Digital learning platforms deliver learning experiences that enable students to actively engage with educational content. Educators use digital learning platforms as part of their instruction to make learning more interesting and interactive for students and to offer lessons that can be personalized for each learner. Depending on the product, an instructor might have students use the software in the classroom as part of the day’s lesson, or instruct students to use it at home for extra practice with the course content. A growing number of platforms incorporate adaptive learning functionality, in which the tool dynamically changes the lesson based on the individual student’s performance.
There are digital learning platforms targeted toward many different educational objectives, including tools designed to help students build knowledge around specific subjects like science or social studies and others aiming to develop cross-curricular skills like reading or writing. These tools can be used by teachers and professors at all levels of schooling, from the early grades in K–12 schools all the way up to institutions of higher education.
These products often integrate with learning management systems to allow a streamlined way for teachers to make digital content from lessons available to students. Some digital learning platforms also share features with study tools, which are more designed for test preparation, and classroom management software, which is aimed at maintaining a safe and productive learning environment. Some products may also have assessment software capabilities.
To qualify for inclusion in the Digital Learning Platforms category, a product must:
- Be designed for use by instructors at K–12 schools or higher education institutions
- Deliver interactive educational lessons
- Include multimedia or gamification elements designed to increase student engagement
- Personalize the learning experience for each student
- Generate reports based on student performance data
