As technology continues to evolve, so does the field of education. E-learning has become a popular method of education, and with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), it’s becoming even more effective. Integrating AI in your e-learning application can help personalize the learning experience, provide instant feedback, and improve student engagement. In this article, we’ll explore how to integrate AI in your e-learning application.

AI Integration Plan

Step 1: Choose the Right E-learning Application

Before integrating AI into your e-learning application, you need to choose the right platform. There are many e-learning platforms available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. You’ll need to choose a platform that’s compatible with AI integration and has the necessary features and functionality.

One of the best e-learning applications that support AI integration is Moodle. Moodle is an open-source learning management system (LMS) that’s easy to use and highly customizable. It’s also compatible with a wide range of AI tools and technologies.

Let us help you seamlessly integrate online learning solutions into your business operations for maximum productivity and growth. Click here to learn how we can benefit your business today.

Step 2: Identify the Problem Areas

The next step is to identify the problem areas in your e-learning application. What are the areas where students struggle the most? Where do they need the most help? By identifying these areas, you can determine how AI can help improve the learning experience.

For example, if students struggle with understanding complex concepts, AI-powered virtual tutors can help. If students have difficulty retaining information, AI-powered quizzes can help reinforce learning.

Step 3: Choose the Right AI Tools

Once you’ve identified the problem areas, it’s time to choose the right AI tools. There are many AI tools available that can help improve the learning experience. Some of the most popular AI tools for e-learning include:

• Virtual tutors
  AI-powered virtual tutors can provide personalized instruction and feedback to students.
  
• Adaptive learning
  Adaptive learning platforms use AI to personalize the learning experience based on the student’s strengths and weaknesses.
  
• Chatbots
  AI-powered chatbots can provide instant support and feedback to students.
  
• Language processing
  AI-powered language processing tools can help improve reading comprehension and writing skills.

Step 4: Integrate AI into Your E-learning Application

The final step is to integrate AI into your e-learning application. This can be done in several ways, depending on the AI tools you’ve chosen.

If you’ve chosen AI-powered virtual tutors, you can integrate them directly into your e-learning platform. Also, if you’ve chosen adaptive learning, you can integrate it into your platform’s course builder. Chatbots can be integrated into your platform’s messaging system, while language processing tools can be integrated into your platform’s assessment and grading system.

Check out our Case Study to see how we’ve successfully partnered with our clients to create customized e-learning solutions.

Integrating AI into your e-learning application can help improve the learning experience for students. By choosing the right e-learning platform, identifying problem areas, choosing the right AI tools, and integrating them into your platform, you can create a personalized and engaging learning experience that meets the needs of your students. With the right AI tools, you can help your students achieve their full potential and prepare them for success in the future.

What is the role of e-learning in the development of modern children?

Nowadays, children grow up with a gadget in their hands. E-learning is a great thing to let children learn wherever they want and whenever they want. It can be used for many different learning types, including one-to-one communication, group learning, and teaching.

Let’s point out some advantages of a learning platform for children:

• E-learning is a time saver like a superhero. The pandemic showed us that we can save much time if we work or learn remotely. Now there’s no need to spend time on the road or transport. We were taught how to manage our time and how to do much more than we used to before the “remote lifestyle”. So do kids. While sitting at home, they became more attached to the internet. Also, so many children are busy with other activities, so it is a great chance for them too to schedule and pick out a time period to sit and teach. 
• Inferring from the first paragraph, we can see that e-learning is very flexible. There are also many cases when children need to adjust their parent’s schedules and lifestyles too. So the flexibility of the learning activity can be very convenient for the kid to continue learning where he wants and when he wants. 
• Another benefit of the e-learning platform is accessibility. All you need is the Internet and a gadget. Voila! No more pencils, notebooks, and school bags. 

So the aim is to have as much use from the internet for the kids as we can. For this purpose, we created a platform named LecturEnfant for children to learn French. 

That’s why today we will analyze our brand new case of creating an e-learning platform for kids step by step.

Identify your audience

Before starting to create an e-learning platform, you need to identify and analyze your target audience. Focus on the age restrictions of future users. In our case, we received a requirement from our client to create a child-friendly platform for children aged 5–10 years old.

Focus on the design to make it more attractive for the students

It’s not a secret that children learn faster while playing. So here we have suggested adding some reward motivation system. So here we have levels, inside every level we have books and 8 steps in each book. After every step, the student gets an emoji, and after every book — a puzzle part until the student gets a pull puzzle after finishing a level.

Besides it, illustrate his or her journey clearly for little kids. We did it through a map. It will help students to move faster to the finish line and collect as many puzzles as they can.

Show them their rewards

As we mention in point 2, puzzle collection is a real way to show students their awards.

It motivates them to receive more and more rewards as fast as they can. Also, they will have certificates after every level.

Make it easy for the teachers

Teachers need a more convenient platform without any cartoons or animations. Remember that they have more than 1 student and need to review all the homework. Give them a chance to work with a full list while adding students to the class.

Also, let the teacher have full access to the student’s profile

Feedback is always a good idea

Never forget that the best thing in an online study is feedback. Let the teacher have a feedback form to contact students. In our case, we made it via lessons or messages. Here it’s important to pay attention that students shouldn’t reply to these messages. So for the adult target audience, it may be only an advantage, but in our case children do not need to reply to the teacher’s message.

Let the teachers have a clear vision of the class

The best option to let the teacher keep the focus on the class is to give him a clear vision of the class and platform. We made some fields in his portfolio with the full lessons, so he can reach them anytime with no complications.

Keep Your E-Learning Courses Organized

Always organize the learning process. Follow the flow while adding new books or other levels. Pay attention to the reports while updating the information.  Well-organized learning content will not only help your learners absorb the course material easier and quicker, but also allows you to distribute the information in effective ways that align with your e-learning objectives.

Always give and accept feedback from the users

While having a full platform, do not stop there. Always grow your platform and grow with your audience. Let them help you with the content and navigation. Ask for feedback and develop the wishes of your users. Gather all the feedback, analyze it, and pay full attention to every single detail.

Enjoy your result

These points below are only a little part of the options you need to pay attention to. Make Sure Your Online Learning Activities Are Fun And Engaging. Always discuss your business idea with professionals to not omit important things. 

We also recommend you get acquainted with our other cases

Moodle and Canvas are two of the most popular learning management systems (LMS) used in educational institutions. Both platforms have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between them will depend on the specific needs and requirements of the institution or organization.

Moodle vs. Canvas: A quick review

One of the main advantages of Moodle over Canvas is its flexibility. Moodle is an open-source LMS, which means that it can be customized and modified to meet the specific needs of an institution or organization. This allows institutions to tailor the platform to their unique requirements, such as adding new features, integrating with other systems, or adapting the interface to match their branding.

Another advantage of Moodle is its support for a wide range of activities and resources. Moodle includes various built-in activities, such as forums, quizzes, and assignments, which can be used to create engaging and interactive learning experiences. Additionally, Moodle supports a wide range of file types, making it easy to upload and share different types of resources, such as videos, images, and documents.

The platform also has a good track record of providing a robust and reliable platform, with a large user base, which means that there is a wealth of community-created resources, plugins, tutorials, and support available. Moodle also has a long history, and it has been designed with pedagogy in mind.On the other hand, Canvas is a closed-source LMS, which means that customization options are more limited, but it is known for its user-friendly interface, which makes it easy for instructors and students to navigate. This LMS also has a range of built-in features, such as a grade book, analytics, and calendar, which can help manage coursework and communication.

Basic features comparison

Moodle vs. Canvas: Comparing

Scope of use

The scope of use for Moodle and Canvas can vary depending on the type of institution or organization that is using the platform.

Moodle is a widely used LMS that has a broad scope of use, spanning from primary schools to universities. It is suitable for both traditional classroom settings and online learning environments. It is also used by private and public sector organizations: businesses, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.

Canvas is also primarily used in higher education institutions. It is designed to meet the specific needs of colleges and universities, such as managing coursework, assignments, and grading. Canvas is also used by some K-12 schools and some businesses, but it is less common than Moodle.

It’s worth mentioning that both platforms can meet the needs of a wide range of educational institutions and organizations, but the specific features and capabilities may vary depending on the version and customization of the platform used. Additionally, the decision to use one platform over the other may also depend on factors such as the size of the institution, the type of courses offered, and the level of support and resources available.

Ease of use

The interface and ease of use of Moodle and Canvas can vary depending on the specific version and customization of the platform used. However, in general, the two platforms have some differences in terms of their interface and ease of use.

Moodle has a powerful but complex interface that may require training for optimal use. The platform includes a wide range of features and capabilities, and it can take some time for users to become familiar with all the different options and settings. This complexity can also make it more difficult for instructors and students to navigate the platform and find the resources and tools they need.Canvas has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate for both instructors and students. The platform has a clean and simple layout, with intuitive navigation and clear labels. This makes it easy for users to find the resources and tools they need, and to manage their coursework and assignments. Additionally, Canvas has a simple grade book, calendar, and analytics that are easy to access and use.

Customization

Moodle and Canvas have different levels of customizability, which can affect the ability to tailor the platform to the specific needs of an institution or organization.

One of the main advantages of Moodle is its open-source nature, which allows for a high level of customizability. Because the source code is freely available, developers can modify and customize the platform to meet the specific needs of an institution or organization. This includes adding new features, integrating with other systems, and adapting the interface to match branding. Additionally, Moodle has a large community of users, which means there are a lot of third-party plugins, themes, and other resources available to further enhance and customize the platform.

In contrast, Canvas is a closed-source Learning Management System (LMS), thus providing fewer opportunities for customization. While Canvas is equipped with various in-built features, it is less adaptable than Moodle when it comes to personalizing the platform. Furthermore, Canvas has a restricted selection of customization options, including themes and branding choices.To summarize, the level of customizability also depends on the technical resources and expertise available at the institution or organization. An institution with a dedicated IT team and the resources to develop custom features may have an easier time customizing an open-source platform like Moodle, while an institution with limited technical resources may find it easier to use a closed-source platform like Canvas.

Integration

Moodle has a wide range of third-party plugins and integrations available, which allows institutions to integrate the platform with other systems such as Single Sign-On, Student Information Systems, Learning Analytics, and Communication tools. This flexibility allows institutions to use Moodle in conjunction with other tools and systems they already have in place, which can help to streamline processes and improve the overall user experience.

Canvas, in its turn, has a range of built-in features and integrations, such as Google Docs, Turnitin, and Office 365. While these integrations are useful and can help to improve the functionality of the platform, the range of integrations is not as wide as in Moodle. Additionally, Canvas integrations are designed to work with Canvas, and may not be as flexible as Moodle in terms of integrating with other systems that are not already supported.The level of integration of both platforms may also depend on the specific version and customization of the platform used. Institutions should evaluate both platforms with their specific requirements and use cases before making a final decision.

Performance

Performance refers to the speed and efficiency with which a platform can handle many users and handle a large amount of data. Both Moodle and Canvas are designed to handle large numbers of users and large amounts of data, but there can be some differences in terms of performance between the two platforms.

Moodle is built using PHP programming language and MySQL database, which makes it relatively fast and efficient in handling numerous users and large amounts of data. Additionally, Moodle’s open-source nature allows for customization and optimization to improve performance.

Canvas is built using Ruby on Rails and uses a PostgreSQL database. It is designed to handle large numbers of users and large amounts of data, but it may be slower than Moodle, and the performance may depend on the specific version and customization of the platform used.The performance of both platforms can be affected by factors such as the configuration of the server, the number of concurrent users, the amount of data being handled, and the level of customization and integration with other systems. Additionally, it can also be affected by the level of support and resources available to maintain and optimize the platform.

Security

Security refers to the measures taken to protect the platform and its users from unauthorized access, data breaches, and other security threats. Both Moodle and Canvas have implemented security measures to protect the platform and its users, but there can be some differences in terms of security between the two platforms.

Moodle has a built-in security feature such as support for secure login and authentication, password encryption, and user roles and permissions. Additionally, Moodle’s open-source nature allows for customization and integration with other security tools. The platform also has a built-in security checker that can help users identify and fix security issues on their site. However, since it is open source, it also depends on the institution or organization to take the necessary steps to ensure the security of the platform.

Canvas also has built-in security features too. It also has a built-in security checker that can help users identify and fix security issues on their site. Additionally, Canvas is built on Ruby on Rails, which is considered to be a more secure framework than PHP, which is the language Moodle is built on. Furthermore, Canvas is a commercial product and has a team dedicated to security and compliance, which may provide an additional layer of security.It’s worth noting that while both platforms have security features, it is still important to implement best practices for security and conduct regular security audits to ensure that the platform is secure and to protect the data of the users.

Accessibility

Moodle and Canvas have built-in accessibility features, but there can be some differences between the two platforms in terms of the level of support for accessibility standards and the range of accessibility-related features and capabilities.

Moodle has built-in accessibility features such as support for keyboard navigation, high-contrast themes, and support screen readers. Additionally, Moodle’s open-source nature allows for further customization and integration with other accessibility tools. The platform also has a built-in accessibility checker that can help users identify and fix accessibility issues on their site.

Canvas also has built-in accessibility features, but it may not be as robust as Moodle. Canvas also has a built-in accessibility checker that can help users identify and fix accessibility issues on their site. Additionally, Canvas has a set of accessibility guidelines that outline best practices for creating accessible content on the platform.It’s important to note that while both platforms have accessibility features, it is important to test the platform with users with disabilities to ensure that it meets their needs and is fully accessible.

Maintenance and Support

The level of maintenance and support for Moodle and Canvas can vary depending on the specific version and customization of the platform used. However, in general, the two platforms have some differences in terms of their level of maintenance and support.

Moodle, has a large community of developers, educators, and users that contribute to the development of the platform. This means that there are many resources available for users to troubleshoot and fix issues, such as documentation, forums, and third-party plugins. Additionally, many institutions have in-house IT teams that can handle the maintenance and support of the platform. However, since it is open-source, it may require more technical knowledge to maintain and support.Canvas has a dedicated support team that can assist with troubleshooting and fixing issues, as well as providing updates and upgrades to the platform. Additionally, Canvas has a range of support options, such as phone, email, and chat support, which can help to ensure that users have access to the support they need.

Price

The price of Moodle and Canvas can vary depending on the specific version and customization of the platform used, as well as the level of support and resources needed. However, in general, there are some differences in the pricing models for the two platforms.

Moodle, being an open-source platform, is free to download and use. However, institutions and organizations may need to invest in resources such as hosting, technical support, and development costs to set up and maintain the platform. Additionally, some third-party plugins and themes may require a separate licence or subscription fee.

Canvas is a closed-source platform, which means that institutions and organizations need to pay for a licence to use the software. The pricing model for Canvas is typically based on a subscription fee that is charged on a per-student or per-user basis. Additionally, the pricing may vary depending on the level of support and resources needed.

While Moodle’s open-source nature can make it a more cost-effective option in the long run, especially for institutions or organizations with the technical resources to set up and maintain the platform, Canvas can be a more straightforward option for institutions or organizations that prefer a commercial LMS and don’t have the technical resources to customize and maintain an open-source platform.

Which LMS to go for

Moodle and Canvas are both popular Learning Management Systems (LMS) that have their strengths and weaknesses. The decision to use one platform over the other will depend on the specific needs of an institution or organization.

Moodle is a widely used LMS that is suitable for both traditional classroom settings and online learning environments. Its open-source nature allows for a high level of customizability, making it a good choice for institutions or organizations with specific needs. Additionally, Moodle is more commonly used in primary and secondary schools, vocational schools, and non-profit organizations, and it is particularly well-suited for institutions with limited technical resources.

Canvas is primarily used in higher education institutions. Its user-friendly interface, analytics, and grade book make it easy for instructors and students to navigate and manage coursework and assignments, it is a good choice for institutions that want a more straightforward option for managing coursework, assignments, and grading. Additionally, Canvas is particularly well-suited for institutions that want to take advantage of the built-in analytics, course export, and import features, and that have the resources to pay for the subscription fee.In conclusion, it should be noted, that both platforms can meet the needs of a wide range of educational institutions and organizations, but the specific features and capabilities may vary depending on the version and customization of the platform used. Additionally, the decision to use one platform over the other may also depend on factors such as the size of the institution, the type of courses offered, the level of support and resources available, and the budget.

Does your LMS software missing features you need? Contact our team to find software that fits your needs.

We have already written about why it is currently relevant to invest efforts in creating distance platforms for ubiquitous learning.

Those who still have doubts can read article “How to create a Moodle LMS from Scratch?“

Let us remind you of the main advantages of developing on the Moodle platform

• Moodle is truly open source.
• Cost effectiveness is proven by years of SmartApp team’s experience and K Hours of live projects.
• Simple and intuitive interface with the ability to add styles at minimal efforts.
• Easy customization with the broadest possibilities for the most diverse functionality.
• Diverse opportunities for integration and development.

Now we will talk about compliance and share our case study on developing courses with strict requirements for such training.

What is compliance and why is it important?

“Conducting oneself in accordance with applicable law” is one of the official definitions of compliance. 

However, in today’s world, there is more to the definition of compliance than following the law and order. For many businesses, it is important to ensure that employees also comply with the rules and values of the organization.

For this reason, we often see a growing demand for a course development solution with the requirement to validate a particular user journey in order to successfully complete a compliance course.

Here is a sequence of steps that leads to build a secure compliance training

1. Gather and validate business requirements.
2. Develop a template for creating a course for the platform administrator. The correct tree of logic is embedded into the template for creating a course and filling it with content.
3. It is important to ensure high-quality assimilation of content and confirmation of knowledge.
4. Set up functionality for automated course assignments. We remember that compliance trainings are mandatory, so manual enrollment in this case is likely to be inappropriate.
5. Create a custom welcome email that lists simple steps for the learner to complete the course successfully and earn a certificate.

7. We write a script that prohibits fast forwarding so the learner should show enough respect for the video content.
8. We create an opportunity to place a quiz at the end of each training module.
9. Access to the quiz is opened only after the learner has watched all the video lessons.
10. We create special conditions for passing the quiz. We set the grade to pass, which can actually be equal to the maximum grade. We set the allowed number of attempts. We decide whether to show hints and correct answers.
11. Especially for compliance courses, we add an “All or Nothing”category of questions to the quiz. In such questions, the learner must answer completely correctly from the allowed number of attempts for the quiz to be considered passed.
12. We set a prerequisite for obtaining a certificate – the completion of the course, which in turn is tied to the passage of all quizzes with obtaining the established grade.
13. Recurring certifications should be also considered as the certificates sometimes have an expiry date, so the learners (employees) may need to be recertified periodically.
14. Custom reports generator. Keeping track of employees taking compliance courses is vital to an organization to ensure that legal obligations are met. We can develop a strong report builder  to aggregate reports with custom fields, sorting and filtering possibilities, so that the manager can quickly assess progress.
15. The next step could be connecting Credly – end-to-end solution for creating, issuing and managing digital credentials. Thousands of organizations use Credly to recognize achievement.

Wrap Up

Top management, of course, understands the necessity and timeliness of compliance training for all employees of the company. At the same time, employees are not always ready to demonstrate such an attitude and, most likely, will postpone training due to routine tasks that they consider to be more priority.

Make compliance training in your organization obligatory, but at the same time user-friendly and flexible. Let this not be perceived as a challenge, but more as an investment in self-development in a pleasant, easy form.

Contact Moodle development experts to build an efficient compliance training for you in a time and budget saving manner.

What is Learning Management System (LMS)?

An LMS (Learning Management System) is a web-based platform that supports efficient digital dissemination and analysis of learning experiences (including assessment) in various professional fields.

What are the goals of an LMS?

The goal of a Learning Management System (LMS) is to provide learners with tuition and progress opportunities in line with their personal development plans.

For companies, the goal of the learning platform looks like creating an enabling environment for the development of employee strengths, which will lead to the growth of the entire company, success and, ultimately, will increase profits.

These are quite large learning goals for all parties involved.

Is an LMS really actual now? Or is it just one more digitalization myth?

An ATD survey finds that 83% of organizations currently use an LMS.

According to a report by Markets and Markets, the size of the global LMS market is expected to grow to a whopping 25.7 billion by 2025! 

Still doubting the effectiveness of LMS? Let’s get straight to the point. Here is a hot case from SmartApp.

An Effective LMS Case from SmartApp

What are the original goals and objectives of the project?

An original goal is to develop an LMS with the landing page to increase skills in four categories:

1. Digital Science
2. Finance Acumen
3. Interpersonal Skills
4. Emotional Intelligence. 

Target audience:

• Knowledge workers
• Technology leaders
• Managers with leadership skills
• Diversity and inclusion teams

What are the underlying problems the Customer is trying to solve?

• Scale learning
• High quality of knowledge delivery
• Self-paced education
• Certification

What was the objective for MVP development?

• MVP version of LMS platform with a landing page
• Scalable solution for future growth
• Address the needs of learners to build skills and competencies
• Be cost effective 
• Save time 
• Stay current with modern skills
• Ease of use with an intuitive platform

What solution did the SmartApp team propose?

What was unique about the project?

The client was eager to create a modern and easy-to-use learning platform, while relying heavily on the expertise of the team, as the solution had to remain very flexible, essentially without fixed business requirements.

Why Moodle?

Here is the list of the strong arguments:

• Truly open source.
• Years of the team’s experience and K Hours of live projects.
• On this learning platform, even with native moodle functionality and minimal user pages design, a learner can be made feeling like a key figure in the process. All learning activities will be built around the learner.
• Proven effectiveness combined with the broadest possibilities for the most diverse functionality.
• Opportunities for integration and development. This platform will grow with you! It is quite possible that it will outgrow you one day (we can add artificial intelligence).

9 easy steps to the success of your learning platform with the SmartApp team

1. Сhoose a web host (if necessary, we will help). Come up with a sharp name that will hook and shoot, register a domain.
2. Decide on the list of roles in your platform and the expected result for each role. We will describe the necessary functionality and offer options for additional functions that will bring the greatest benefit to a user, based on our experience. During this time, our developer has already deployed Moodle on the dev and stage.
3. Next, we will decide how the course will look like (course theme) or write a custom theme specifically for your needs.
   
   The wish of the client in our case was to simplify the creation of a course for the platform administrator as much as possible, since more than 200 courses are planned and here you need to think about administration time costs in advance. We have created a template for new courses. Click on one button and the сourse placeholder is ready! It remains only to fill the course with content. In order not to miss anything, we recorded a manual for the administrator, and later uploaded a training course with video tutorials to the client’s live platform.

4. Build a logic tree for the course. It is very important to lead users in the right direction, while maintaining the freedom to move between training modules, in accordance with the mood and desire of each individual user during training hours. 
5. Ensure quality absorption of knowledge. Moodle has the widest range for quizzes. In this project, we additionally implemented the possibility of a compliance training for medical workers. It was important to ensure and confirm to auditors that learners fully watch the video lessons, get the maximum passing grade, and only then receive a certificate.
6. Create convenient and understandable navigation for users. The slogan of this project – let’s recalculate the number of clicks and remove all unnecessary ones! And it worked. 80 – 85% of the people living on the planet are visuals. Here’s what you should take care of, without putting it off indefinitely. The design possibilities for users’ pages in Moodle are endless. Just let us know your preferences.
7. Student engagement. It won’t be enough to bring users to the platform. They should still feel like welcome guests. We have made сustome notifications for learners at all stages of the user journey. We play and learn. Nobody likes boring training. Let’s add elements of gamification – custom badges.
8. Availability for users and saving time. Our platform should be easy to jump on. Add the landing page to your favorites. Log in to the platform in a couple of seconds on a pop-up through social networks.
9. Reports. Confirm student progress at any time. With custom reports, this is always possible.

Wrap Up

That’s it! The project is ready, don’t stop learning. You may find this approach a bit simplistic, but it should be. You see the tip of the iceberg, the rest is our concern.

The Client’s feedback

I am very pleased with the work the team did and what they achieved in such a small window of time. Thanks for bringing my vision to life.

The team followed project management professional processes and methods that are consistent with industry best practices.

The project looks very modern, with an attractive design for users. These pages make you want to learn and stay longer on the platform! Keep learning!