the percentage of students who receive a D, F, or Withdraw) each term. The success indicators can then be correlated by modality—online versus hybrid versus in-class—to determine the impact of specific tools. Some universities have offered faculty grants of up to $20,000 for running pilot programs that assess whether tools are achieving high-priority objectives. “If implemented properly, at the right place, and with the right buy-in, education technology solutions are absolutely valuable and have a clear ROI,” a senior vice president of academic affairs and chief technology officer told us.

In an earlier article , we looked at the broader changes in higher education that have been prompted by the pandemic. But perhaps none has advanced as quickly as the adoption of digital learning tools. Faculty and students see substantial benefits, and adoption rates are a long way from saturation, so we can expect uptake to continue. Institutions that want to know how they stand in learning tech adoption can measure their rates and benchmark them against the averages in this article and use those comparisons to help them decide where they want to catch up or get ahead.

Claudio Brasca is a partner in McKinsey’s Bay Area office, where Varun Marya is a senior partner; Charag Krishnan is a partner in the New Jersey office; Katie Owen is an associate partner in the St. Louis office, where Joshua Sirois is a consultant; and Shyla Ziade is a consultant in the Denver office.

The authors wish to thank Paul Kim, chief technology officer and associate dean at Stanford School of Education, and Ryan Golden for their contributions to this article.

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How Higher Ed Can Contend with Learning Platforms

• Chrysanthos Dellarocas
• Andrei Hagiu

The question is not whether to engage, but how to do so.

Universities are presented with new opportunities but also mounting threats from learning platforms — online marketplaces that connect learners with courses and programs from multiple providers. This article explores the emerging landscape and offers strategies that learning institutions can employ.

Learning platforms are online marketplaces that connect learners with courses and programs from multiple providers. Examples include Coursera , edX , Emeritus , Guild Education , Pluralsight , Skillsoft , Udacity , and Udemy . They have the potential to transform and disrupt the education market in similar ways that platforms have transformed many other industries. Think how they have impacted hospitality (e.g., Airbnb, Expedia), transportation (e.g., Lyft, Uber), journalism (e.g., Google News, Substack), and retail (e.g., Amazon, eBay).

• Chrysanthos Dellarocas is Boston University’s associate provost for digital learning & innovation and the Richard C. Shipley Professor of Information Systems at BU’s Questrom School of Business. cdellarocas
• Andrei Hagiu is an associate professor of information systems at Boston University’s Questrom School of Business. theplatformguy

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The Top 10 LMSs for Higher Education (Colleges & Universities)

Choosing the right learning management system (LMS) is a major decision for higher education institutions looking to improve their teaching and learning experiences.

So, we’ve gone ahead to highlight the top 10 LMSs for higher education that excel in course management, student engagement, and overall online learning success.

Read on if you’re looking to upgrade your existing platform or start using an LMS for the first time.

Disclaimer : The information below is accurate as of February 12th, 2024.

What you’ll learn in this guide

What is an lms for higher education.

• 10 of the best LMS for higher education

Benefits of using an LMS in higher education

How to choose the best lms for higher education.

An LMS for higher education is a comprehensive software platform that facilitates and enhances the learning experience in colleges and universities.

It supports Sharable Content Object Reference Mode l (SCORM) standards, ensuring interoperability across different e-learning software.

It also simplifies administrative tasks, supports advanced teaching models, and provides analytics for evaluating the effectiveness and impact of your training programs.

Next, let’s delve into the top platforms that are shaping the future of academic learning.

10 of the best LMSs for higher education

Before choosing the right LMS for your institution, you’ll need to evaluate its features to ensure it works for your higher education needs.

Here’s a glance at the top 10 LMS platforms, each with unique features and capabilities:

Now, let’s dive deeper into what makes each of these LMSs stand out.

Docebo is a cloud-based LMS that caters to higher education institutions.

It offers robust features such as AI-driven content curation and adaptive learning pathways — making it ideal for managing complex academic curriculums and enhancing student engagement.

It’s SCORM compliant, ensuring that courses created on other platforms can be seamlessly integrated into Docebo.

The platform’s LTI (Learning Tools Interoperability) feature facilitates the integration of external learning applications and tools within the LMS for better learning experiences.

Docebo’s Virtual Coach feature offers personalized course recommendations and additional learning materials to learners.

This adaptive approach is beneficial in managing diverse learning paces and preferences among users.

Additionally, its content authoring tool enables the conversion of various types of content into engaging and concise learning modules, commonly referred to as “learning pills.”

Adding to Docebo’s strengths, this user said on GetApp ,

“Docebo’s user interface is one of the best out there. I was impressed with the clean look and feel of the platform, which was reinforced by our learners through their own feedback.”

4.3/ 5 (527 reviews)

Top Features

• Virtual Coach feature for personalized content recommendations to learners based on their preferences.
• Content authoring tool that allows the conversion of various content types into concise, easily digestible learning units.
• Personalized learning paths tailored to individual needs and goals.
• Robust integration capabilities with various educational tools and platforms.
• Advanced analytics for deep insights into learner engagement, course effectiveness, and overall training impact.

What users like

• It accommodates a wide array of content types , enhancing the learning experience with diverse educational materials.
• It empowers learners and those with knowledge to engage with the content better and retain information faster .
• It offers extensive customization options , allowing educational institutions to tailor the learning environment to their specific requirements.

What users don’t like

• There’s room for improvement in how the platform manages learner notifications .
• Limitations in certain aspects, such as the inability to retake a course , can sometimes lead to frustration.
• The platform’s broad range of features , while beneficial, also entails a steeper learning curve.

Best suited for

Docebo is an excellent choice for higher education institutions seeking an AI-powered, flexible, and scalable learning solution.

2. Canvas LMS

Canvas LMS (developed by Instructure) is a cloud-based LMS that caters to diverse educational needs across all levels, from K-12 classrooms to higher education institutions.

The platform stands out with its robust mobile app accessibility and interactive analytics tools.

It also facilitates personalized learning paths, offers collaborative tools for enhanced communication, and provides an intuitive user interface.

Canvas LMS’s robust mobile app allows students and educators to engage with the platform anytime, anywhere, which is crucial for blending traditional and digital learning.

4.4 / 5 (1,478 reviews)

• Extensive integration with numerous educational tools like Banner and PeopleSoft, as well as virtual learning environments such as Zoom and Google Classroom.
• Mobile accessibility for both teachers and students.
• Interactive analytics for student engagement and performance.
• Personalized learning paths for adaptive learning .
• Collaborative tools to facilitate communication and collaboration among students and instructors.
• It has a “To-Do List” feature which contains a list of all upcoming assignments mapped with the subject and its deadline.
• The platform has a neat and clean interface , which enhances user experience.
• It’s straightforward to create, present, and share content .
• It is a little too sophisticated for K-5 students and educators .
• The integration of external apps could be made easier and more consistent across different platforms.
• There’s a learning curve when initially using the system.

Canvas LMS is best suited for educational institutions seeking a flexible, comprehensive, and user-friendly platform that supports a blend of traditional and digital learning approaches.

Moodle is an open-source LMS that enables educators to create dynamic online courses with a secure, feature-rich platform.

To cater to diverse learning preferences, Moodle supports the integration of multimedia elements like videos, audio clips, and slideshows. This variety in teaching methods keeps students engaged and stimulates different learning styles.

The platform’s open-source framework provides customizable plugins, making it a cost-effective, scalable solution for higher education.

Additionally, its open-source nature makes it particularly attractive for those with technical expertise looking for a customizable and controllable learning environment.

One user on Reddit stated that “ Moodle has some great options for how to run quizzes (or homework), such as the “adaptive mode” that allows students to answer questions one at a time instead of submitting the entire quiz at once .”

4.1 / 5 (388 reviews)

• Customizable course creation capabilities with course authoring tools, role-based templates, and instructor-led training options.
• Administrative features for secure authentication, enrollment, multilingual capability, and detailed reporting.
• Robust assessment tools for thorough evaluation of student understanding and progress.
• Collaborative tools that support forums, wikis, and glossaries.
• Interactive learning spaces for active and engaging online learning.
• It’s simple to maintain and easy to use for students and teachers alike.  
• You can back up and restore courses easily.
• Scaling up a large number of users is inexpensive.
• Some students have complained about having struggles finding and signing into their classes .
• It can take some time to properly go through every feature, and get familiar with the system.
• The self-hosted nature of Moodle, while offering considerable flexibility, can present challenges in standardizing the learning experience .

Moodle is suitable for higher education institutions seeking an affordable, modular, and scalable LMS.

4. Blackboard Learn

Blackboard Learn is an LMS that combines flexibility with a strong focus on inclusivity.

This inclusivity is reflected in its accessibility features, ensuring that all students, regardless of their physical abilities or learning preferences, can effectively engage with the educational content.

To accommodate a global student body, Blackboard Learn offers multilingual support, allowing students to interact with the platform in their preferred language.

The platform can manage complex educational structures as it offers a range of functionalities, from content management to social learning features.

Additionally, Blackboard Learn’s platform prioritizes assessment, analytics, and a collaborative learning environment.

3.9 / 5 (832 reviews)

• AI-powered course creation, including assessments and rubrics.
• Enhanced assessment tools, along with efficient grading tools.
• Features educational and virtual learning tools for accessibility and collaboration.
• Real-time insights for continuous monitoring of learner progress.
• E-commerce and gamification functions.
• The platform is easy to use for students and educators alike.
• Students can deliver assignments and communicate with other students through the discussion forums.
• Students can easily track their coursework and online assignments.

What users don’t like

• The platform can get overwhelming for students.
• Some educators struggle with understanding all of the features .
• There’s a need for more integrations and improvements on the mobile app.

Blackboard Learn is ideal for higher education institutions and K-12 schools seeking an LMS that excels in content creation, analytics, and student engagement.

5. Brightspace by D2L

Brightspace by D2L is a learning innovation platform that blends digital technology with personalized, flexible learning tools.

The platform supports virtual and blended learning, catering to the unique requirements of each institution.

Its analytics feature further enables educators to measure and enhance student success effectively.

This platform is also suitable for professional development programs and continuing education as it provides a centralized platform for most learning needs.

4.4 / 5 (537 reviews)

• Blended learning for in-person and online instructor-led teaching.
• Competency-based education for flexible learning experiences.
• Supports a wide range of programs on a single platform.
• Advanced learning tools for professional development.
• Analytics for informed decision-making and improved outcomes.
• Educators can easily create courses within the LMS.
• It makes online teaching convenient and fun for educators and students
• It makes it easy to manage courses and assessments for educators.
• The user interface can feel ambiguous , leaving room for more customization options to be included.
• For educators just learning how to use the tool, some features can be difficult to find .
• The process of exporting and importing course data, along with managing grading can initially lead to errors .

Brightspace by D2L is ideal for higher education institutions looking to offer differentiated and equitable environments to students.

6. Tovuti LMS

Tovuti LMS is a versatile LMS that facilitates the creation, delivery, and tracking of e-learning programs.

The platform can create dynamic, personalized, and interactive training environments, adaptable to various screen sizes for optimum user experience.

Its capability to create tailored learning paths and its expansive course offerings make it suitable for streamlined campus-wide training on various topics.

4.6 / 5 (266 reviews)

• White-labeling capabilities.
• Native mobile app.
• AI-generated content creation, including interactive assessments and rich media integration.
• SOC2 Type 2 compliant for robust data security and reliability.
• Single sign-on (SSO) capabilities for secure user access.
• Comprehensive reference library for learning materials like PowerPoints, PDFs, podcasts, and webinars.
• It’s easy to award certifications for performance.
• Easy to schedule alerts, calendars, tasks, and courses.
• Flexible customization with API applications.
• The reporting function is limited .
• It lacks customization features for each user.
• Steep learning curve for new users.

Tovuti LMS is best suited for higher education institutions looking to train a diverse group of users, including students, faculty, staff, and administration, on a single platform.

7. CYPHER Learning

CYPHER Learning is an LMS tailored for higher education with a focus on personalized learning paths.

This feature caters to the varying learning styles of students, ensuring that each individual’s educational journey is tailored to their needs and goals.

The platform’s advanced analytics tools allow educators to closely monitor student progress and swiftly identify any knowledge gaps.

Additionally, CYPHER Learning supports a variety of content formats, ranging from traditional text-based resources to interactive multimedia, catering to the diverse preferences of today’s learners.

4.4 / 5 (240 reviews)

• AI-powered course creation based on learner progress.
• Integrated content development and delivery.
• Personalized learning paths.
• Advanced analytics to monitor student progress and identify knowledge gaps.
• Varied learning content formats to enhance student engagement.
• It has a user-friendly dashboard .
• It has social interaction features like forums, student groups, and messaging.
• Its security and privacy features keep account data safe from security threats.
• There’s room for improvement when it comes to customization options like drag-and-drop question types .
• Navigating the interface can feel rigid for students .
• Its search function needs to be improved for easier navigation.

CYPHER Learning is suitable for colleges and universities looking to offer personalized, competency-based learning experiences at scale.

8. Sakai LMS

Sakai LMS is an open-source LMS that stands out in higher education environments for its customization capabilities.

Its open-source nature allows educational institutions to tailor the platform to their unique needs, ensuring a perfect alignment with their educational models and strategies.

Additionally, Sakai provides grading and assessment tools, which include high-stakes testing and rubric-based scoring, for evaluating student performance and learning outcomes.

3.7/ 5 (98 reviews)

• Open-source flexibility for extensive customization and adaptation to specific educational needs.
• Easy integration with third-party applications, like Zoom for virtual classrooms, Turnitin for plagiarism detection, and Google Apps for enhanced collaboration.
• Advanced course creation and management with text, quizzes, assignments, and multimedia content.
• Robust communication and collaboration tools for synchronous and asynchronous communication.
• Comprehensive grading and assessment tools, including high-stakes testing and rubric-based scoring.
• It has a fairly straightforward design that makes it easy to use.
• It’s easy to customize, configure, and automate .
• Teachers can send messages to students , and the students will get the message even if they don’t check the tool.
• Communication between students and teachers is minimal, which makes for a dull experience.
• Some students might find it uncustomizable and clunky to navigate.
• There’s a learning curve as users complain about it not being self-explanatory.

Sakai LMS is well-suited for institutions that require a learning platform capable of being tailored to their specific educational frameworks and evolving academic requirements.

9. Paradiso LMS

Paradiso LMS is a comprehensive LMS that streamlines educational training for colleges and universities.

The platform’s features make it an ideal choice for academic institutions looking to improve their academic standards through effective information management.

Additionally, its ability to support a wide range of integrations, including CRMs and e-commerce platforms, makes it a valuable tool for institutions looking to modernize their educational offerings.

4.3 / 5 (12 reviews)

• Centralized learning for managing and updating learning materials.
• 360-degree feedback to assess individual learner competencies.
• Interactive learning sessions.
• Built-in reporting tools to analyze training data.
• Customizable content based on student performance.
• There’s a wide array of content options to choose from.
• The platform is easy to use and versatile .
• It’s easy to manage and build courses.
• It can get slow to use when you’re navigating between pages.
• Its reporting features aren’t as robust .
• The user interface not being updated regularly can kill interest in learning.

Paradiso LMS is well-suited for colleges and universities seeking to provide a seamless, integrated learning experience across multiple devices.

10. Open LMS

Open LMS uses open-source Moodle technology to deliver educational materials across various learning environments.

The platform supports dynamic learning programs, both synchronous and asynchronous coursework, and provides robust tracking and reporting capabilities.

With its easy grading and streamlined administrative features, Open LMS is ideal for institutions that seek an LMS capable of enhancing their overall educational experience.

4.0 / 5 (76 reviews)

• AWS cloud hosting to ensure security, uptime, and scalability.
• Comprehensive support and a rich online resources library.
• E-learning content design and development services for engaging and effective learning.
• Comprehensive training and education services.
• It provides real-time, large chat opportunities to all students.
• It’s easy to add and customize content so it’s visually pleasing.
• It has a user-friendly interface .
• It can be difficult to navigate course lists and courses.
• Some users find the customer support service not as helpful.
• Some users have had issues with information disappearing or not showing up correctly.

Open LMS is well-suited for colleges and universities that require a flexible and scalable e-learning solution.

Using an LMS in higher education comes with many benefits that enhance the teaching and learning experience.

Personalized learning

An LMS plays a major role in fostering personalized learning by tailoring your students’ educational journey according to their individual aptitudes and learning objectives.

This means the learning pace and content can be tailored to match each student’s unique style to enhance their understanding and knowledge retention.

This adaptability is crucial in higher education, as it supports a more inclusive and effective learning environment where every student can thrive.

Access to valuable insights

LMS reporting tools provide educators with critical data analysis needed to monitor student progress, course popularity, and engagement levels.

These metrics facilitate informed adjustments to course content and structure, enhancing the overall educational experience for both educators and students.

Easier course management

With an LMS platform, educators can efficiently organize course materials, track grades accurately, and manage student progress — saving more time than in traditional classroom settings.

The ability to quickly update course content and resources in real time allows for a more dynamic and responsive educational experience.

Plus, higher education institutions can enhance the effectiveness of their course delivery, making administrative tasks more manageable and keeping the focus on quality education.

Saves resources

While most learning still occurs in physical classrooms, LMSs significantly reduce costs by providing free access to a vast array of study materials.

They support a blended learning approach by offering a mix of in-person and online educational experiences — causing a reduction in the cost of printed materials.

Additionally, for courses or components that can be fully conducted online, there are savings in terms of reduced infrastructure and maintenance costs.

Promotes social learning

An LMS can foster robust social learning environments. Students can collaborate on assignments, participate in group discussions, and interact with faculty more comfortably.

Making this possible goes a long way in enhancing the communal aspect of learning.

Now, let’s see what should be on your checklist for choosing the right LMS for your institution.

When selecting an LMS for higher education, it’s crucial to understand your specific needs and how different systems can meet them.

Each institution has unique challenges, student populations, and educational goals, making the selection of an LMS a highly personalized decision.

As an insightful comment on Reddit puts it, “…Every institution’s needs are vastly different. It’s like asking what’s the best car? It will depend on your situation….”

So, it’s not just about the features an LMS offers but how these features align with the specific goals and needs of your institution.

With this perspective in mind, here’s what you should consider:

Blended learning

Blended learning combines online digital media with traditional classroom methods and it’s a key feature for any modern LMS.

Docebo, as an example, excels in this area, offering seamless integrations with popular video conferencing tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

This integration facilitates both online and face-to-face training, consolidating all educational activities in one platform.

Mobile learning

The prevalence of smartphones makes mobile learning a necessity in modern education.

So, this LMS feature is crucial for catering to the evolving preferences of today’s learners.

A mobile app functionality ensures a continuous, flexible learning experience where students can engage with course material on their preferred devices, even offline.

Effective LMS platforms should provide robust reporting tools.

These tools enable educators to create custom reports for in-depth analysis of course effectiveness, learner progress, and more.

A robust LMS can provide insights that are invaluable for educators to continuously improve their course content and learning outcomes.

Test creation

The ability to create and manage tests within your online courses is essential for assessing student knowledge and progress.

Docebo’s test creation functionality allows educators to verify learner aptitude effectively, ensuring that the educational content meets its objectives.

So, choose a platform that supports these key features when you’re looking for the ideal LMS in higher education.

Docebo: The Ideal LMS for Higher Education

Now that we’ve explored different LMSs for higher education, it’s clear that the right choice can significantly enhance your learning and teaching experiences.

If you’re looking to elevate your institution’s learning capabilities with an AI-driven LMS , Docebo can help modernize your educational approach.

Book a demo today and witness the future of learning in action.

Platform Modules

• Learning Management
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Plattform-Module

Moduli piattaforma.

• Learning Suite
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• Learning Impact
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• Teaching centers

The history and rise of online learning

The University of Missouri System has a rich history of pioneering distance and online education. The earliest forms of distance education began with the Center for Distance and Independent Study at the University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou) in the early 1900s with correspondence courses; work was sent and received by mail. In 1996, Mizzou’s Distance Learning Design Center was formed, beginning the expansion into online learning. The System's strategic push for online learning started in earnest in 2018 with the formation of Missouri Online, an initiative to provide high-quality digital education across its four universities. To understand the broader context of this evolution, let’s explore historical milestones that have shaped distance and online education over the centuries.

The past and future of online teaching

For centuries, humans have taken advantage of advances in technology to make learning opportunities available to students at a distance. A teacher in Boston named Caleb Phillips offered courses by mail in 1728 ( Gershon, 2020 ). By the late nineteenth century, institutions were providing complete degrees by correspondence. In 1892, the University of Wisconsin-Madison coined the term “distance education” and, by 1906, began students phonograph records of lectures ( Pappas, 2013 ). The city of Chicago shifted public school instruction to radio during a polio outbreak in 1937 ( Daley, 2020 ).

However, computers and the internet revolutionized the old “correspondence learning” model.

The roots of online learning can be traced back to the early days of computer-based education in the 1960s and 1970s, when rudimentary mainframe computers were used to deliver educational content. The emergence of the World Wide Web in the mid-1990s allowed online learning to gain momentum, paving the way for more interactive and accessible learning platforms ( Kentnor, 2015 ). Universities and institutions started experimenting with web-based courses, incorporating tools such as discussion forums, multimedia presentations, and email correspondence to deliver instruction to remote learners.

The early 2000s witnessed the introduction of learning management systems (LMSs), such as Blackboard and Moodle, which provided centralized platforms for course administration and content delivery. These technological advancements made online learning more scalable and efficient, further facilitating the growth of distance education programs ( Coates, 2005 ).

After portable MP3 players (particularly the iPod) gained popularity in the mid-2000s, Apple launched iTunes U, a dedicated service offering free university course materials for download. Although iTunes U did not offer degree programs, millions of users downloaded content from institutions such as Stanford University, Duke University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. By February 2013, iTunes U  reached over one billion downloads ; Stanford alone had  40 million downloads as of 2011 . However, iTunes U was discontinued at the end of 2021.

The rise of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in the early 2010s marked another milestone in the evolution of online learning. MOOCs offered free or low-cost access to courses from top universities and institutions, attracting millions of learners worldwide and democratizing access to education on a global scale ( Alyoussef, 2023 ).

In recent years, technological advancements such as  artificial intelligence , virtual reality, and adaptive learning algorithms have further transformed online learning, enabling more personalized and immersive learning experiences. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed the widespread adoption of online learning, accelerating the digital transformation of higher education and highlighting the importance of flexible and resilient learning solutions ( McKinsey, 2023 ;  Gorski & Tudorache, 2023 ).

Forbes provides a comprehensive overview of the  rapid growth and evolution of online learning in the United States . Some key takeaways from the article are as follows. 

Key takeaways

• Rapid growth of online learning : Online learning has experienced exponential growth since the early 2010s, with millions of college and university students in the U.S. now taking at least some classes online.
• Diverse student population : Distance learners come from diverse backgrounds, including traditional college-age students, working parents, military service members, established professionals, and lifelong learners. This diversity enriches the online learning experience and underscores the importance of inclusive educational practices.
• Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic : The COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated the adoption of online learning, with a staggering 75% of postsecondary students taking online classes in fall 2020. While online enrollment rates have slightly decreased post-pandemic, online education remains a prominent feature of higher education.
• Expansion of primarily online institutions : About 6% of all U.S. college students attend mainly online institutions, offering flexible and accessible education options. These institutions cater to both full-time and part-time learners, contributing to the democratization of education.
• Continued growth and evolution : Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, online learning continues to evolve and expand. From MOOCs to fully remote degree programs, online education offers a range of options for learners seeking flexible and convenient learning experiences.

What’s next in online education?

Of course, online learning continues to evolve, and several emerging trends and innovations are shaping its future. These developments hold the potential to enhance learning experiences, expand access to education, and address societal needs. Here are a few key trends to watch:

• Integration of emerging technologies : Artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain and augmented reality (AR) are revolutionizing online learning. AI-powered adaptive learning platforms personalize learning experiences based on students’ individual needs and preferences ( Bundit et al., 2022 ;  Otto et al., 2023 ), while blockchain technology is being explored for credentialing and certification in online education ( Tahora et al., 2023 ). AR and virtual reality technologies offer immersive learning environments, allowing students to engage with course materials in new and interactive ways ( Bermejo et al., 2023 ).
• Microcredentials and Stackable Credentials :  Microcredentials , also known as digital badges or nanodegrees, are short-form credentials that validate specific skills or knowledgable areas. These credentials continue to gain popularity in online education as a way to provide targeted training and upskilling opportunities for learners. Stackable credentials allow learners to accumulate and combine microcredentials with comprehensive skill sets and credentials recognized by employers and industry partners ( Varadarajan et al., 2023 ). 

Final thoughts

By embracing the rich diversity of learners, leveraging innovative technologies, and implementing inclusive teaching practices, we can create learning environments that empower all individuals to thrive and succeed. As we look to the future of online education, let us continue to champion inclusivity, flexibility, and excellence, ensuring that every learner can fulfill their potential and contribute meaningfully to our global community. 

Created on August 29, 2024

The Anticipated Impact of Artificial Intelligence on US Higher Education: A National Study

• Nicole Johnson
• Jeff Seaman
• Julia Seaman

Since the rise of generative AI (GenAI) in late 2022, many scholars and thought leaders have wondered about its impact on higher education. This study used a survey methodology (three multiple choice questions and one open-ended question) to explore the perspectives of a nationally representative sample of 1327 US administrators and faculty, asking questions to understand how much change they anticipate as a result of advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technology, how prepared their institution is for such change, and what aspects of higher education they expect to change. The researchers used Kranzberg’s laws of technology as a lens to interpret the findings and guide the subsequent discussion about how AI might impact higher education. The findings showed that the vast majority of participants expect that AI will change their institution over the next five years and that the majority of participants do not feel that their institution is ready for change. The comments left in response to the open-ended questions fell into one of four themes: concerns about academic integrity and rigor, issues related to AI integration (e.g., anticipated benefits, practices in teaching and learning, issues related to preparedness, and the expected scope of change), the feeling that the current AI discourse is merely hype, and feelings of uncertainty. Ultimately, AI has the potential to be both advantageous and disadvantageous to teaching and learning, with the benefits and challenges of its use varying by context.

Copyright (c) 2024 Nicole Johnson, Jeff Seaman, Julia Seaman

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License .

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Augusta Technical College

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New Student Online Learning

Welcome to Augusta Tech! At some point during your enrollment here, you will take a distance education class. Grades, assignments, announcements, and other course information for most Distance Education classes will be on Blackboard Den.

We offer a variety of class types to meet your scheduling and learning preferences.

Class types :

Campus (CA) – classes meet on campus for most contact hours and use Blackboard Den for some content and assignments. No Badge required.

Blended (BL) – classes meet on campus or at a specific time online for a portion of the contact hours, but most teaching content and assignments are asynchronous in Blackboard Den. Students are required to participate in both the synchronous and the asynchronous portions. Badge required.

Online Asynchronous (OA) – classes are fully online. There are no required live class meetings. Due dates are weekly. There will be 1 to 3 proctored exams for the course. Badge is required.

OWL – online classes, as above, but students have the option to attend a lecture once a week. Badge is required.

Online Synchronous (OS) - classes are fully online. Live meetings are required on days and times scheduled in Banner. There will be 1 to 3 proctored exams for the course. Badge is required.

ECampus – online classes, either synchronous or asynchronous as above, but through a different Blackboard link.

Badge: Badge is a training course that introduces students to policies and technologies used for online courses at Augusta Tech. Badge takes 2-3 hours to complete. There is no charge for Badge. You must register for courses before you can take Badge Training. You must complete Badge Training before the first week of the semester ends. It is preferable if you complete Badge Training before the semester starts. 

To register for Badge, go to Blackboard Den and self enroll. Use your Smartweb user name and password to log in.

Online Course Procedures:

• Make sure you use the right link: Blackboard Den or eCampus (a schedule example is here:  https://www.augustatech.edu/academics/blackboard-ecampus.cms )
• Your courses will appear under Course List on the first day of class. ECampus course dates may vary: check your schedule.
• You are responsible for protecting your privacy and academic security. Do not share passwords or personal identification information.

First Week: Log into Blackboard and get started right away. Do not wait for your instructor to contact you. You need to submit your weekly assignments to establish attendance to remain enrolled in online class(es), so prompt attention is important.

Drop/Add period: If you add a course during drop/add period, email your instructor to let him or her know you are joining the class late. If you withdraw from a class and still see it in your Blackboard course list, email [email protected] to have the course removed.

Instructor Contact: You will have access to instructors by e-mail or by appointment with the instructor on campus or web conference. Maintaining contact with your instructor is important for successful completion of a distance education course. You will find your instructor’s contact information once you are in the course.

Proctored Assignments: Online students are required to attend any proctored events required by their instructor. Students will have to provide a picture ID for proctored event(s). Any proctored events that would be proctored by your instructor will take place at the campus of their instructor. Students that need to be proctored outside our college’s service area must locate an official proctoring site in their area – the public library, other colleges, military base education site, etc. and provide instructors the contact information in advance. Students will be responsible for any fees associated with using an outside proctoring site. Students who do not submit the proctored assignment are not eligible for a passing grade in an online class. Some instructors may offer proctoring options through a video submission or using a Lockdown browser. The Lockdown browser download will be available in the class.

Technical Support: If you are experiencing problems with Badge or Blackboard, please complete the Help Form on the Login page of Blackboard or visit the Success Center

Withdrawal Procedure: Use Smartweb to drop the course. Continue to check your Banner schedule in Smartweb to be sure that you have been withdrawn.

What are online courses?

An online course is one delivered online using web pages, e-mail, online discussion forums, etc. Augusta Technical College offers a selection of full-credit college courses as a flexible alternative to traditional, on-campus classes. Augusta Tech uses the Blackboard learning management system for all courses.

What do online courses cover?

Online courses cover the same content as their traditional counterparts on campus. Class sizes are limited so that instructors can provide the same level of personal interactions as they do in the traditional classroom. This personal interaction is accomplished using e-mail, online discussion forums and other technologies available to instructors and students

How do online courses work?

Students "attend" online courses by accessing the class web pages and completing assignments according to the class schedule. Students communicate regularly with the instructor and classmates via e-mail and online discussion forums. Augusta Technical College's online courses are not self-paced, independent study courses. Students are required to complete assignments according to the class schedule, to maintain regular contact with the instructor, and to participate in online class discussions.

What skills should I possess to be successful in an online course?

Taking a course over the Internet requires the ability to work independently and to devise your own regular schedule for "attending" class and completing assignments. Badge Training is required prior to registration for an online course. In Badge, you will be able to determine whether you have the skills and temperate necessary to thrive online.

What computer hardware/software do I need to take an online course?

A desktop or laptop computer with reliable internet access. Blackboard has an app for viewing classes on a mobile device, but tests and assignments must be done on a computer. Note: Some courses may have additional hardware/software requirements. Please contact the instructors of each course listing for special requirements.

Do I have to be on campus?

All courses require at least 1, and up to 3, proctored events on-campus. Out of state students may request to have events proctored at a testing center in that state.

Do I have to be online at a certain time each day (or week)?

You are required to keep up with the class schedule and to complete assignments before specified due dates. Some classes may have several due dates each week; others may require work once per week. You can choose the time of day or night you want to log on to the Internet to work on an assignment, but you must complete it and submit it by the specified date and time.

How do I register for an online class?

After you have completed Badge, use the dynamic schedule in Smartweb to register. The instructions for the dynamic schedule are located in the left sidebar.

How much do online courses cost?

Online courses cost the same as traditional Augusta Technical College courses -- they are priced according to the number of credit hours. Credit hours are listed in the catalogue for each class.

NOTICE: Some courses use books that require an "Access Key." This Access Key is ONLY available with new books, or purchased directly from the publisher. It is your responsibility to check with the instructor of your course to determine if the course will require an Access Key.

LMS Disaster Recovery Plan

Important Policy Notes for Students

• Students will have access to their courses in Blackboard on the first day of the term.  Courses will not appear before the term begins.
• All online courses require presentation of a picture ID for completion of proctored activities. Students must complete proctored activities in order to be eligible to pass an online course.
• Students are not allowed to give their Blackboard user names or passwords to anyone.

Online Learning Student Code of Conduct

• A student’s password will allow access only to his/her own account.
• Students should not give out their passwords or allow any other person, including family members, to access their account for any reason.
• It is a violation of section II. B. 5. K. 1. f of the student code of conduct policy for any student to log in to a course as another student.
• It is also a violation of the policy for a student to permit another person to log in to a course using the password belonging to the student registered for the course or interact in the course in any way.
• It is a violation of section II. B. 5. K. 2 of the student code of conduct policy for any student to plagiarize another person’s work and to incorporate that work unacknowledged in one’s own work offered for credit.

Online Learning Testing Rules

• Any proctored events that would be proctored by your instructor will take place at the campus of their instructor. Students that need to be proctored outside our college’s service area must locate an official proctoring site in their area – the public library, other colleges, military base education site, etc. and provide instructors the contact information in advance. Students will be responsible for any fees associated with using an outside proctoring site.
• GA Technical schools transient students are proctored through their home school and need to contact instructors in advance.
• Other transient students must locate an official proctoring site in their area – the public library, other colleges, military base education site, etc. and provide instructors the contact information in advance. Students will be responsible for any fees associated with using an outside proctoring site.
• A Proctored Exam Request form is available in the resource section of the Center for Online Learning and Innovation on the Augusta Tech website.
• Student’s picture ID will be checked prior to the administering of any proctored activity.

Distance Education Online Attendance Policy

To complete this class successfully, students are required to participate in Blackboard and complete assignments within a weekly period (7 calendar days). Academic submissions, not course login, verify a student’s presence and participation. The date of the last academic submission will serve as the last date of attendance for students who withdraw from an online course or complete the course with an F. 

Distance Education Student-Initiated Withdrawal from Course(s)

Student-Initiated Withdrawal from Courses: It is the student's responsibility to initiate an official withdraw from any course utilizing the SmartWeb Banner Registration portal.

Academic Honesty Statement

Honor pledge:.

It is my honor to be an Augusta Technical College student. I pledge to do honor to myself, my classmates, and my college by doing my best and by following the college’s honor code. I will not dishonor myself or my college by lying, cheating, stealing, or doing harm to another person or property. I understand that following an honor code is a reflection of my work ethics which is important to my success on the job and in life. 

Student Authentication and Privacy Information

In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Augusta Technical College protects the privacy of students enrolled in distance education courses by insuring the privacy and integrity of the communications and records used within the approved Learning Management System (LMS) course. Augusta Technical College also adheres to the Georgia Virtual Technical Connection (GVTC) Privacy Policy.

Personal information is specific to the user. No personal identifiable information is visibly displayed within a distance education course unless the student voluntarily provides the information through a Discussion Forum or other means of interaction within a course. Students are required to use only course or College email for communication. Any other personal identifiable information residing within a course is restricted to LMS administrators and is not shared with any source outside of the Technical College System of Georgia.

Every student registered in a distance education course at the College receives a unique login. The identification number assigned to students allows them access to their course content which resides within the College LMS. The password provided is unique. Students change the password by answering secret questions or making a request through the IT Helpdesk. Students may change their password at any time.

Testing Policy

Students are required to attend at least one proctored exam for every distance education course. Instructors may give up to three proctored events per semester. The student must show picture identification prior to accessing the exam. Any student who needs to complete their proctored event off campus must complete a Proctored Event Request Form located in the Online Resources tab that is available in every distance education course site. Students will be responsible for any fees associated with using an outside proctoring site. Picture identification is required prior to the student accessing the exam at any proctoring site.

There are no additional fees associated with the authentication of student identification.

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• BCA – Bachelor of Computer Application
• BBA – Bachelor of Business Administration
• BCOM (Elective: Taxation and Finance – Integrated with CA subjects)
• BCOM (Elective: International Finance and Accounting – Accredited by ACCA)
• MBA (Elective: Artificial Intelligence)
• MBA (Elective: International Finance and Accounting)
• MBA (Elective: General Management)
• MBA (Elective: Marketing)
• MBA (Elective: Finance)
• MBA (Elective: Operations)
• MBA (Elective: Human Resources)
• MCOM (Elective: Finance and Systems)
• MCOM (Elective: International Finance and Accounting- Benchmarked with CPA, USA)
• MCA (Elective: Artificial Intelligence)
• MCA (Elective: CyberSecurity)
• Data Analytics
• Cognitive Efficiency and Optimal Human Functioning
• The Cognitive Science Behind Designing Instructions
• Digital Marketing
• Saṃskṛtasaparyā 
• Rāmāyana Sopanam
• Mahabharata Upanayanam
• Essence Of Hinduism
• Certificate Program In Hindu Studies

A Comprehensive Overview of Indian Higher Education 

• Education System in India 
• What is the meaning of Higher Education? 
• Indian Higher Education: A Historical Perspective 
• Higher Education in India 
• Higher Education and Regulatory Bodies 
• Online Learning Platforms in India 
• Higher Education in India 2025 
• Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA): 
• Conclusion 

India boasts one of the world’s largest higher education systems, catering to a vast and diverse student population. This Amrita AHEAD  article delves into the intricate landscape of Indian higher education, exploring its structure, recent developments, and future prospects.  This article gives you insights on  the education system in India, Indian higher education, higher education in India, online learning platforms in India, and higher education in India in 2024 with reference to the new NEP policy. 

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Education System in India  

The Indian education system follows a tiered structure:India’s education system is one of the largest in the world, serving a vast and diverse population. It has a hierarchical structure, with distinct stages leading to higher education. 

• Structure: The system consists of three main stages: 
• Primary Education (Classes 1-5): Focuses on foundational literacy and numeracy. 
• Secondary Education (Classes 6-10): Expands on core subjects and introduces new ones. 
• Higher Secondary Education (Classes 11-12): Offers specialization in streams like Science, Commerce, and Arts. 
• Regulatory Bodies: The system is overseen by various regulatory bodies, including the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). 
• Challenges: Despite significant progress, challenges persist such as access to quality education, especially in rural areas, and the employability of graduates. 
• Reforms: The government has implemented several reforms, including the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aimed at improving the quality and accessibility of education. 

The Indian education system is a complex and multifaceted landscape, reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage and diverse needs. It plays a crucial role in shaping the future of India and its citizens.The table given below reflects the structure proposed by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Actual implementation may vary across states and regions. 

What is the meaning of Higher Education?  

Higher education refers to the tertiary level of education that is pursued after completing 12 years of schooling. It typically involves specialized academic and vocational programs offered by universities, colleges, and other institutions. 

The primary goals of higher education in India include: 

• Developing intellectual capacity: Fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. 
• Providing specialized knowledge: Offering in-depth study in various fields, such as science, technology, humanities, and social sciences. 
• Preparing for the workforce: Equipping students with the skills and knowledge required for successful careers. 
• Contributing to societal development: Cultivating informed and engaged citizens who can contribute positively to society. 

Higher education is a significant investment in India, as it plays a crucial role in economic growth, social mobility, and technological advancement. 

Indian Higher Education: A Historical Perspective  

India has a rich history of higher education, with ancient universities like Taxila and Nalanda flourishing centuries ago. However, the modern system owes its roots to the colonial era, with universities established in the 19th century following Western models.  Post-independence, the Indian government prioritized expanding access to higher education. This led to a significant increase in the number of universities and colleges, catering to a growing population. 

Higher Education in India  

Today, India’s higher education system boasts over 1000 universities and 42,000 colleges offering a diverse range of programs. These institutions can be categorized as follows:   

• Central Universities:  Established and funded by the central government, these universities enjoy national prominence (e.g., Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)). 
• State Universities:  Established and funded by state governments, these universities cater to regional needs (e.g., University of Mumbai, Anna University).   
• Deemed Universities:  Institutions with institutes of national importance (e.g., Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs)). 
• Private Universities:  Established by private entities, these universities offer specialized programs (e.g., Amity University, Shiv Nadar University). 

Higher Education and Regulatory Bodies  

The following are some regulatory bodies for higher education: 

• University Grants Commission (UGC):  Ensures the quality of higher education by setting standards and providing funding to universities.   
• National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC):  Accredits universities and colleges based on specific criteria, ensuring quality education.  
• All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE):  Regulates technical education programs offered by universities and colleges.   

Online Learning Platforms in India  

Online learning platforms have emerged as a significant force in recent years. These platforms offer a plethora of advantages, including:India’s online education landscape has witnessed rapid growth, offering a plethora of PG and UG programs. Here’s a closer look at some of the leading platforms and the courses they offer.Leading Online Learning Platforms are  as follows  

•   Amrita AHEAD: A Pioneer in Online Higher Education and online learning. The platform offers both UG and PG programs on online basis with greater importance given to new innovation and technology. 
• Coursera:  Renowned for its partnership with top-tier universities worldwide, Coursera offers PG certificates and specializations in various fields. 
• edX:  Another global platform, edX provides PG and UG degrees from prestigious institutions like MIT, Harvard, and UC Berkeley. 
• Udemy:  While primarily known for its vast library of courses, Udemy also offers PG and UG-level certifications. 
• National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL):  A government-funded initiative, NPTEL provides free online courses from IITs and IISc, including PG and UG certifications. 
• Swayam:  Another government-led platform, Swayam offers a diverse range of PG and UG courses from various institutions. 
• UpGrad:  A popular Indian platform, UpGrad specializes in PG programs in collaboration with top universities and institutions. 
• Great Learning:  Similar to UpGrad, Great Learning focuses on PG programs in technology and business domains.. 

Higher Education in India 2025  

The year 2024 finds India’s higher education sector at a crossroads. Several key developments are shaping its future.India’s higher education landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the rapid growth of online learning platforms. NEP 2020, a landmark policy, has laid out a comprehensive vision for reforming the education sector, with a particular emphasis on enhancing accessibility, quality, and relevance.  Amrita AHEAD  is a leading online education platform offered by Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, a renowned Indian university. It provides a wide range of PG and UG programs, catering to students seeking flexible and accessible higher education. The key features of  Amrita AHEAD  are as follows :- 

• UGC-Entitlement:  Amrita AHEAD offers UGC-entitled online degrees, ensuring that graduates receive nationally recognized qualifications. 
• Industry-Aligned Programs:  The courses are designed in collaboration with industry experts, ensuring that students acquire the skills needed for success in the job market. 
• Flexible Learning:   Amrita AHEAD  provides a flexible learning environment, allowing students to study at their own pace and convenience. 
• Experienced Faculty:  The platform boasts a team of experienced and qualified faculty members, providing expert guidance and support to students. 
• Placement Assistance:  Amrita AHEAD offers dedicated placement assistance to help students secure employment opportunities after completing their programs. 

Amrita AHEAD  offers booth UG and PG programs which are solely  designed to provide students with a flexible and affordable education that can help them achieve their career goals.Popular UG Programs Offered by Amrita AHEAD includes :- 

Undergraduate Programs:  

• Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com):  Earning an  Amrita AHEAD  B.Com degree  opens doors to a world of opportunities, equipping graduates with a versatile skill set, diverse career paths, and a foundation for further education to enhance technical expertise, fostering adaptability, communication skills, and a global perspective. Amrita AHEAD offers various electives for BCom which includes
• Online BCOM ( Elective in Taxation and Finance)  – Integrated with CA subjects which helps  to acquire analytical skills and become an expert in financial statement analysis, taxation, and budgeting.  
• Online BCOM (Elective in International Finance and Accounting ) – Accredited by ACCA. 
• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA):  Build a solid foundation in key business domains with the BBA program. Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)  is a coveted undergraduate application  offered by Amrita AHEAD that focuses on imparting college students with a comprehensive understanding of commercial enterprise control and administration. 

Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA):  

Bachelor of Computer Applications(BCA)  is an ideal career option for commerce students interested in computer applications. This program combines business knowledge with technical skills.It  enables graduates to pursue roles in software development, database management, and IT consulting for financial systems.Amrita AHEAD online programs offer various electives for Bcom such as. 

• BCOM (Elective: Taxation and Finance )-  This Amrita AHEAD  program is Integrated with CA subjects)   
• BCOM (Elective: International Finance and Accounting)  -This Amrita AHEAD Program is accredited by ACCA) 

Postgraduate Programs:  

Master of Commerce (M.Com):  Elevate your knowledge and expertise with the M.Com program, designed to sharpen your analytical and critical thinking skills in the realm of finance, accounting, and business economics.Pursuing an Amrita AHEAD  Master of Commerce (M.com)  degree permits for deeper specialisation in areas along with finance, accounting, advertising, and management. The electives offered by Amrita AHEAD include  

• MCOM (Elective: Finance and Systems) : T his elective delves deeper into financial markets, investment strategies, and corporate finance fundamentals. Equip yourself for careers in investment banking, financial analysis, and portfolio management 
• MCOM (Elective: International Finance and Accounting)   :Enrolling  in this  MCom online elective make you master of financial reporting, auditing, and tax compliance. This specialisation prepares you for roles in public accounting firms, corporate accounting departments, and tax advisory services. 

Master of Business Administration (MBA):  positioning yourself for leadership in the AI-powered business landscape.Amrita AHEAD  provides various MBA pograms  that doesn’t require any CAT score for admission,Amrita AHEAD MBA Programs includes 

• MBA (Elective: General Management):  Gain a well-rounded understanding of core business functions like marketing, finance, and operations with  Amrita AHEAD MBA in General Management  . This versatile option prepares you for leadership roles across various industries. 
• MBA (Elective: Artificial Intelligence):  Dive deep into the world of AI and its applications in business with   Amrita AHEAD MBA in AI.  Learn how to leverage AI for tasks like marketing automation, data analysis, and strategic decision-making. 
• MBA (Elective: International Finance and Accounting):  Master the intricacies of global financial markets and accounting practices   Amrita AHEAD MBA in International Finance and Accounting.  This specialization equips you for success in international business ventures and multinational corporations. 
• MBA (Elective: Marketing):  Hone your skills in crafting compelling marketing strategies, understanding consumer behavior, and navigating the ever-evolving marketing landscape  Amrita AHEAD MBA in Marketing . 
• MBA (Elective: Finance):  Develop a strong foundation in financial analysis, investment management, and risk assessment  Amrita AHEAD MBA in Finance.  This path prepares you for careers in investment banking, corporate finance, and financial consulting. 
• MBA (Elective: Operations):  Optimize business processes and ensure smooth production with a focus on  Amrita AHEAD MBA in Operations Managemen t. This specialization equips you to manage supply chains, logistics, and quality control procedures. 
• MBA (Elective: Human Resources):  Become an expert in attracting, developing, and retaining top talent   Amrita AHEAD MBA in Human Resources . This elective equips you for roles in HR management, employee relations, and talent acquisition 

Master of Computer Applications (MCA) : Pursuing an online MCA at Amrita Ahead provides a flexible learning environment for students to deepen their expertise in computer applications and software development. Master of Computer Applications (MCA)  Amrita Ahead  integrates theoretical concepts with real-world applications, and the online format enables students to balance work and education effectively, fostering a deeper understanding of complex financial systems and preparing them for specialised roles in the corporate world.The MCA electives that Amrita AHEAD offer are: 

• MCA (Elective: Artificial Intelligence) :This specialisation equips students with the theoretical and practical skills to develop and implement intelligent systems using techniques like machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing. 
• MCA (Elective: CyberSecurity): This specialisation focuses on securing computer systems and networks from cyberattacks. Students learn about network security, penetration testing, incident response, and ethical hacking. 

Conclusion  

Indian higher education is undergoing a transformative phase, driven by policy reforms, technological advancements, and internationalisation. While challenges persist, the sector’s potential is immense. By addressing these challenges and capitalizing on emerging opportunities, India can establish itself as a global leader in higher education. Amrita AHEAD  is a valuable option for students seeking flexible and affordable higher education. With its UGC-entitled programs, industry-aligned curriculum, and experienced faculty,  Amrita AHEAD  offers a quality learning experience that can help students achieve their career goals. 

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Leverage large language models to assess soft skills in lifelong learning

Leadership and critical-thinking skills are difficult to measure. Here, Jonna Lee offers case studies that test the idea of integrating large language models into assessment practices as a feedback tool to empower both students and instructors

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Lifelong learning has emerged as a guiding principle for individuals who seek to adapt and thrive in a world of rapid technological advancements and shifting economic paradigms. However, this commitment to ongoing personal and professional growth and cultivating 21st-century skills, such as leadership and critical thinking, is challenging in a context of physical and time constraints, even in online learning environments. 

Leveraging large language models (LLMs) can enable educators to assess and improve students’ soft skills. Through prompt engineering , LLMs can capture nuanced leadership and critical-thinking attributes based on text-based data sources. In their ongoing research project, researchers from Georgia Tech’s Center for 21st Century Universities test the idea of integrating LLMs into assessment practices in a lifelong learning context as a feedback tool to empower both students and instructors. 

Case study 1: automated detection tool for leadership assessment 

By leveraging LLMs, we developed an AI-powered tool to analyse text data collected from letters of recommendation submitted by referees to an online master’s programme. We detected clues for leadership skills , including teamwork, communication and creativity, with precision and efficiency. Initially developed to streamline the document review process for admissions staff, this tool ultimately aims to offer constructive feedback for the professional development of the admitted applicants by using various student-generated text data such as writing assignments and peer reviews. 

•   Is it time to turn off Turnitin?
• Give educators the skills to bring assessment into the future
• Can academics tell the difference between AI-generated and human-authored content?

Based on the fundamental data work, which includes creating a library of leadership vocabulary, pre-processing data and training transformer-based models, we adopted the reasoning and acting (ReAct) technique. ReAct combines reasoning and acting with LLMs. Using the given data sources, we first prompted the Llama2 model, a family of pre-trained and fine-tuned LLMs, to extract potential phrases that contain linguistic markers indicating leadership attributes. Then, we further incorporated a second LLM to validate the extracted phrases by the first LLM. This approach illustrates how to craft effective prompts to attain consistent and reliable feedback regarding individual students’ leadership attributes reflected in letters of recommendation.

Case study 2: critical thinking in online discussion forums 

Online discussion forums are vital platforms for collaborative learning and knowledge exchange . However, assessing critical-thinking skills within these forums can present significant challenges for educators, especially in large classes. In our second case study, we investigated the feasibility of using LLMs to detect elements of critical thinking from discussion forum data. 

Drawing upon the community of enquiry framework , we developed a coding scheme to categorise more than 850 discussion posts generated from an introductory computer programming massive open online course (Mooc) into distinct levels of cognitive presence , focusing on critical-thinking progression . These levels include non-cognitive (socialising comments, Q&As   about logistics, deadlines or technical difficulties), triggering event (disagreement in one’s understanding or approach to a problem), exploration (active investigation of a problem or concept), integration (synthesis of information or resources to solve a problem) and resolution (validation or application of the solutions). 

Using an approach like the one described in the previous case study, we fed the LLM detailed guidance on the coding scheme and context (for example, whether a student or instructor generated a post). Then we prompted the model to analyse discussion posts and identify instances of critical thinking, along with a brief explanation. This model allowed us to gain valuable insights into the prevalence and distribution of critical thinking among students. Our preliminary findings highlight the potential of LLMs in offering instructors real-time feedback on student engagement and providing actionable insights to foster critical-thinking skills in online learning environments. 

As our next step, we plan to pilot-test the implementation of this tool into Mooc learning environments and assess its effectiveness in providing instructors and teaching assistants with helpful information about students’ cognitive engagement and learning.  

Using LLMs to transform learning

LLMs are powerful tools that offer a window into the intricate web of data, presenting educators with opportunities to understand students’ learning processes and outcomes deeply. As illustrated in the two case studies above, integrating LLMs into educational practices can transform learning by providing personalised feedback on crucial skills such as leadership and critical thinking. Moving forward, higher education institutions must embrace LLMs and leverage data-driven insights to assess and enhance soft skills among lifelong learners.

Jonna Lee is director of research for education innovation in the Center for 21st Century Universities at Georgia Tech.

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