Top 10 Tools for Distance Learning & Strategies in 2020

Distance Learning: Best Apps, Tools and Online Services

Although there are major restrictions on movement and social gatherings during the coronavirus outbreak, people should do what they can to continue working and learning from a safe space.
Since many schools and businesses now have to operate online, they need sophisticated tools and software that will make this transition easier.
While many online learning management systems promise advanced features and excellent virtual environments for conducting meetings and classes, only a few of them deliver.
So, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best tools for distance learning in 2020 to help you continue with business as usual during the pandemic, and even after it is over. Let’s take a look.

1. ProProfs LMS Software

Many educational institutions have tried to support digital technologies in the classroom even before the coronavirus outbreak. They’ve done so through the use of various LMS software, and among the more popular types of such software is ProProfs.
Developed with the end-user in mind, ProProf boasts numerous features that can simplify learning and boost productivity, regardless of the size of the learning group.

Teachers and even corporate managers can use this LMS software to design their own training courses, develop interactive quizzes, create virtual classrooms, upload all types of media and presentations, and more.
Instructors can monitor the learners’ performance, receive reports, and create customized learning paths that suit each individual student.
The user-friendly interface eliminates the learning curve that comes with most online learning management systems, and the software can be easily integrated with existing systems.

2. Lynda.com

If you prefer to learn by yourself and focus on self-improvement, you can take advantage of Lynda.com. It’s primarily designed for individual learners, although it can be helpful for groups and organized learning as well.
Lynda.com offers video-based training in five languages revolving around business, software, and technology. All courses are created by vetted and skilled instructors, and each video supports self-paced learning.
You can easily keep track of the topics you’ve mastered and those that you’re still to go over. While you cannot design your own materials or classes, the software has over 3,000 unique courses in its library.

3. Qintil

Qintil can be a good choice for companies who want to offer corporate e-learning opportunities to their employees during the coronavirus lockdown. It’s scalable to suit a business of any size and provides a nice array of valuable features.
Users have access to a variety of different courses, most of them focused on compliance management, and they can also upload their own courses from different providers.
You can schedule in-person virtual training, track employee progress, and create course completion certificates.

4. Codecademy

Codecademy is perfect for those who know what skill they want to master — coding. It has a basic subscription plan which is free and offers all the necessary features, but of course, paid plans do offer more.
It’s a cloud-based LMS software that teaches all the major languages, Java, JavaScript, Python, C++, Ruby, and others.
Courses are divided into easy-to-digest chunks, which make learning more efficient, and if you opt for paid subscriptions, you can receive personalized learning paths and work on real-world projects.
This online learning management system is excellent for beginners who have no previous coding experience.

5. edX

EdX is for those learners who take learning a bit more seriously. It offers university-level courses and specifically designed learning content for high-schools and businesses.
Some of its most popular courses deal with computer science, language, engineering, and business management. You can opt for either self-paced or timed classes, and even receive honor certificates.
Open edX LMS is free to use and can be a good choice for college students who are unable to attend their classes at the moment.

6. Skillshare

Skillshare is one of the more versatile LMSs that offers teaching material in a wide variety of different topics. You can learn about design, business, animation, and lifestyle. The only drawback is the lack of features.
As a learner, you can watch educational videos and work on projects related to them, but that’s about it. You can download videos to the Skillshare app to watch them offline and access a variety of different courses.
This LMS is designed for the more casual learners, so you can check it out if you have extra time on your hands during the coronavirus lockdown.

7. Kannu

Kannu is a simple and easy-to-use LMS software developed by experienced educators. It encourages communication and collaboration between learners, and promotes better engagement.
It features gamification elements that can expedite the learning process, allows synchronous and asynchronous learning, and offers video conferencing tools for live online classes.
Even learners who have no previous experience with LMS software can use the tool. It offers excellent learning opportunities to students and employees alike.

8. Alison

Alison is a free-to-use LMS software that offers practical courses focused on applicable skills. Learners can choose from hundreds of different courses available in the library and receive certification upon completion.
Once you enroll in a course, you’ll need to complete assignments and receive scores of over 80% if you want to graduate and receive your certification.
It’s a comprehensive LMS software with a more serious note. It’s best used by those who want to focus on learning, not just pass the time.

9. Udacity

Udacity develops courses that aim to boost your computer skills. They cover everything from data science to artificial intelligence and cloud computing.
It’s unique in the sense that it genuinely creates a virtual learning environment. Many of the courses take months to complete, and the final certification you receive can be well worth it.
Udacity is best used by individuals looking to sharpen their computer skills, or by companies that need to develop their in-house professionals.

10. Ruzuku

Finally, we have Ruzuku. This is an LMS software that can make course creation and completion a breeze. It’s mostly used by companies that need to create their own online courses, but have no technical expertise to do so.
The software has a user-friendly interface. You and your team can create a detailed course step by step, then sell it to earn a passive income.
Courses can be on any topic, and you can easily upload textual content, video, audio, and PDFs.
Student dashboards are available to users to gain insight into student activities, and you can easily schedule live lessons, host video broadcasts, and more.
It can be a fun LMS software to use for teachers in a coronavirus lockdown.

The Bottom Line

The type of online learning management system you choose depends entirely on your preferences and learning goals.
The LMS software solutions mentioned above give you access to a great variety of features and course materials, and most of them either have free versions or free trials.
Test these LMSs out and see which one works best for you.
Author Name: Kamy Anderson
Author Bio: Kamy Anderson is an ed-tech enthusiast with a passion for writing on emerging technologies in the areas of corporate training and education. He is an expert in learning management system & eLearning authoring tools – currently associated with ProProfs Training Maker