Alternatives to the traditional eLearning architecture

Posted on April 10, 2019

The rapid development in technology and innovation is revolutionising the learning and development platforms. If you search online today about “innovations in L&D” you will have realised there are various organizations trying to change how they deliver content to users/learners.

The traditional eLearning architecture is a basic structure which focuses only on delivering learning materials to users. Modern Digital Learning Ecosystems try as much to not only focus on content but also how they deliver content to user to make learning easy and enjoyable. The weaknesses in the traditional learning management systems and the advancement in the user centred design fields has resulted in the rise of modern Digital Learning Ecosystems tools like LXP, LRS, Micro learning and gaming etc.

Types of modern Digital Learning Ecosystems

Learning experience platform (Adaptive learning)
- In these systems, learners are not subjected to static, rigid training programs instead the platform is able to adapt to their needs and interest
- These systems use algorithms to adapt to training.
- Adaptive learning is a branch of the much wider area of personalised learning
- Learning experience module can be embedded on traditions LMS to provide learner-centered experience

Best LXP platforms	Components	Offline	Link to website
Endapp	Web App, Mobile apps, ChatBot	Yes	https://www.edapp.com/
Axonify	Web App, ChatBot	No	https://axonify.com/
Filtered	Mobile app, chat webapp, CMS	No	http://learn.filtered.com
Lemonade	Web App, Mobile app	Yes	http://resources.launchfire.com/lemonade/

Micro learning platforms
- Micro learning is understood as a concept to deliver learning content to users in small bursts of information which allows them to exercise control over what and when they are learning.
- It requires little effort from individual sessions.
- It involves simple and/or narrow topics.
- Micro learning systems can be embedded on traditions LMS to provide learner-centered experience

Best Micro learning platforms	Components	Offline	Link to website
Edume	Web app	No	https://edume.com/
JVSP	Web app	Yes	http://jvsp.io

The Learning Record Store (LRS)
- LRS acts as a core receiving, storing and returning data about learning experiences, achievements and job performance.
- Enables modern tracking of a wide variety of learning experiences, including real world activities, mobile apps and even job performance.
- They can be incorporated into an LMS.

Best LRS platforms	Type	API Integrations	Link to website
Watershed	LRS	Moodle Tin Can Launch Plugin	https://www.watershedlrs.com/
Wax LRS	LRS	Moodle Tin Can Launch Plugin	http://www.saltbox.com/
Learning Locker Open Source LRS	LRS	–	https://learninglocker.net
Ginger app	LRS	–	http://www.gingerapp.co.jp/index_e.php

Video based LMS
- These are platforms which only use video content for learning
- It includes live classes, Video tutorials, animations and video prototyping etc
- Enables learners to comment on videos.

Platform	Components	API available?	Link to website
Arc	Web App	Yes	https://www.arcmedia.com/
Vidder	Web App	Yes	https://www.viddler.com/
Youseeu	Web App	Yes	https://www.youseeu.com/
WiseTail	Web App	–	https://www.wisetail.com/