Back-to-school has never looked so unusual for students. As the business world continues to rely on virtual platforms to replace in-person meetings, many schools have decided to follow suit. So, what does a swap to virtual education mean for the industry?
Virtual education: the new normal
With Coronavirus rates fluctuating, schools are now looking for novel ways to engage their students virtually. A US survey from July 2020 found that 35% of respondents “planned to purchase a laptop as part of their back-to-school shopping, due to the prospect of e-learning in the coming school year”, showing its importance to education in 2020.
At some schools, virtual education will take the form of blended learning. At others, online learning platforms will completely replace face-to-face teaching. This drastic change in education practices doesn’t only affect schools. Companies throughout the education industry will need to adapt to virtual education practices in order to thrive.
Building a new online learning platform gives businesses a rare opportunity to shake up the education market. Below, we have summarized four crucial tips for perfecting your new virtual education environment.
How to build an online learning platform
1. Plan how your platform works
E-learning platforms need to be both functional and profitable. The way your platform generates its money and the way it operates are intertwined. Consider the following monetization strategies when designing your online learning platform:
- Does your platform require subscriptions or one-time fees?
- Do you have a tiered pricing structure to accommodate different class sizes?
- Are you selling specific courses or a platform for teachers to upload their own courses?
2. Create positive user experience (UX)
Impressive visuals will capture the attention of students and teachers, but well-designed interfaces will keep them coming back. The user experience should be a top priority for designers, with intuitive calls to action, navigation systems, and easy-to-locate content.
User experience is also dependent on language accessibility. Translating content is a step in the right direction, allowing users to learn in their own languages. However, localization goes one step further.
3. Localize content
Localization service is the process of adapting content so that it is culturally and linguistically engaging, at a local level. Making alterations to layout, formatting, cultural references, and phrasing will create this local feel. A platform that seems as though it has been made with the user in mind is more engaging.
Localization also creates constancy in brand identity. The meanings behind slogans, imagery, and marketing messages are not universal. E-learning localization services can tweak these aspects to ensure that businesses resonate with their customers, in the right way. This avoids cultural slip-ups and promotes a positive brand image.
4. Stay in tune with learning trends
Education strategies are constantly changing. Providing a range of options in line with current trends will make your online learning platform stand out from the crowd. Options include:
- Pre-recorded video content
- Live, interactive classes
- Breakout rooms designed for student collaboration
- Peer-to-peer teaching environments
- Flipped classrooms
- Quizzes and games
- Uploading and downloading worksheets in different formats
Mobile learning, in particular, is a trend that looks like it is here to stay. An estimated 3.8 billion people worldwide will own a smartphone by 2021. Mobile learning facilitates learning in manageable chunks, also known as microlearning, which Falmouth University predicts to be one of the year’s biggest e-learning trends.
Future Trans: E-learning experts
At Future Trans, we have been helping companies to resonate with audiences across the MENA region for over 25 years. Our e-learning localization services combine a deep knowledge of languages with strong education industry expertise. Future Trans’ professional team of project managers, linguists, software engineers, and QA testers will work with you on your online learning platform. As an ISO 17100 certified company, our work adheres to the highest standards.
Send us a message to find out more about e-learning localization services for your project.
