As online learning rapidly expands its reach, there is a growing investement in research on different models of online learning, along with their success rates. ExtensionEngine recently released a report on the different online learning models for generating revenue in higher education, based on the activities of 136 higher-ed institutes across the U.S. They deduced 4 online learning revenue models that are most used by colleges and universities across the U.S. They are: for-credit online video based classes, research, pre-matriculation, and post-graduation.

The New Media Consortium recently published a report on the technology trends and developments they foresee in the next five years, in higher education institutions. Adaptive Learning and Learning Analytics were identified as two important developments emerging in the educational technology market for higher education. Learning Analytics has become a well-established term in the eLearning landscape, as reporting and analytics tools have become high in demand. Adaptive learning is a newer development, nurtured by the data provided with learning analytics.   "Analytic data empowers educators with information that allows them to shape better learning pedagogies."

One of the reasons analytics are so popular is they have the ability to shape and predict the future, making it an essential part of improving institutional decisions and outcomes. The corporate sector already utilizes analytics to support decision making about customers, but for the higher education sector, the use of analytics is fairly new.  

One of the greatest benefits of eLearning, is the ability to incororporate multimedia like audio, and video. Currently, video accounts for 47% of global internet traffic. This year, this number is expected to reach 86%.  Video is one of the most effective ways to keep students engaged and interested in the learning material, and can be used to provide students with lectures they missed, or to deliver learning videos (Eg. "How to"). There are numerous ways to use video in your Moodle or Totara courses. We’ll show you how to prepare your Moodle site to use multimedia, and then demonstrate three simple ways you can add video to your learning environment.

Questions about Moodle's language capabilities are ones that we get often here at Lambda. The multi-language capabilities in Moodle can be used to teach new languages, or support students with different language backgrounds. We know there are resources out there, but we thought we would put together a quick list of the top 6 things we think you should know about the out-of-the-box language capabiltiies available in Moodle! 

Moodle Plugins are the most efficient way to get the most out of your learning management system. Think of your LMS like a smartphone - it does everything you need it to do, but sometimes you need a little more! If you want entertainment, you have a plethora of game apps to choose from. If you want to tap into social media, there's the Facebook app. If you want to work on you physical or mental health, there's a long list of apps that you can download that will assist you. Apps take our smartphones from a piece of technology, to a virtual hub for your everyday life. Moodle plugins are like applications - adding them to your LMS will tranform your online learning experience, allowing you to get the most out of your LMS. 

Moodle LMS is an intuitive, and supportive environment for the independent nature of learning in higher education. There is no population more technologically skillful than post-secondary students - the virtual landscape of Moodle is one they are familiar with, and can navigate through easily. Without a major learning curve, online learning platforms like Moodle LMS are ideal for students in higher education. Here are 5 ways that Moodle improves and enhances higher education.

Did you know you can use the Moodle learning management system to make money? Universities, private colleges, technical institutes and all kinds of private online learning providers can offer courses commit a lot of time, effort, and money into developing their online learning programs, increasing the amount of pressure on learning departments to turn a profit. Moodle helps this process by allowing education instituties to offer their online courses - even entire online learning programs - at a profit. 

Creating online courses is one thing, creating courses that are both effective and engaging is another. With all the effort that goes into course development, why wouldn’t you ensure that the learning material is being well-received, and is effective? Effective and engaging eLearning programs are ones that deliver meaningful material, that enhance learner interest and increase learner retention. Here are 4 ways to create effective and engaging eLearning programs.

According to enrollment information gathered from the Institute of Education Sciences, over 80% of classes were delivered entirely online in 2014. This number increased since then, and will continue to increase as online learning takes off. Online learning has taken the world by storm, completely transforming the learning and training landscape. It has been one of the most disruptive learning innovations in the market, not only increasing access to education, but also improving learner performance. For anyone who is new to online learning, or who is thinking about implementing online learning, here is a list of the top 5 benefits from delivering online learning.