Learning online is incredible because you have all the knowledge in the world available at your fingertips. It takes brief research and a subscription to enroll in a prestigious, efficient online learning platform and start with your self-improvement. The problem lies in the paradox of choice. Some people are so confused with the number of options they have that they fail to choose. This puts you in a bit of a problem – how do you find the right online learning platform? Here are the top five tips to help you make this choice.

1. Cost

The first thing you want to look into is the overall cost of the platform. Now, before you proceed, it’s important to mention that the cost, on its own, doesn’t represent much. You need a reference point, meaning you must shop around a bit.

The price can be misleading since online courses and learning platforms come in all shapes and sizes. It would be unfair to take a first-aid course that takes two days and compare them to an online course where you have to clock in dozens of hours to get an even basic certificate.

So, the first step is to map out what you need. What kind of course are you interested in? Then go to look up what kind of options are out there for you.

Also, remember that even with the same number of hours, the roster of teachers also makes quite a difference. A curriculum with more guest lecturers (especially people of renown in the industry) will be on a course that costs more.

At the end of the day, you should probably look at the cost-for-value, not just flat-out compare costs.

2. Easy to use

The UI will determine the functionality and usability of your platform. You want a platform that fits your user preferences or allows you to set them up, however you see fit. Either way, you need something easy to use. A beginner-friendly learning curve is appreciated since you’re already stretched thin trying to master the curriculum; the last thing you want is menial technical tasks distracting you.

Now, according to specialists behind Livestream Learning Studio, when choosing the platform for the child, a parent is going to be an account manager. This is why you might want to look for an intuitive platform. As a parent, you’ll already be very busy, and you can’t afford to waste too much time on these activities, especially since you’ll be using the platform regularly to check your child’s progress.

Another thing you need to understand is that since you’re going to use this platform for quite a while, you want a sleek design. You’ll spend hours looking at this screen, so don’t be too quick to dismiss personal preference.

3. Educational focus

There are a lot of holistic platforms out there, but from time to time, you’ll notice a heavier focus on one subject or a fact that another subject is completely missing from the offer. If that’s the subject that you’re interested in, this could turn into a massive problem. So, one of the first things you should research is figuring out exactly what they have to offer.

Another thing is their certification. Remember that while acquiring a skill has merit, you’re also looking for a certificate that will have some weight on your CV or in your future academic career. Checking these certificates is incredibly important, and you should always do it beforehand.

Personal brands of professors are more important than you think. This is why they need to be one of the first things you’ll research. Everyone posts things to their LinkedIn, so this should be your first stop.

Also, check out some of the former students. Read their reviews or even contact some of them for your honest opinion.

4. Something to match your own preferences/speed

Different platforms offer different things. For instance, you could look for a platform that will provide you with opportunities for one-on-one learning. Then, you could also have platforms that create group learning opportunities. Depending on your preferred style, you may favor one over the other.

Then, you have to take into consideration different learning styles. Article-based learning is the most conventional type, where you have text-based material that you’re supposed to analyze and memorize. At the same time, you can also have video-based learning and lesson-based learning. You might favor one course over the other depending on where you fall on the four learning styles spectrum.

Another thing you should look for is self-paced learning. Different learners have different schedules and need something that matches their speed. You can learn a lesson a day, or you can move faster/slower than that. For instance, you may have to organize it according to your school/work, training, and other activities.

5. Preparing optimal conditions

It’s not just about finding the right platform; it’s also about adjusting to this type of learning. When you’re learning in an institution, you rely on them to provide all the conditions.

The teacher is there to enforce discipline to ensure the room’s quiet, but when learning at home, it’s up to you to negotiate an hour of peace with roommates/family. It’s also up to you to pick the right time of day to learn when everything is quiet.

Then, we need to talk about the device. Do you prefer to learn on a desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone? Some platforms will have layouts and UI that are more responsive than others, and this can be one of your criteria when choosing.

Lastly, this is completely voluntary, meaning the motivation is your concern. So, make sure that this is something that you want. Try to visualize all the benefits you’ll get from completing the course; that should get the job done.

Wrap up

At the end of the day, the majority of these courses are not that expensive. This means that you can always pivot and, in some scenarios, even ask for a refund. The thing is that you’re aiming to avoid losing time. You might be able to pull it off with just a bit of research.