Digital Samba English Blog

E-learning App Development: A Comprehensive Guide

Written by Digital Samba | September 5, 2023

In this highly technological era, e-learning has emerged as a transformative force in the ever-evolving educational and professional development landscape. The online learning market, estimated to reach $350 billion by 2025, is a testament to the profound importance and relevance of e-learning platforms in today's on-the-go world.

Table of Contents

  1. What is an e-learning app?
  2. Key features of e-learning apps 
  3. Steps in e-learning application development 
  4. Technology stack for e-learning app development 
  5. Examples of successful e-learning apps
  6. Elevate e-learning by integrating Digital Samba's video conferencing 

With over 50% of all downloaded apps being used for learning, mobile learning platforms have become more relevant than ever. E-learning applications offer many advantages, foremost among them being the freedom they grant learners. With these apps, the barriers of time and place are dismantled, enabling users to access training materials at their convenience, irrespective of their geographical location or time zone.

This article explores the e-learning application development process and the most successful e-learning apps. 

What is an e-learning app?

An e-learning app is a digital platform that is designed to facilitate educational and training experiences through electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, or computers. These apps harness the power of technology to deliver a wide range of learning materials and resources, offering users the flexibility to acquire skills at their own convenience. To extend the reach of these platforms, partnering with mobile marketing companies can be crucial, as they utilise sophisticated strategies to enhance app visibility and user engagement.

Here are a few types of e-learning apps.

Key features of e-learning apps 

Before we explore the steps involved in e-learning app development, let’s discuss the key features required for e-learning apps. As the landscape of e-learning continues to evolve, having a responsive and dynamic app becomes crucial.  The decision to outsource app development can be a strategic move for businesses looking to leverage specialised expertise in creating advanced e-learning platforms. For some custom software solutions, there is also an option to consider a dedicated development centre within the outsourcing scope.

Steps in e-learning application development 

Developing an e-learning app involves a systematic process that provides users with a seamless and engaging learning experience. Here are the key steps in e-learning mobile app development:

Technology stack for e-learning app development 

The choice of the technology stack is necessary for your app's functionality, scalability, and user experience. Here, we present a matrix highlighting key technology components essential for building a robust and feature-rich e-learning application. 

Components

Technology Options

Front-end technologies

React Native, Flutter, HTML5, CSS3

Back-end technologies

Node.js, Ruby on Rails, Django

Database management systems 

MySQL, MongoDB

Deployment

AWS, Azure

Payment integration 

PayPal, Stripe

Multimedia integration

YouTube, Vimeo

Content Management System (CMS)

WordPress, Joomla

Learning Management System (LMS)

Blackboard, Canvas

Testing

HTML5, Google Apps Script, JavaScript

Examples of successful e-learning apps

Engaging, interactive, and personalised learning experiences that adapt to individual needs and promote continuous skill development are the elements that make e-learning apps successful.  Let’s explore some of the successful e-learning apps. 

1. LMS Collaborator

It is a pre-configured educational solution suitable for organisations of varying sizes, serving as a versatile corporate e-learning platform designed to facilitate employee training and development. They provide RestAPI integration to ensure smooth compatibility with your existing software infrastructure.

Instructors have the capability to effortlessly upload and store course materials, including PDFs, PowerPoint presentations, and Word documents. Meanwhile, students can benefit from extensive collaboration features, including one-on-one messaging, group discussions, and forums.

2. Coursera

Coursera is a globally recognised e-learning platform that partners with universities and organisations to provide various online courses, specialisations, and degrees. Learners can access high-quality content in various subjects, from computer science to humanities. 

Coursera's interactive approach includes video lectures, quizzes, and peer assessments, making it a popular choice for both individual learners and professionals looking to upskill.

3. Udemy

Udemy is an accessible e-learning marketplace where instructors can create and share courses on diverse topics worldwide. This platform allows anyone with expertise to become an instructor and reach a global audience. 

With thousands of courses available, Udemy is known for its affordability and flexibility, enabling learners to choose from a vast selection of self-paced courses.

4. Duolingo

Duolingo has revolutionised language learning with its gamified approach. This app offers bite-sized lessons, interactive exercises, and challenges to help users learn languages effectively. 

Its engaging format has made it a popular choice for language enthusiasts of all levels, and it's available for free, making it accessible to a wide audience.

5. LinkedIn Learning

It is a professional e-learning platform that provides high-quality courses on subjects ranging from business and technology to creative skills. Integrated with LinkedIn profiles, users can showcase their completed courses, making it a valuable resource for career development and networking.

Elevate e-learning by integrating Digital Samba's video conferencing 

Incorporating video conferencing into e-learning apps is a strategic move that brings several compelling advantages, ultimately enhancing the overall learning experience. It opens up new opportunities for engaging, interactive, and effective learning experiences. 

However, businesses may struggle to integrate and maintain an in-house video conferencing feature in their e-learning app. 

Digital Samba can help businesses overcome this challenge. Integrating Digital Samba's robust video conferencing API can elevate e-learning experiences to new heights. By harnessing the power of real-time video communication, educational institutions, and organisations can foster engaging and interactive virtual classrooms.

For instance, Digital Samba helped LMS Collaborator embed HD video conferencing into their platform to provide their customers with consistent, high-quality educational experiences around the globe. 

Are you looking to incorporate a video conferencing feature into your e-learning app? Schedule a demo with us today!