Research Strategy:

• The research outlines top-five online learning platforms, also known as learning management solutions (LMS). Our preliminary research indicated that most of the LMS platforms use audio-visual recorded lectures using PowerPoint presentations as the main teaching tool. Further, information regarding the optimal length of videos (for online learning) was not available.
• Hence, in this research, we focused on covering a high-level overview of the LMS platforms (for online learning), their pros, and cons, average score based on user feedback, key features, and the pricing model. We believe that this information caters to the client's requirement for creating online training courses and also covers the popular mode of lecture delivery that dominates the market.
• We also believe that this information shall help the client give an impression of how the top online learning platforms conduct online courses and its related user acceptability.

Best Online Learning Platforms of 2020

•  BigDegree.org evaluates and ranks online learning platforms based on the following parameters (i) verified user feedback, (ii) real-life opinions, (iii) online course platform brand, (iv) testing the online learning platform, (v) examine gathered data of massive open online courses (MOOC's), and (vi) document/publish expert-made online learning platform reviews.
• The top-five ranked online learning platforms include (i) Udacity, (ii) Datacamp, (iii) edX, (iv) Coursera, and (v) Udemy.

1. Udacity:

• Udacity is one of the most popular Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC)-based e-learning providers in the world, with a score of 9.8 out of 10 (based on 273 user reviews)
•  Pros include simplistic design (no unnecessary information), high-quality courses, and a variety of features.
•  Cons include high prices, lack of customer support, and a lack of community.
• Unique features include
•  Easy to use interface: the web portal is simple, neatly-made, informative, and easy to use.
•  Udacity Nanodegree: the customer is enrolled in a monthly payment for a particular subject for 6-12 months, and earns a certificate of completion. The nano degree cost around costs $200 per month
•  Popular free courses: offers up to 200 courses free-of-cost
•  Interactive learning experience: The portal offers a really nice and fun learning experience. Based on the reviews/feedback, students have experienced a positive outlook on most of the free courses offered by Udacity.

2. Datacamp

• DataCamp is a MOOC-providing platform launched in 2014, with a concentration in courses that revolve around the topics of data science and R programming.
• Pros include beginner-friendly, easy-to-use, quality content, transparency with pricing models, justified pricing with respect to the quality.
• Cons are that the free users have limited access to only a small proportion of courses and other contents.
• Features include
•  Easy to use interface: the platform offers a simplistic layout, no ads or suggestions, easy sign-up, intuitive, and easy to use
• Content: offers good quality content but according to some reviews the content is not very practical, and, is too text-based.
• Experience points (XP): Each user can earn XP by completing courses, performing certain tasks, and other actions on the site. If the student wants to reveal some sort of hint or a method of solving a problem within a course, a certain amount of XP is used.
•  Pricing: offers a super-clear and simple pricing plan page, which reflects subscription-based pricing models. DataCamp offers subscription plans for individuals and businesses/enterprises.
•  Personal (or Individual) Plan: (i) standard for USD 25 per month; and (ii) Premium for USD 33.25 per month.
•  Business Plans: Professional for $25 per user per month.

3. edX 

• Founded in 2012 by a few scientists from Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. edX is an online learning-based, multiple-course-holding platform that invites students to learn skills that would benefit them in either their personal or career lives.
• The platform ranks 3rd by BitDegree rankings of 2020, with an overall score of 9.4 out of 10 (based on 252 user reviews)
•  Pros include well-established in the industry, offering a wide range of features, university-level courses, and easy to navigate
•  Cons include some courses are very expensive, and the platform tends to crash.
• Features include:
•  Courses: Provides access to more than 2500 online courses offered by more than 140 reputable institutions, prominent ones include the Harvard University, MIT, Boston University, UC Berkley, and the University of Texas.
•  Easy to use: smoothness of the user interface, easy navigation
•  One-off courses: a student can take courses at their own leisure.
•  MicroMasters Program: professionals perfect their already-possessed skills even further
•  Professional Certificates: aimed to train people to meet the demands of the current job market, online Master’s degrees.
•  Global Freshmen Academy: for first-year university students.
•  XSeries Program: to help students get a deeper understanding of a particular subject.

•  Pricing: edX offers two types of courses (i) verified, and (ii) unverified ones. Unverified courses are free of charge - anyone can take them at any given time. Verified courses range from USD 50 up to USD 300.

4. Coursera 

• MOOC-providing platform that offers courses in collaboration with more than 200 leading universities and companies. Coursera offers professional certificates, university-level courses , and online degree programs.
• The platform ranks 4th by BitDegree rankings of 2020, with an overall score of 9.1 out of 10 (based on 295 user reviews)
•  Pros include professional service with higher education study materials, flexible learning timetables, a variety of features/courses, and earning a degree/certificate.
•  Cons based on customer reviews include (i) certification programs, and degrees are still comparably expensive, (ii) some instructors are camera-shy, and (iii) courses could be a bit difficult for absolute beginners.
• Key features include:
• Learn from leading universities and companies 
• Flexible and affordable options, including free courses and university degrees at a breakthrough price.
• Financial aid option: students who are unable to compensate for the course can apply for the financial aid option and complete the course free-of-cost.
•  Master skills (with in-depth learning): learn with self-paced quizzes and get feedback from a global community of learners.
•  Earn industry-recognized credentials 

•  Price: Single payments for courses range around USD 50. A subscription, however, costs anywhere from USD 40 up to USD 80-90 per month.

5. Udemy:

• The platform ranks 5th by BitDegree rankings of 2020, with an overall score of 8.6 out of 10 (based on 309 user reviews)
• Udemy offers 130,000 online courses being offered to more than 30 million students on the platform.

•  Key features include:
• a huge variety of courses
• 30-day refund policy
• Free certificates of completion

•  Pros include a huge variety of courses, easy navigation, no technical issues, seems to care about its users.
•  Cons include pricing can be confusing, and a bit dry in the feedback department.
• Pricing: The pricing model is variable and perhaps a negative common factor that has been highlighted in the user feedback. The courses start from as low as $11.99 up to $200.