eLearning vs. Udemy

A generic definition of “eLearning” would be “any learning that happens via electronic media”. In this sense, Udemy courses fall under the umbrella of eLearning.  Udemy i a MOOC  (massive open online course) platform that has its own LMS (Learning Management System) that allows course creators to create and sell a course.

However, eLearning is an industry that goes well beyond the Udemy platform. eLearning has come to mean something slightly different than what Udemy courses offer.  Nowadays, the term “eLearning” and the “eLearning industry” generally refers to what we think of as “corporate training”, or, “online education” in a school setting, such as K-12 programs. 

Learning styles are a big topic in the realms of traditional classroom education. Teachers hear a lot about different learning styles and how they should try to adapt their teaching methods to different kinds of learners. A lot of research has been done on the topic of learning styles and suggestions abound for how to cater to different learning needs in the classroom.

Have you considered as an online instructor that the thousands of students who enroll in your course might have several different learning styles?  You might ask yourself why do learning styles matter – it’s just a $10 course?  Well for starters, personal learning styles, in part, affect the learning outcomes for your students. By default that affects the ratings and reviews they give your course.

Teaching online courses brings with it a set of challenges not found in a traditional classroom setting. Online instructors often fail to make the connection between what happens in a physical learning environment – whether that be a classroom, training facility or conference room – and what they do when teaching or creating online courses.   Whether you’re using Udemy, Teachable or an LMS to teach your online courses, you can benefit from knowing a few general teaching best practices. 

Here’s a list of best practices that will help you think about what you need to do in your online courses that help to replicate what most instructors would do when teaching in person.