Today educational applications, platforms and resources are confidently gaining in popularity worldwide, especially as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise. Universities and schools nationwide hurriedly shift to virtual classrooms in an attempt to curtail the virus spread and ensure the continuous educational process.
Meanwhile, schools and other learning courses that regularly have digital learning days – and have worked through home-connectivity and device issues – are already ahead of the game and if your educational business is not online at the moment, it is high time to shift into a paperless classroom, otherwise, the losses are big.
What is eLearning?
eLearning and m-Learning (mobile learning) – a kind of distance learning with the help of new technologies: educational apps, online platforms, programs, podcasts, blogs, online tools etc. They can facilitate learning, control learning, provide access to resources, and offer support easily and engagingly.
What are the benefits of eLearning?
- It is flexible and mobile: it is up to the learner himself to choose the time and place.
- It makes the learning process continuous – studying on the go and no limits within the educational institutions.
- Age independence – youth and adults enjoy the benefits of lifelong learning.
- It provides quick and easy access to information.
- High efficiency. Information is more easily digested when presented in small and concise “bites”.
- Higher levels of motivation and engagement.
- Cheaper prices are accessible for people who cannot afford college tuition fees.
- Learning access for people with disabilities. So there is a charity aspect in developing online learning tools.
- Collaboration – communication with fellow students and instructors, learning communities.
- Has immense business potential, is both profitable and socially useful.
Major Categories of eLearning App-Based Businesses
E-learning business categories consist of three main types and we will discuss all these in detail.
E2C – Education to Consumers
In this type, the consumers generally are students who are looking to gain educational knowledge. Students of all kinds of institutions are in school, college or university have shown a lot of interest in pursuing their studies through e-learning mobile apps. Now, this fondness for e-learning apps creates a business opportunity for app creators. But it is not a straightforward path and if you are feeling a bit perplexed then you can have a look at some of the most exciting options for generating revenues in this category.
E2B – Education to Business/Corporate Training
Any company looking to incorporate a new training program into their business can turn to e-learning to save them from monotonous face-to-face or classroom learning. Efficiency and advancement are two priorities for businesses in today’s world. To attain these businesses turn to e-learning which helps by saving their money, time, and energy.
E2E – Education to Educators
e-learning mobile apps have not only been for the growth of students but e-learning apps also take teachers under their consideration. E-learning has indeed proved to be hugely beneficial for the students but that is not the whole picture. These e-learning apps have also helped the teachers to grow leaps and bounds. Since there was a shift in the method of teaching with the discarding of physical classes and acceptance of virtual online classes, educators needed little tweaks in their style of teaching. E-learning apps have come in a lot of handy in their pursuit of learning the new methods of teaching.
Delivery Methods for e-Learning Apps & Web Portals
Synchronous Learning
Synchronous e-learning events are the one that takes place in real-time. It requires two people to be present with each other at a particular moment. Prime examples of synchronous e-learning are chatting and IM (Instant Messaging), live webcasting, video and audio conference, virtual classrooms, whiteboard, application sharing, and polling.
Asynchronous Learning
Unlike Synchronous e-learning events, Asynchronous events are independent of time. A great example of asynchronous learning is a self-paced course as online learning can be performed at any given place or time. Prime Asynchronous tools consist of e-mail or discussion forums. In these scenarios, students complete the course at their own comfortable pace with the help of a learning program like LMS. Major examples of Asynchronous learning is Audio/Video, Discussion forum, E-mail, Webcasting/Conferencing, Wiki/Blog, Game-based learning, CBT and WBT, Simulations, Self-paced (SCORM).
Hybrid Learning
Hybrid learning is a different approach to the above-mentioned ones and focuses on delivering courses by combining face-to-face classroom instruction with online activities. This type of learning significantly reduces the overall amount of seating time in an otherwise traditional face-to-face course. Hybrid learning allows students to engage in collaborative learning experiences that will serve them well in the future. Hybrid learning takes pride in striking a balance between face-to-face and online aspects.
Conclusion
COVID-19 has changed the way the world used to operate. New norms issued by governments across the globe emphasize strictly social distancing which makes e-learning a hot prospect for current and future times. E-learning has already become popular but during this pandemic, it has become the focal point of education. If you were looking to create a website or app that focuses on e-learning then these times are the best opportunity to kick start your journey
