How to Make e-Learning App: Comprehensive Guide for Your Successful Business Launch

The e-learning industry is growing rapidly and is projected to reach over $1 trillion by 2028, more so, since 2020, 98% of universities have moved their classes online, and in 2021, 75% of US schools planned to operate online (According to E-Learning Statistics 2023 by Studocu). With increased accessibility through high-speed internet and mobile devices and the ability to provide personalized learning experiences, e-learning has become an attractive option for individuals, organizations, and institutions looking to upskill and reskill their workforce.

So, are you ready to disrupt the e-learning industry and launch a successful app? ProCoders has the expertise to turn your vision into reality. With years of experience in the technology industry, ProCoders is a leader in delivering innovative e-learning solutions. In this comprehensive guide, we will share our expertise and take you through how to develop an e-learning app. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, ProCoders’ guidance and support will empower you to make your mark in the e-learning industry.

The Best E-Learning Mobile Application Examples for Benchmarking

Coursera

Coursera is one of the leading e-learning platforms that offers educational content to users globally. With its wide range of courses covering subjects such as physics, engineering, liberal arts, biology, math, computer science, and business, it’s no wonder that Coursera’s revenue increased by 59% to reach $293.5 million in 2020. The platform provides a web application and a mobile version, making it accessible to a vast audience.

edX

edX is a popular e-learning platform that provides courses from prestigious universities such as Oxford, Harvard, Columbia, and MIT. The platform offers a wide range of subjects, including business studies, computer science, engineering, psychology, linguistics, and statistics. edX provides a certificate of completion for courses taken on the platform, serving as proof of qualification for users. With over 500,000 users accessing high-quality educational content every day, edX is a standout player in the industry.

Duolingo

Duolingo is a gamified e-learning application that specializes in language learning. The app’s focus on gamification, using techniques such as levels, goals, statistics, and awards, has made it one of the most effective and engaging e-learning applications on the market. As a result, Duolingo has secured second place in the education category on the App Store and is featured in the “Editors’ choice” section on Google Play. With its innovative approach to language learning, Duolingo is a must-consider benchmark for anyone looking to have a successful launch.

Gainful Features for E-learning Apps: Budget and Customers Attention Balance

It’s important to strike a balance between the budget when you make an e-learning application and the attention of the target customers. In order to achieve this balance, there are several key features that should be incorporated into the design.

MVP and Early Features to Test the Market

You must have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) that showcases your product’s core features and allows you to test the market. As you move forward with development, you can add more features to improve the user experience and make your app more competitive. Here are a few essential features to include in your MVP and early releases:

User accounts: 

A simple sign-up and login process is crucial to get users started. They should be able to create an account, set their preferences, and access their learning history.

Course catalogue:

Your app should offer a comprehensive list of courses, with descriptions, learning objectives, and other relevant information. Users should be able to filter courses based on their interests and skill levels.

Course delivery: 

A user-friendly interface that makes it easy for users to start and complete courses is a must. You should also include features like video lectures, quizzes, and interactive elements to keep users engaged.

Progress tracking: 

Users should be able to see their progress in a course, track their completion time, and receive feedback on their performance. This helps them stay motivated and on track to achieve their learning goals.

Payment integration: 

To monetize your app, you need a payment system that integrates with your course catalog. This should allow users to purchase courses and receive invoices and receipts.

These features should provide a good foundation for your MVP and allow you to test the market and gather feedback from users.

Enhanced Features to Level Up Your E-learning Product

As your project grows and evolves, you can incorporate new features that offer additional benefits to your users. Some of these advanced features can include:

Personalized Learning Paths: 

Allow users to create their own learning journey by selecting the courses that suit their individual needs and goals.

Gamification Elements: 

Incorporate game-like elements such as progress tracking, rewards, and challenges to motivate users and keep them engaged.

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality: 

Offer an immersive learning experience by incorporating VR and AR technology into your app.

Live Streaming and Webinars: 

Offer live, interactive classes and workshops, where users can connect with instructors and other learners in real-time.

Interactive Quizzes and Assessments: 

Encourage users to engage with the material and test their knowledge with interactive quizzes and assessments.

Collaborative Tools: 

Encourage collaboration between users, allowing them to work together on projects, share knowledge and discuss ideas.

By incorporating these advanced features, you can create a comprehensive learning platform that offers an enhanced experience for your users. If you’re unsure which features you need for your project’s goals, our team at ProCoders offers a discovery phase to help you identify and prioritize the essential features. 

During the discovery phase, we work with you to analyze your project goals, target audience, and technical requirements to identify the best features to incorporate into your platform. This ensures that you create a learning platform that meets your users’ needs and provides an exceptional experience.

How Does E-learning Application Make Money?

There are several different revenue streams that e-learning applications can tap into, and we at ProCoders made a full table about it, for your convenience:

Revenue Model	Description:	Example platforms
Premium content	Offer exclusive content for a fee, such as in-depth tutorials, e-books, or certifications	Udemy, Coursera, Skillshare
Subscription	Users pay a monthly or yearly fee for access to the platform’s content	LinkedIn Learning, Pluralsight, MasterClass
Advertising	Place advertisements within the app or offer sponsored content to generate additional revenue	Khan Academy, EdX, Alison
Affiliate marketing	Earn a commission by promoting other businesses’ products or services within the platform	CreativeLive, Digital Photography School, Treehouse
Partnerships with institutions	Partner with companies and educational institutions to provide courses and earn a commission on each sale	2U, FutureLearn, OpenLearning
Corporate training	Target businesses and organizations who are looking for tailored training programs for their employees	LinkedIn Learning for Business, Cornerstone OnDemand, Docebo

It’s worth noting that some platforms may use multiple revenue models. For example, Udemy offers paid courses, but also allows instructors to create free courses and earn revenue through ads or affiliate marketing. Similarly, LinkedIn Learning offers both subscription-based access to all courses, as well as customized corporate training solutions for businesses.

Tech Stack You Need to Build an E-Learning App and Take-off Successful Product

Best Tech Stack for E-learning Apps

At ProCoders, we understand the importance of choosing the right tech stack for your e-learning application development. Our team of experienced software engineers have helped numerous clients in the education sector launch successful products by selecting the appropriate technologies and implementing them effectively.

Here are the key technologies you need to build an e-learning app:

Development Aspect	Popular Technologies/Frameworks
Frontend Development	Angular, React, Vue.js
Backend Development	Node.js, Ruby on Rails
Database Management	MySQL, MongoDB, PostgreSQL
Payment Processing	Stripe, PayPal
Video Streaming	Amazon Web Services (AWS), YouTube

By considering these key technologies, you can create e-learning app with a solid foundation and ensure its success.

iOs, Android or Cross-platform: What is More Gainful?

Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of platform ultimately depends on your target audience, budget, and development goals.

Developing for iOS means targeting users who have Apple devices such as iPhones, iPads, and Macs. iOS is known for its strong security features and high-quality user experience, making it an attractive option for those who value these features. However, the e-learning mobile app development process is often more expensive and time-consuming compared to other platforms.

Android is the most widely used mobile operating system in the world, making it a popular choice for app developers. Android devices are typically more affordable than Apple devices, which means that the Android user base is more diverse and includes a wider range of income levels. This makes Android a good choice for app developers who are looking to reach a larger and more diverse audience.

Cross-platform development involves writing code that can run on both iOS and Android devices. This approach can help to save time and resources compared to developing separate apps for each platform, but it also has its own set of challenges. Cross-platform development can result in a less optimized user experience compared to native apps, and it may also require more effort to ensure compatibility across different devices.

Ultimately, the choice between iOS, Android, and cross-platform will depend on your business goals and target audience. It is important to weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully before making a decision. With the help of an experienced development team like ProCoders, you can ensure that your mobile application development is built on a solid foundation and will be successful in the market.

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Create an E-Learning App for Non-Tech Founders

In this section, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to create an e-learning app for non-tech founders. Learn how to make an e-learning app that can turn into a successful business by following the steps and collaborating with a reliable technology partner such as ProСoders.

Step 1. Define the Concept and Purpose of Your E-Learning App

The first step to creating an e-learning app is to define its concept and purpose. This involves identifying your target audience, defining the problem you want to solve, and figuring out the unique selling proposition of your app. It can be an event app or an eLearning platform with live or on-demand lessons, etc.

Step 2. Research the Market

Once you have a clear concept in mind, the next step is to research the market to see what similar e-learning apps already exist and what features they offer. This will help you identify gaps in the market and determine how you can differentiate your app from the competition.

Step 3. Choose the Right Platform

Deciding on the right platform for your e-learning app is crucial for its success. You have the option of developing a native app for either iOS or Android, or a cross-platform app that can run on multiple platforms.

Step 4. Create a Detailed Specification Document

A specification document is a detailed plan of what your e-learning app will do, how it will work, and what it will look like. This document will serve as a roadmap for your tech partner and will help ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Step 5. Find the Right Tech Partner

Finding the right tech partner is essential for the success of your e-learning app. Look for a partner with experience in e-learning app development and a proven track record of delivering high-quality products. ProСoders is a trusted tech partner that can help you turn your e-learning app concept into a reality.

At ProCoders, we have a team of experienced developers who specialize in building e-learning applications. Our team has worked with a variety of clients in the e-learning industry, from startups to established educational institutions. We have a proven track record of delivering high-quality products that meet our clients’ needs and exceed their expectations.

If you are considering ProCoders as your tech partner, we can connect you with some of our past clients. They can share their experiences working with us and answer any questions you may have or you can check out our reviews here.  We want you to feel confident in your decision to work with us, and we will do everything we can to ensure your e-learning app is a success.

Step 6. Develop the MVP

Once you have a specification document, you can start developing the minimum viable product (MVP) of your e-learning app. The MVP will be a simplified version of your final product and will allow you to test the market and get feedback from users.

Step 7. Launch and Assess the Market

After the MVP has been developed, it’s time to launch your e-learning app and start testing the market. Use feedback from users to refine and improve the product, and continue to add new features over time.

Challenges You May Face When Making an E-Learning App and How to Avoid Bottlenecks

Challenges

There are a number of potential challenges that you may face along the way. Some of the most common issues include:

Limited budget: 

One of the main challenges for early-stage e-learning apps is a limited budget. To overcome this challenge, founders can prioritize essential features, opt for a minimal viable product (MVP) approach, and focus on marketing efforts to attract more users.

Lack of users: 

Another common challenge faced is a lack of users. To overcome this challenge, founders can focus on user acquisition strategies such as partnerships, influencer marketing, and word-of-mouth.

Technical difficulties: 

Technical difficulties can also arise in the early stages of product development. Founders can outsource app development to experienced software development companies like ProCoders, invest in quality assurance and testing, and conduct regular code audits.

Competition: 

E-learning is a crowded market and competition can be tough. The focus can be on building a unique value proposition, targeting niche audiences, and providing high-quality content.

Scalability issues: 

To overcome this challenge, founders can use cloud technology, invest in efficient architecture and software design, and have the plan to handle increased traffic and demand.

Bottlenecks! 

To avoid bottlenecks, it’s important to stay organized, communicate effectively with your team, and stay on top of your deadlines. Here are a few steps that you can take to ensure a smooth development process.

Plan ahead: 

Start by defining the goals and objectives of your app, and make sure that everyone involved in the project is aware of what you’re trying to achieve. This will help to ensure that everyone is working together towards a common goal.

Stay organized: 

Make use of project management tools to keep track of your progress and keep everyone informed about what’s happening. This will help to avoid delays and ensure that everyone stays on schedule.

Communicate effectively: 

Regularly touch base with your team and stakeholders to ensure that everyone is up-to-date on what’s happening. This will help to avoid misunderstandings and keep everyone informed about the progress of the project.

Test early and often: 

Regular testing throughout the development process can help to identify potential roadblocks early on and allow you to make adjustments before they become major issues.

By staying organized, communicating effectively, and testing early and often, you can avoid many of the potential challenges.

How ProCoders can Assist You in E-Learning App Development

Discovery Phase: 

The discovery phase is the first and foremost step of the app development process. During this phase, We will work with you to understand your requirements, analyze the market, and create a plan of action. With years of experience in developing e-learning apps, we have the knowledge and expertise to help you launch a successful product.

Picking the Right Team: 

We bring together a team of experts with extensive knowledge and expertise to create e-learning application. Our pool of developers is highly skilled and experienced in creating innovative and effective learning solutions. If the need arises, we can quickly assemble a new team to accommodate the demands of your project, ensuring that you always have access to the best talent. We make sure that the right amount of developers are working on a project as too many chefs can ruin a dish!

Hire mobile app developers and How to find developers for startup are a must read to give you a detailed insight! 

Development:

Our developers will use the latest tools and technologies to build an efficient and effective app that provides a seamless learning experience. Throughout the development process, ProCoders will provide direct access to the developers so that you can stay informed and updated on the progress of your project. Our team also includes quality assurance specialists who will test the app to ensure that it works as expected and meets all the necessary standards.

Launch:

Launching your e-learning app is the moment you have been waiting for! You have put in a lot of hard work and dedication into making this project a reality, and now it’s time to showcase it to the world. At ProCoders, we understand the importance of a successful launch and we have a team of experts who are dedicated to making it a memorable and exciting experience for you.

Maintenance and Support:

Our commitment to you extends beyond the launch of your e-learning app. We offer ongoing maintenance and support to ensure that your app remains up-to-date and functioning smoothly. Our team is always available to address any issues and provide regular updates to keep your e-learning app at the forefront of the industry.

Conclusion

Building an e-learning app starts with the development of a minimum viable product (MVP) that showcases the core features. The MVP should include the essentials, such as user accounts, a course catalog, delivery of the courses, progress tracking, and payment integration. This will allow you to test the market and see how the app is received by users.

As the app grows and evolves, it can be enhanced with advanced features such as gamification elements, personalized learning paths, interactive quizzes, live streaming and webinars, virtual reality, and collaborative tools. This will make the app a comprehensive learning platform, providing value to the target audience. Revenue streams for e-learning apps can come from subscription-based models, premium content, corporate training, advertising, and affiliate marketing. With a reliable and experienced team, Procoders can help bring your e-learning app vision to life.