How to Choose the Right Online Course Platform for Your Needs

Whether for onboarding, meeting graduation requirements, or just mastering something new, online learning has revolutionized training and education over the past few years. The problem is the number of available platforms can make it quite the challenge to choose — not just in the platform itself, but also in the course or program that’s right for you. Many come with very similar features, courses, and pricing models; it isn’t always easy to narrow down the selection, let alone decide which direction to go.

If you’ve been looking for an online course platform and found yourself in a state of analysis paralysis, there are a few approaches you can take to help choose one based on your unique needs. The following are often the best places to start:

Preferred Way of Learning

Online learning delivery methods range from video-based or text-based to self-guided or virtual classrooms. Think about your best learning experiences from the past and consider what exactly made those experiences enjoyable and beneficial. What aspects helped you get the most out of the class? What types of delivery methods had the most impact on your grasp of a given topic? If you’re someone who learns by doing, then use that characteristic to narrow down your options. The same would apply to a preference for listening to information, viewing visual depictions, etc.

Ease of Use

However, it should go without saying you likely won’t get as much out of the platform when the system itself isn’t accessible or easy to use. If the provider offers new users a free trial, take full advantage. This will allow you to test the platform, familiarize yourself with its features, take a class, and decide if it suits your needs. Also, take the time to read reviews to understand the pros and cons of the platform and check if the provider offers support.

Monetary Investment

While online learning generally costs less than classroom courses, comparing the costs against your budget is still important. Some offer various plans that make available a certain number of courses based on the tier, while others require a subscription fee. So, double-check whether the topics you wish to study are covered in a plan that fits your budget. Additionally, pay attention to whether the platform comes with any hidden fees.

Time Limitations

According to Coursera, a massive open online course (MOOC) provider, its enrollees’ course completion rate is between 50% and 60%. While that may seem modest, other MOOCs have even lower completion rates, averaging around 20%. The reasons for this will vary, but some people just aren’t realistic with the time they have to devote to online courses. Start with shorter classes to see whether the sessions work within your schedule. If time is tight, you may want to look at those online platforms that allow participants to learn at their convenience.

Aspirations

It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that knowing what you want to learn will often make it easier to narrow down your options. Platforms are known for general business courses (i.e., leadership, communication, marketing), basic programming (i.e., cloud computing, data science, artificial intelligence), investing, trades, and many other sectors and fields. You name it, and you’ll likely find more than a few online learning platforms specializing in the topic.

Return on Education

While “return on education” doesn’t seem like something that would help determine which platform to choose, it provides valuable context, especially concerning budget and time allocation. Will these courses create new opportunities for you? How will you apply the learning or skills in your life? If you’re taking a course for the pure joy of learning, that’s still a great return. The same can be said for expanding your knowledge, learning a new language, or changing your career. The goal is to determine the return you hope to get from the time and money spent and then choose accordingly.

Selecting the right online course platform requires a thoughtful assessment of your learning preferences, budget, time, and long-term goals. Considering the factors outlined in this article, you are well on your way to making an informed decision that will enrich your learning experience.