Improving Higher Ed with High-Quality Online Education Platforms

In the digital age, students are increasingly turning to online learning platforms to get the education they need. This has left many educational institutions scratching their heads. With so many students opting for a virtual education, how can the traditional model compete?

The answer is that institutions don’t have to compete at all. By incorporating learning platforms into their offerings, they can provide students with the best of both worlds.

What is an Online Educational Platform?

An online course platform delivers structured learning experiences through comprehensive course programs, video lessons, and discussion forums. These platforms combine powerful learning tools with expert-led content to help members build practical, career-advancing skills.

The integrated learning management system tracks your progress, provides performance insights, and helps you navigate professional development programs. This ensures your training courses align with your career goals and learning pace.

In this article, we’ll explore how high-quality online education platforms are helping both finance professionals and organizations reach their goals through targeted skill development.

Why Students Love Online Learning Platforms for Higher Education

eLearning costs less

Learning platforms are typically more cost effective than traditional education. One reason is that learning platforms come with lower overhead and can offer more competitive pricing. They also provide more targeted education.

Students can select specific courses that align with their goals without paying for additional classes they don’t need. With personalized learning on the rise, this helps meet the needs and expectations of today’s modern learners.

Students can customize learning paths

While academic institutions may offer certain programs that students need, learning platforms make it easier to craft custom development plans. Learning platforms provide access to multiple courses, allowing members to build the exact skill set they need. Even if a given platform doesn’t check every box, using multiple learning platforms is more flexible than traditional options.

On-demand learning is convenient

Because learning platforms offer remote learning programs, students can access their courses from anywhere. This convenience attracts students, and for the same reasons, employees flock to companies with remote work options.

Scheduling is more efficient

Learning platforms let members complete individual courses on their own schedule. There’s no need for them to sync their calendar with an institution’s timetable. Students can learn at their own pace without keeping up with classmates, and this approach to microlearning improves both efficiency and retention.

Training is role-focused

The training materials on high-quality online education platforms are developed by industry experts with extensive real-world experience. These experts provide the context and insights needed to help students become role-ready professionals. After completing their education, students can step into their chosen careers with greater confidence.

More interactive learning experiences

The top online learning platforms go beyond basic course content to incorporate interactive tools such as video lessons, discussion forums, and gamified quizzes to make learning more engaging. Many platforms enhance the learning process through real-world case studies, simulations, and collaborative learning projects.

Accessibility for all types of learners

One of the biggest advantages of high-quality courses is their accessibility for students who can’t attend in-person classes. Whether due to location, disabilities, work commitments, or financial constraints, digital learning platforms in higher education remove barriers through flexible, self-paced programs that can be accessed anywhere.

6 Benefits of Learning Platforms for Educational Institutions

1. Learning platforms reduce overhead

Learning platforms can reduce the investment required to provide quality education. Online training programs are more cost-effective than traditional learning by eliminating overhead costs like housing, transportation, and campus maintenance. This makes it easier for institutions to offer competitive fees and attract more students.

2. Platforms open doors for student acquisition

Institutions can use learning platforms as a channel for acquiring new students. While taking online courses, students may discover that a partnered organization suits their needs and choose to enroll. Research shows that online education consistently outperforms traditional in-person classes, with 52% of U.S. graduate students reporting better learning experiences (Duffin, 2019).

3. Technology offers adaptability

In the modern world, nothing stays static for long. Industries are constantly evolving, creating new needs and expectations in their workforces. Recent research shows that 67% of learners access their course activity through mobile devices, demonstrating the growing demand for flexibility.

Educational technology can adapt to these changes more easily than traditional models. This agility ensures that students keep up with the latest industry skills and certifications.

4. Educators can use platforms for targeted timing

Institutions can strategically use online educational platforms at key moments in a student’s academic career. For example, certain courses focused on specific skills may be especially useful close to graduation when students prepare to enter the job market.

A 2024 study found that learners who shared their online course credentials were 6% more likely to report new employment within a year, with an 8% increase in jobs related to their certificates.

5. Institutions supplement their offerings

No single institution can teach students everything, but digital learning platforms make it easier to expand course options. Online training materials are a great way to offer specialized training beyond the institution’s core offerings, allowing students access to a more comprehensive education.

6. Get real-time insights to improve student success

One of the biggest perks is the ability to track learner progress in real time. According to RAND Corporation research, institutions implementing personalized learning have seen test score improvements of up to 30%. With built-in management systems, institutions can see how students engage with content, where they struggle, and what’s working best.

Challenges of Using Online Learning Platforms

While online learning programs offer many advantages, they also present challenges that institutions and students must navigate:

• Hands-on skill development: Some fields require physical training that remote learning programs cannot fully replicate.
• Engagement and motivation: Without in-person interaction, members may find the learning process requires more self-discipline and time management.
• Technology access: Limited access to reliable internet or a user-friendly interface can create learning disparities.
• Quality assurance: With a range of course materials available, ensuring consistent quality and credibility can be challenging.
• Data security and compliance: Institutions must protect member information and maintain compliance training standards.

If organizations address these challenges, they can enhance their approach to digital education and maximize the benefits of their training platform for their students.

Strategies for Making the Most of Digital Learning Platforms

Incorporate online education

Online education is gaining traction and becoming essential for professional development. Research shows that 73% of learners want to continue with learning programs post-pandemic. Organizations that embrace digital education early will attract professionals seeking flexible, relevant training options.

Become an early mover

The global online education market is projected to grow from $68.07 billion in 2024 to $83.15 billion in 2025. Organizations that implement these platforms now will gain advantages in their fields. Corporate training programs can position an institution as a leader in industry-specific skills.

View learning platforms as partners

Institutions that think beyond content delivery and tap into the data insights provided by learning platforms can optimize programs, spot trends, and improve student engagement. These insights help institutions deliver courses effectively while meeting industry demands.

Seize long-tail opportunities

Traditional institutions can grow by offering specialized degree programs they couldn’t deliver in a traditional format. Platforms enable scaling through certifications or targeted courses without major infrastructure costs.

Avoid monopolies

Unlike other industries, there’s no single dominant player in online learning. Institutions that utilize multiple courses across other platforms can offer members a broader range of specialized content while avoiding reliance on a one-size-fits-all solution.

Cultivate long-term relationships with students

Professional development doesn’t stop at certification. A recent study found that 87% of today’s professionals consider continuous learning essential for career success. Institutions that maintain long-term connections through learning styles catering to different needs, along with offering complete courses and ongoing certifications, create lasting value for returning students.

Leverage AI for smarter, more engaging learning

Students expect personalized learning experiences, and AI makes it easier than ever to tailor coursework, recommend new skills, and improve engagement. A 2021 McKinsey & Company report revealed that 76% of teachers believe personalized learning paths can significantly enhance student engagement and academic performance. Institutions adopting AI-driven personalization see higher completion rates and student success.

How to Choose the Best Higher Education Learning Platform

With many courses available on different platforms, choosing the right online learning platform is crucial for real-world success. A strong platform should offer more than just traditional coursework—it must provide practical, industry-relevant training that equips students with the skills employers demand.

Here’s what to look for when evaluating high-quality online education platforms:

• Real-World Training: Beyond theory, the best programs include hands-on case studies, course creation tools, and interactive exercises that develop creative skills applicable in the workplace.
• Recognized Certifications: Earning globally respected credentials like CFI’s FMVA®, CBCA®, CMSA®, and BIDA® enhances career prospects similar to those offered by top universities and university courses.
• Expert-Led, Up-to-Date Content: Courses taught by industry professionals ensure up-to-date insights in finance, banking, and data analytics, aligning with offerings from LinkedIn Learning and other leading platforms.
• Flexible, Self-Paced Learning: Platforms that provide unlimited access to paid courses help learners progress at their own pace. Paid courses start at various levels to accommodate different learning needs.
• Hands-On Resources: A well-structured course catalog should include downloadable templates, financial models, and step-by-step guides for reinforcement.
• Career-Focused Learning Paths: Programs for employee training and professional development support career growth in finance, investment banking, and corporate roles.
• Trusted by Employers: A platform relied on by companies worldwide, offering structured learning paths for individuals and businesses looking to enhance their organization’s training initiatives.

By focusing on these key features, students can select a learning management solution that aligns with their career goals. Whether you choose CFI or one of the other high-quality online education platforms, make sure it sets you up for success with practical training and career-ready knowledge.

Platforms for Online Learning are Central to the Future of Education

As technology advances and the demands of the modern workforce evolve, high-quality online education platforms are poised to become an integral part of the educational landscape. These platforms are changing the way we learn and the very nature of how we approach education and professional development.

In the years to come, online learning will increasingly blur the lines between formal education and lifelong learning. Professionals across industries will turn to these platforms to acquire new skills, stay current with the latest trends and best practices, and adapt to the ever-changing demands of their fields.

The most successful individuals and organizations will be those who recognize the value of continuous learning and embrace the flexibility and accessibility that online platforms provide. As such, online learning presents a fundamental shift that will shape the future of education and professional growth for generations to come.

Lean Into Online Learning with CFI’s Leading Virtual Education Platform

CFI’s University Partnership Program is the perfect complement to traditional finance education. It provides students with the hands-on skills and practical knowledge they need to excel in their careers.

By partnering with CFI, universities can give their students a competitive edge in the job market and prepare them for the challenges of the modern finance industry. Empower your students to bridge the gap between theory and practice—explore the advantages of becoming a CFI University Partner today and take the first step towards transforming finance education at your institution.

Additional Resources

Why Online Training for Finance Teams Makes Sense

Why Skills Matter More Than Degrees Do

The State of Corporate Training

See all eLearning resources