The best digital learning platforms

Push the boat out for staff with continuous learning. With digital tools, it’s easier than ever to support career development and stay on top of industry trends. Delivering meaningful training can be done in both hybrid and in-person working environments.

 

We review the top digital learning platforms and suggest what works for budgets of all sizes.

 

 

LinkedIn Learning 

 

Billed as the top business networking platform, LinkedIn has even more to offer. The Learning platform includes content modules for all types of operations. The courses make up online libraries. The main library themes are business, technology, and creative. Together, the platform hosts over 18,000 classes.

 

It’s a one-size fits all in terms of customisation. Charities can deploy bespoke classes or select from the cache. LinkedIn Learning is 50% for eligible non-profits. Plans are annual or monthly, and start at $379.88 USD per seat/year (approximately £300 per annum).

 

Top tip: Use the community and social media sharing features.

 

 

Charity Learning Consortium

 

A learning management platform, the service tracks and reports on engagement. One of the major advantages of the content here is that it’s designed for the charitable sector. The topics address the main concerns like health and safety, GDPR, safeguarding, mental health and more. For teams interested in benchmarking, there’s also a progress report comparing subscriber activities.

 

Top tip: Tailor the program to your exact purposes.

 

 

Aurion Learning

 

Aurion Learning is a tailored eLearning and learning management system. The eLearning suite has custom and standardised content, which can be delivered online, hybrid, or in-person. To make content compelling, the designers can also include workshops and homework so that there are interactive elements.

 

Aurion Learning already works with Cancer U.K. (CRUK) and has delivered its HTML5 Health and Safety eLearning programme. The crux of this collaborative programme was its bespoke elements: Aurion and CRUK designed custom graphics and a 90-second video to brief staff.

 

Top tip: Use the custom content-building services.

 

 

Eloomi

 

Both a learning and performance management platform, Eloomi is a new entrant into the market. Learning is just part of what’s available. First, course deliveries can be done both online and hybrid. There’s also a “gamification” element to make dry material more engaging. The HR features enable career development and appraisal tracking. 

 

Top tip: Reduce your digital footprint by using a single tool for both performance and learning.

 

 

TalentLMS

 

This platform has the widest breadth of industry offerings. TalentLMS caters to many industries, one of which is the non-profit sector. White-label options are available, so charities can attach their own branded materials.

 

For intensive courses, TalentLMS also has testing capabilities. Evaluators are able to design questions from drag-and-drop, multiple choice, fill in the blanks, and free text formats. To keep up staff engagement, there’s also an option to work towards in-house certificates.

 

Top tip: Leverage all the capabilities here – surveys are a must.

 

 

Moodle

 

A radically different option than the others listed here, Moodle is an open-source learning management platform. A major benefit for charities who want flexibility, the “Four Freedoms” takes this to the next level:

• Freedom to run the management system for any purpose
• Freedom to study the platform and how it works
• Freedom to distribute the platform
• Freedom to distribute modified copies of the platform

Moodle is allowing charities to craft their own learning system, materials, and delivery. Ultimately this is for organisations with expertise.

 

Top tip: Explore the Moodle community for alternative use-cases.

 

 

Virtual College

 

Virtual College works for both charities and professionals. The courses available on their platform caters to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Certification and general industry standards. The format is pick-and-mix – courses are priced individually so leaders can select content that works for each student.

 

There’s also bespoke training and subscriptions. Paid subscriptions are charged per license, and gives access to over 200 courses within the library.

 

Top tip: Offering CPD Certification is not only training, but shows staff you’re investing in their careers.

 

 

SCOPE

 

A project across Europe, SCOPE delivers learning to the European community, non-profits, charities, and social enterprises.  The free online platform hosts five short courses themed Governance Basics, Financial Basics, Fundraising Basics, Communications, and Risk Management Basics.

 

Open Badges are earned through courses and experiences. These are easily shareable on social media. The badges represent a successful module and often passing an evaluation.

 

Top tip: Streamline your training across European offices with this offering.

 

 

VSL Consulting

 

Again, different from the others on this list, VSL Consulting is a specialist agency. They deliver online courses focusing on U.K. and E.U. GDPR, IT, Cybersecurity, and Safeguarding. The offering is specialised for small charities on a budget.

 

Top tip: Use this for the basics.