E-learning Application Architecture: Basic Functionality and Cost Estimate

State-of-the-art technologies keep renovating a range of industries. E-learning is a modern educational model that involves taking courses online via specialised digital platforms. Mobile-first development, which is a must nowadays, has enhanced the knowledge-acquisition process by consolidating all the essential features for education into a full-fledged, handy app.

A recent comprehensive report reveals that the e-learning market is expected to surpass an impressive $243 billion by 2022, as illustrated in the accompanying bar chart. This remarkable growth highlights the increasing importance of digital education in today's world. In my examination of this flourishing sector, I will delve into the diverse range of e-learning applications available, share practical tips for successful implementation, and provide detailed cost estimation for various e-learning products. Through this exploration, I aim to shed light on the transformative potential of e-learning in enhancing education and training across multiple industries.

A. Types of E-learning Applications

a. Target Users

The e-learning applications can be segmented based on their target users as follows:

• Audience studying with no terms (Udemy)

• Learners of educational establishments (eDX)

• Schoolmasters for the younger audience (TutorMe, Khan Academy)

• Languages’ native speakers (italki)

• A range of various fields and themes (Coursera)

b. Learning Approach

Another way of categorisation is through learning approaches. It is slightly more complicated, so let’s single out the diverse learning approaches.

1. Computer-Managed Learning (CML) Vs Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI)

CML refers to the platform type through which the program guides and assesses the entire educational process. It delivers all the fundamental information needed to acquire knowledge within the course’s domain and ensures the assessment of educational outcomes.

A practical illustration of such a type’s successful solution is Coursera. Each platform's training comprises materials in various formats, robotised assessments with quizzes, and a comprehensive description of each task within every finished part. Coursera has all the features for evaluating studies and managing efficient, productive course completion.

As for the CAI, the system delivers integral data to learners in various formats for individual studying. Lingualeo is a well-known global market leader that helps people learn new languages.

2. Synchronous Online Learning (SOL) Versus Asynchronous Online Learning (AOL)

SOL represents an approach to conducting online lessons and provides functionality to establish contact via chat and video conferences. A bright illustration is a platform for education, WizIQ, with convenient functionality, video calls, implemented chat, and online quizzes. AOL contradicts the model above, which implies course fulfilment excluding online communication. Among the most successful AOL platforms is Udemy. The courses there are flexible and will fit any schedule.

3. Fixed Model Versus Adaptive Model

The fixed model represents the study approach in which the same material is learned during the course. Platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, and Udacity are integrated into this model.

The adaptive model adjusts to each customer's objectives and current level of knowledge for a more personalised approach. ScootPad is based on such an educational model. Each student knows various topics on different levels. Thus, receiving individual data is the most efficient way to absorb new skills.

Interactive e-learning allows clients to engage with the product through tests, quizzes, assignments, and more. Such an engaging model boosts the process of learning new skills. Codecademy is a great practical example that offers a way to learn new programming skills. Learners can watch guided videos, complete tasks, and monitor the outcome right after submission.

4. Individual Online Learning (IOL) Versus Collaborative Online Learning (COL)

IOL stands for individual material processing on specific topics. To illustrate, Khan Academy offers 4000+ thematic guides.

COL requires various interaction tech tools, such as Zoom or Google Hangouts. Users complete the course together in groups to obtain unified goals.

Implementation Tips Solution

A. Basic E-learning Features

Each e-learning solution comprises a set of primary functions you should consider and list for future app architecture. The functionalities can be further categorised by profile types or interfaces. These include students, teachers, and parents.

1. Student

   1. Signing in/up: It would be much simpler to authorise using existing accounts across diverse social media platforms.

   2. Search string and course menu: An app should include a row of filters and categories, along with a search bar.

   3. Profile: The screen comprises the clients’ details and personal info.

   4. Guide screen: This section represents the content of the guide

   5. Payment gateway: To enable in-app payments for course purchasing, you should allow the most popular methods to buy the content.

2. Teacher

   1. Profile: It should include data such as the professionalism stage, education, and certificates.

   2. This section shows all the guides and educational materials, along with brief descriptions, offered by the specialist.

   3. Learners’ operation: This feature allows management of the individuals enrolled on the course.

   4. Online assessment: This element enables the development and setting of tests.

3. Parent

   1. Progress monitoring: The whole interface is intended to enable parents to open and track their children's educational outcomes.

   2. Reviews: Parents can share their reviews, comments, ratings, and feedback on the tutors and courses.

The process of software product architecture is pretty complex, so let's delve into the essential stages of creating an LMS as an example.

B. Implementation Stages

1. Define Your Project Concept

This beginning point implies considering whether your project is sufficiently competitive and original to become sought-after. To reach the maximal relevance of your idea, you should examine the online education domain and your rivals. For instance, this goal may be accomplished with the SWOT analysis:

• Strengths: solutions of your platform that attract users

• Weaknesses: flaws that interfere with evolution as well as success in obtaining

• Opportunities: resources that help you to bring the project to life

• Threats: outer negative influences that may affect your success

2. Identify Your Target Audience

To make your solution on-demand for many users, you should study their requirements and needs. To do this, you can visit Quora or Reddit and create polls to define your audience. Their answers will guide you in developing the project and help you determine what features to implement and which solutions to use.

3. Consider the Interface

The UI/UX design varies according to the audience. However, regardless of users' age, the universal principles to adhere to are user-friendliness, cleanliness, and intuitiveness. Its key objective is to allow the audience to concentrate on the educational process and the courses’ delivered information without distraction.

4. Decide on MVP Functionality

Before getting to MVP development, you should draw up and provide a clear overview of the functionality to be implemented. As mentioned earlier, the features should comply with the needs of the first customers. This version of the product is beneficial as it enables the deployment of the application in less time and at a lower cost.

Moreover, more sophisticated functionality elements may be implemented after the launch. The list of potential extra features:

• AI-based individual offers

• Reminders

• AR-powered features

• Chat with a professor

• Tasks and tests online assessment

5. Determine Strategies for Monetisation

There are some common strategies for e-learning products:

1. Subscription

   1. This model implies the need to ensure higher-quality educational data on a paid basis.

   2. Shaw Academy's subscription costs range from $49.99 to $60.00, enabling users to take multiple courses from the library.

2. Pay-Per Course

   1. This option requires learners to buy specific courses they would like to study. This plan is widely spread (e.g., Udemy).

   2. The cost of a single course ranges from $9 to approximately $300.

   3. This solution provides sales and exclusive offers so clients can get the course at an expedient price.

3. Third-Party Contributions

   1. Such financial support typically attracts lower income and requires excellent, engaging content to motivate the customer base to donate.

   2. To illustrate, Khan Academy functions with the help of its audience.

C. Cost Estimate

E-learning is a highly demanding field nowadays that keeps advancing rapidly. You should develop the original idea and features to make your educational platform on-demand. Then, discuss and assess the cost and deadlines of your project in partnership with certified tech teams, and you are all ready to build the on-demand e-learning software. We’ve considered Coursera as a basis to perform the estimations you can see below:

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This guest post was written by Yuliya Melnik, a technical writer at Cleveroad, a web and mobile app development company in Ukraine.

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