The best online learning platforms for students include Canvas, Blackboard, Thinkific, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, Skillshare, edX, OpenLearning, and Udemy, among others.
These platforms have revolutionized education by leveraging technology to provide flexible and accessible learning opportunities.
With the rapid growth of internet infrastructure and advancements in digital tools, online learning has become a preferred choice for students across the globe.
Online learning is gaining traction due to its adaptability to diverse schedules, affordability, and the ability to cater to various learning styles.
Learning Management Systems (LMS), such as Blackboard and Canvas, serve as comprehensive platforms where institutions like Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) and Purdue University Global host courses, share resources, and facilitate communication. Other platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer subject-specific courses in fields such as business, nursing, technology, and the arts, often in partnership with renowned universities.
Colleges such as Arizona State University (ASU Online) and Liberty University utilize platforms to deliver a wide range of subjects, from healthcare and engineering to humanities.
These tools empower students to pursue degrees and certifications while balancing personal and professional commitments, showcasing how technology has democratized education.
What Is an Online Learning Platform (LMS)?
An online learning platform is a type of eLearning system designed to facilitate the creation, management, delivery, and evaluation of educational programs and training courses.
These platforms serve as centralized hubs where students can access course materials, interact with instructors, and complete assessments. While primarily conducted online, many platforms offer offline access through mobile devices by allowing content to be downloaded.
Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Blackboard and Moodle enable institutions and organizations to streamline learning experiences, making education more accessible, efficient, and flexible for a variety of users.
Types of Online Learning Platforms
The following are some types of online learning platforms:
- Learning Management Systems (LMS): Platforms like Blackboard and Moodle used by institutions to manage courses and resources.
- Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs): Platforms such as Coursera and edX that offer free or affordable courses from universities.
- Corporate Training Platforms: Systems like LinkedIn Learning designed for professional skill development.
- Content Management Systems (CMS): Tools like Thinkific and Teachable for creating and hosting educational content.
- Video Learning Platforms: Platforms like Udemy, which focus on video-based tutorials and lectures.
- Interactive Learning Platforms: Apps like Khan Academy that emphasize engagement with quizzes and gamified elements.
- Peer-to-Peer Learning Platforms: Systems such as OpenLearning that encourage collaborative learning among users.
- Assessment and Test Prep Platforms: Platforms like ALEKS and Cengage that specialize in educational assessments and test preparation.
E-Learning Platforms for High School Students
The following are some e-learning platforms for high school students:
- Khan Academy: Offers free, comprehensive educational resources across various subjects.
- Coursera: Provides courses from universities and organizations, suitable for high school students seeking advanced learning.
- Edmodo: A collaborative platform connecting teachers, students, and parents for enhanced learning experiences.
- Google Classroom: Integrates with Google tools to facilitate assignments, grading, and communication.
- Canvas: A comprehensive e-learning platform providing virtual classrooms for various educational levels.
- Buncee: A multi-purpose tool for creating course materials, presentations, and stories.
- Hapara: Enhances Google Classroom with additional tools for managing student learning.
- Kahoot!: Engages students with interactive quizzes and games to reinforce learning.
- Edgenuity: Offers standards-aligned video-based curriculum for middle and high school students.
- FutureLearn: Provides a diverse range of courses, including those suitable for high school students.
Online Learning Platforms by Courses
Nursing Online Learning Platforms
- ATI and TEAS
- Chamberlain University LMS
- Simplilearn
- Coursera (Nursing courses)
Math Online Learning Platforms
- Khan Academy
- ALEKS
- MyMathLab
- Cengage
Health Sciences E-Learning Platforms
- edX (Health sciences programs)
- FutureLearn
- Coursera (Health-related courses)
- Blackboard
Psychology Online Learning Platforms
- Udemy (Psychology courses)
- OpenLearn
- Skillshare (Mental health and wellness courses)
- edX
Business and Finance Online Learning Platforms
- LinkedIn Learning
- Coursera (Business and finance tracks)
- Thinkific
- Skillshare
Humanities Online Learning Platforms
- edX (Humanities and arts programs)
- Coursera (History and literature courses)
- Khan Academy
- Canvas
Nursing Online Learning Platforms
Online nursing learning platforms include ATI, Canvas, and Blackboard, which provide comprehensive resources for students pursuing nursing education.
These platforms focus on patient care and clinical e-learning by offering interactive modules, virtual labs, and case simulations.
ATI, for instance, specializes in preparing students for the NCLEX exams, while Canvas and Blackboard serve as Learning Management Systems (LMS) that host course materials, quizzes, and discussion boards.
Through these tools, nursing students can enhance their skills in areas such as diagnostics, patient safety, and healthcare ethics. These platforms bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring a well-rounded nursing education.
Math Online Learning Platforms
The best online math platforms include ALEKS, MyMathLab, and Khan Academy, which cater to students at all levels of math proficiency.
The platforms cover topics such as algebra, trigonometry, statistics, and advanced calculations through interactive lessons and problem-solving exercises.
ALEKS is particularly known for its adaptive learning approach, helping students master concepts at their own pace. MyMathLab integrates directly with coursework, offering practice problems and assessments tailored to classroom objectives.
The E-platforms provide a blend of tutorials, quizzes, and visual aids, making complex subjects like trigonometry and statistics more accessible while building a strong foundation in mathematical principles.
Health Sciences E-Learning Learning Platforms
Some of the best health sciences online learning platforms include Canvas, Blackboard, Brightspace (D2L), and Moodle. They support interactive learning with virtual labs, simulations, and case studies.
These e-learning platforms help access comprehensive course materials, quizzes, and collaborative tools, enabling students to master key concepts in healthcare and medical sciences.
Psychology Online Learning Platforms
Canvas, Blackboard, and Brightspace are some of the most common psychology online learning platforms. These platforms offer access to resources such as research articles, case studies, and discussion boards, enabling students to explore topics like cognitive behavior, mental health, and developmental psychology while engaging in collaborative and interactive learning experiences.
Business and Finance Online Learning Platforms
Some of the most common online learning platforms for business and finance are McGraw Hill Connect, Pearson, Blackboard, Canvas, StraighterLine, Coursera, Brightspace (D2L), Moodle, and Cengage.
In e-learning platforms like these, you can take case studies, financial simulations, and interactive tools to help students master concepts in accounting, management, and economic analysis.
Humanities Online Learning Platforms
Humanities online courses rely on platforms such as McGraw Hill Connect, Pearson, Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle, and Coursera.
Humanities Online Learning Platforms provide access to literature, history, philosophy, and arts resources. With discussion boards, multimedia tools, and assessments, they foster critical thinking and in-depth exploration of diverse cultural and historical perspectives.
Online Learning Platforms by Universities
Universities have different learning platforms tailored to their needs and budgets. Institutions like Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) and Liberty University use Blackboard for course management, while Purdue University Global and Arizona State University (ASU Online) rely on Canvas.
Cost-effective options like Moodle and Brightspace (D2L) serve smaller universities.
Colleges Using the Canvas E-Learning Platform
The following universities use the Canvas e-learning platform:
- Duke University: Transitioned from Sakai to Canvas to enhance its online learning experience.
- University of Michigan: Adopted Canvas as part of the Unizin consortium to standardize digital learning.
- Indiana University: Moved from Oncourse to Canvas to improve course management and delivery.
- University of Florida (UF Online): Utilizes Canvas to deliver its online programs effectively.
- University of Wisconsin-Madison: Implemented Canvas to provide a consistent learning environment across courses.
Colleges Using the Canvas E-Learning Platform
The following universities use the Canvas e-learning platform:
- Duke University: Transitioned from Sakai to Canvas to enhance its online learning experience.
- University of Michigan: Adopted Canvas as part of the Unizin consortium to standardize digital learning.
- Indiana University: Moved from Oncourse to Canvas to improve course management and delivery.
- University of Florida (UF Online): Utilizes Canvas to deliver its online programs effectively.
- University of Wisconsin-Madison: Implemented Canvas to provide a consistent learning environment across courses
Colleges Using the Blackboard Learn E-Learning Platform
The following universities use the Blackboard Learn e-learning platform:
- Boston University: Utilizes Blackboard Learn as its primary learning management system.
- University of Newcastle (Australia): Employs Blackboard Learn for online course delivery.
- University College of Bahrain: Uses Blackboard Learn to support its academic programs.
- Eureka Online College: Hosts courses on Blackboard Learn for flexible learning.
- University of Warwick: Incorporates Blackboard Collaborate for various learning needs.
Colleges Using Moodle Online Learning Platform
The following universities use the Moodle online learning platform:
- Open University (UK): Adopts Moodle for delivering a wide range of distance learning courses.
- University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Spain): Utilizes Moodle to support its virtual campus and online education initiatives.
- Athabasca University (Canada): Employs Moodle for its online courses, facilitating flexible learning for students.
- Coventry University (UK): Uses Moodle, integrated with tools like CodeRunner, for automated assessment in programming courses.
- University of Glasgow (UK): Incorporates Moodle to enhance its e-learning offerings across various disciplines.
Colleges Using the Sophia E-Learning Platform
The following universities accept transfer credits from Sophia Learning:
- Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU): Recognizes Sophia courses for credit transfer, facilitating flexible degree completion.
- University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC): Partners with Sophia to help students complete degrees more quickly and affordably.
- Grand Canyon University (GCU): Accepts up to 30 credits from alternative transfer options, including Sophia Learning.
- University of the People: Collaborates with Sophia Learning to offer flexible and affordable education pathways.
- Columbia Southern University: Accepts courses from Sophia to help students complete degrees more quickly and affordably
Colleges Using the Edgenuity E-Learning Platform
Edgenuity is primarily utilized by K-12 educational institutions for online learning and credit recovery programs. It is not commonly adopted by universities for higher education courses.
Colleges Using Brightspace (D2L) E-Learning Platform
The following universities use the Brightspace (D2L) e-learning platform:
- Purdue University: Utilizes Brightspace to deliver a wide range of online courses and programs.
- University of Cape Town: Employs Brightspace to support its digital learning initiatives.
- Kennesaw State University: Uses Brightspace as its primary learning management system.
- Middle Georgia State University: Adopts Brightspace to facilitate online learning and course management.
- Savannah State University: Implements Brightspace to enhance its e-learning offerings.
Which Is the Best Online Learning Platform for Students?
I would argue the best learning platforms for online students are Blackboard, Canvas, and Brightspace (D2L) for comprehensive course management.
Coursera for skill-based learning, and McGraw Hill Connect and Pearson for academic resources.
StraighterLine and Moodle offer affordability and flexibility, while Cengage enhances learning through interactive content and assessments.
What Is the Most Used Learning Platform?
The most used e-learning platform is Moodle, with over 50% market share in Europe, Latin America, and Oceania.
In the U.S. higher education market, Canvas leads with 30% adoption, followed by Moodle at 21% and Blackboard at 20%.
These platforms are widely adopted by institutions like the Open University (UK) and the University of Florida (UF Online).
Which Are the Easiest-to-Use Online Learning Platforms for Students?
Canvas, Blackboard, and Sophia are widely recognized for their user-friendly interfaces. Canvas, in particular, is praised for its intuitive design, requiring fewer clicks to accomplish tasks compared to Blackboard.
Sophia Learning offers a straightforward platform, enabling students to navigate courses with ease. These platforms are utilized by institutions like Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) and Purdue University Global to enhance the online learning experience.
Cost Comparison for Various E-Learning Platforms
The following table outlines the costs associated with common online learning platforms:
| Platform | Pricing Model | Estimated Cost |
| McGraw Hill Connect | Per student, per course | Approximately $125 per course |
| Pearson MyLab | Per student, per course | Ranges from $50 to $100 per course |
| Blackboard | Institutional licensing | Varies based on institution size and needs; specific pricing upon request |
| Canvas | Institutional licensing | Varies based on institution size and needs; specific pricing upon request |
| StraighterLine | Subscription-based | $99 per month plus $59 per course |
| Coursera | Subscription and per-course pricing | Individual courses: $29 to $99; Coursera Plus subscription: $399 per year |
| Brightspace (D2L) | Institutional licensing | Varies based on institution size and needs; specific pricing upon request |
| Moodle | Open-source (free); hosting and support services available | Free for self-hosting; hosting services start at $110 per year |
| Cengage Unlimited | Subscription-based | $124.99 per semester for access to all Cengage eTextbooks and online platforms |
Please note that prices are approximate and can vary based on specific institutional agreements, additional features, or services required.
Which Is the Best E-Learning Platform for Students to Cheat?
All online platforms are easy for students to cheat, including those using tools like Proctorio. Platforms such as Blackboard, Canvas, and Moodle can be exploited through screen sharing, proxy logins, or using secondary devices.
Can Online Class Helpers Take Any E-Learning Platform?
Yes, online class help can accommodate any e-learning platform, including Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, and Coursera. These services specialize in navigating platform-specific features like discussion boards, quizzes, and proctored exams. Experienced helpers adapt to tools such as Proctorio, ensuring seamless support for students while maintaining confidentiality and meeting deadlines.
Which E-Learning Platform Detects Cheating? (Blackboard-Canvas)
All platforms have ways to detect cheating, but when you hire EduPeg, a professional online class help service, you can avoid getting caught.
Blackboard and Canvas use tools like Proctorio and plagiarism detection software to monitor activities. Expert helpers navigate these systems discreetly, ensuring compliance while meeting academic goals.