An online learning platform is designed to support a student’s learning. It is an online portal for education, and within it are multiple tools, all self-contained, to be a one stop resource for both students and teachers alike. Activities supported include lectures, assignments, quizzes, interactions between the teachers and learners as well as between the learners, and also the issuance of certificates. More advanced versions have features for course creation and to streamline the production and delivery of this content.
The best online learning platforms make it simple and easy for educators and trainers to manage online courses.
Learning Management Systems (LMS) and Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) have become increasingly common, especially due to the sweeping educational changes that became necessary due to the pandemic.
While face-to-face learning has a place, increasingly learning and courses are being conducted through digital channels. This can be both cheaper and easier to manage for businesses, and also for educators it translates to being able to reach people from a distance.
In a remote situation is where online learning platforms really come to the fore, as platforms for education make the most of modern technology. That’s not to say traditional means of education are about to be extinct, but academic institutions and businesses have identified that we can achieve plenty more through tech, such as smartphones and other internet-connected devices which can facilitate learning from any location.
Online learning platforms have become more diverse, so to learn a language, you can use language learning apps and online flashcards, and for younger ones, there are e-learning online classroom services as well. Additionally, there are coding platforms for schools as well.
When comparing the different online learning platforms, we looked at what operating systems they were available on (Android and iOS), the app interface, integration with third-party software, and the overall quality. We also assessed the pricing plans and what kind of users each learning platform would be best suited for, among other things.
Through digital means, learning is on tap. It doesn’t take long to find out a fact, or to develop a specific skill. The way training organizations and educators create courses is also dramatically changing. In this article, we’re looking at the best learning management software tools available right now.
If you're interested in what online courses have to offer, we've featured the best SQL courses, best HTML courses, and best Python courses.
We've also featured the best online courses for learning Word, Excel, and Javascript online.
Best online learning platforms of 2022 in full
Google Classroom offers a cloud based learning environment to enable remote education for learners from pre-K through the university level. We appreciate that it pulls together a number of Google tools, such as Google Meet, Google Drive and Google Docs all in one place to enable learning.
Teachers can put in assignments as all types of documents, including .doc and .pdfs, students get the notification, complete the assignment and submit it. Teachers then grade the assignment, keep a virtual gradebook and can provide classroom style lectures via the Google Meet function.
Google offers this via several tiers of features, but we can appreciate that the free tier is plenty powerful for budget conscious school districts. The platform is also cross platform to allow learners to function with it with whatever their device of choice is, including laptops, Chromebooks, and both smartphone platforms- although the Android one garners complaints from the users.
Read our full Google Classroom review.
Targeting the enterprise market, Docebo takes an AI approach to a learning platform with an impressive list of Fortune 500 companies that use its service. Incorporated under the Docebo Suite are multiple products to create content, deliver it, and also to measure the metrics of its impact. This style of product is well suited to onboarding, and retaining new employees.
There are some issues with the lack of support options as we would have liked to have seen some more direct choices, such as a direct phone number or a chat option. Also of concern is the completely opaque pricing as we could not even figure out the available tiers or options without direct company contact. However, users are sure to make good use of the robust interactions fostered by this service via the ‘Docebo Community,’ although this gets negated by the clunky, and low rated smartphone apps on both the Android and iOS platforms.
Read our full Docebo review.
Adobe Captivate is a professional platform for creating learning content. This can be incorporated from a variety of sources, including images that this software can edit, screen captures that can be done automatically, and by importing PowerPoint presentations.
We are impressed with the support for VR projects, and users are sure to like the choice of acquisition options along with its use of templates to streamline project production, and provide consistency. Users do have issues with the stability of the app, the limited options for direct support and the cancellation fee for the monthly plan will undoubtedly irk some out there.
Quibbles aside, Adobe Captivate is a mature piece of software that has endured with good reason, and is well worth a closer look via the 30-day trial that is longer than most of its competitors.
Read our full Adobe Captivate review.
Blackboard Learn is a learning platform that is used for learners of all levels from pre-K to university and beyond such as in government and industry. It has some shortcomings such as the opaque pricing, the limited direct support options and the multiple bugs that users report in the apps, especially the Android version.
Balance that against the integrated tools that some competing solutions charge for, such as a plagiarism checker to check student assignments against. Also factor in the accessibility tool to be ADA compliant, and the other items to foster communication between students and professors, and the tracker to keep students on track with submitting their assignments. Additionally, the 30-day trial is longer than most others, and the iOS app is highly rated, so organizations that need a full fledged solution will see quickly why this learning platform enjoys its popularity.
Read our full Blackboard Learn review.
For those that are looking for some upfront pricing, Acorn LMS- unlike some of its competition- answers that need. Rather than keeping potential users in the dark, Acorn LMS is upfront offering both a tier without content and another with content The company also offers a flat fee for the first 100 users and an additional student fee for each user thereafter.
Beyond that, this platform has a number of strengths that impress us, such as the ability to make individualized student pathways via LinkedIn Learning content, the white label approach to foster customization of the site for consistent branding at an organization, and support for multiple tendencies allowing an administrator to easily manage multiple acorn LMS accounts via a single set of sign on credentials.
While nothing is perfect, and we should point out the lack of an Android app in the Google Play Store, the dearth of user reviews, and that there are no advanced support options such as a forum or a FAQ, overall it is an attractive package worth the 60-day free trial.
Read our full Acorn LMS review.
While commercial software has its place, sometimes it is truly impressive what an open source project can achieve, such as in the case of Moodle LMS. This open source learning platform can be downloaded and used for free. While direct support is lacking (although an organization can engage one of 80 Certified Service Providers to remedy that deficit), there is still plenty here, including documentation such as guides on how to use this platform.
Learners and teachers are sure to like the expansive feature set, such as interaction with multiple choice questions in the content, an integrated text editor, and support for 3rd party cloud storage providers, such as DropBox to submit assignments. It is also multi-language capable, and supports open standards such as SCORM.
We also like that teachers can make comments on assignments, and the integrated all-in-one calendar. With so many features, it may be open source, but it hardly will feel like it, which explains why it has over 200 million users.
Read our full Moodle LMS review.
Thinkific is an online platform that has enjoyed meteoritic success as a relative newcomer to this space. It has useful functions, such as the ability for educators to build a website, and templates are provided to facilitate this for newcomers.
We also like that this platform can be used to issue certificates of completion. It is used worldwide, and can accept payments from learners signing up for courses from over 100 countries.
Some omissions, such as the lack of a direct phone number or email for support, and no smartphone apps for either Android or iOS show the immaturity of the platform. We also wanted to see more user reviews than what we found online. However, with a choice of tiers starting with a free one, and a track record that has already earned its experts over $650 million dollars, it is seriously hard to dispute.
Read our full Thinkific LMS review.
The Absorb LMS is a learning platform that focuses on business. It is also especially adept at social aspects, as it can easily integrate with corporate social media accounts.
We also like the social focus that continues on to allow learners to create social accounts on the platform. This then allows them to virtually interact with the other learners, and also display the awards and certificates that they accumulate for completed content. We also appreciate that certificates can be custom created, to be either downloaded or printed. However, some aspects frustrated us, such as the learning community that is not running yet, the opaque and ultimately high pricing, and the buggy smartphone apps on both the iOS and Android platforms that have users commenting they would be better off accessing content on a computer.
Read our full Absorb LMS review.
360Learning meets the challenge head on of streamlining the task of project creation. Users are sure to benefit from the integrated tools such as the video editor, the included templates that are branded as ‘Cheat Sheets,’ and the option to include ten different types of questions to test learners.
We also appreciate the free 30-day trial without credit card info, and the choice of tiered plans. However, we were less impressed that there are few options for direct contact, with some features reserved for the top plan (like support for course attachments), and that the Android app has a significantly lower rating than the iOS version. We also like the ‘Collaborative Authoring’ approach that lets even inexperienced users create a course in minutes, rather than months.
Read our full 360Learning review here.
The Canvas LMS is used by top institutions worldwide, and it can boast it has over 6 million users with an over 90% satisfaction rate. Users are sure to be impressed that it integrates well with popular apps that students use, such as those from Adobe, Google Workspace and Microsoft Teams.
We also like the robust community forum, with thorough answers for common user issues, and the multiple communication options covering the spectrum from messaging (individually and as a group), to audio, and video. Some areas we would like to see improved would be support for gamification, and some transparency in the pricing. Teachers will also be pleased to see the support for automated grading via integration with SpeedGrader. While the opaque pricing is frustrating, we appreciate both the free 30 day trial, and also the lowest ‘Teacher Tier’ plan that is free long term for both teachers and students to allow for education of all.
Read our full Canvas LMS review.
What is an online learning platform?
Which online learning platforms are best for you?
When deciding which of the best online learning platforms to use, first consider what level of competency you are currently at. If you've not used a LMS or VLE before then it would definitely be recommended to start with the lower end platforms, so you won't be overwhelmed by the number of options that enterprises need but smaller players usually don't. These will help introduce you to the basics you'll need before you cover more advanced tools. However, if you already have a strong IT background and a lot of experience using a range of different software platforms already, or have even used a LMS or VLE yourself as a student, then feel free to try your hand with the more advanced courses.
How we tested the best online learning platforms
There are plenty of choices in the online learning management software area, so there is sure to be one well suited for each organization.
A major differentiator is price. Some LMS’ are available for free, or have a low cost entry tier. Others offer more features, but at a higher price point. Pricing models are also different with some providers charging only by each student, while others having the price based on the plan, and then a lower additional cost for each additional learner.
Another feature to look for are the mobile apps. Especially younger learners value these apps so that a learner can engage in education from anywhere, at any time. Be sure that the apps are available for both of the mobile platforms- Android and iOS. Also, check the ratings of the apps in their respective stores, as just because an app is available it may not be a great one with some low rated, glitchy ones out there.
See how we test, rate, and review products on TechRadar.
Online learning platforms vs Learning Management Systems
Both a learning platform, and a learning management system have the commonality to offer an environment for learning- but they are not the same. They are both useful pieces of tech to assist teachers and students for the management of learning.
A learning management system (LMS) is a software based app that facilitates a user making, designing and delivering their own self created course content. It can use either, or even both a website, or a mobile app for the creation and delivery of this content. LMS’ tend to have a larger feature set to collaborate between teachers and students, and greater support to share files. A good example of an LMS is Blackboard.
Alternately, an online learning platform is a web based learning platform for a user to both design the online course, and then deliver this content to the audience of students. With an online learning platform there is the option for the creation of the content by the educator, but it can also incorporate previously created content. Online learning platforms focus more on the hosting of the education, with more basic tools for adding content. An example of an online learning platform is Adobe Captivate.
Online learning platform vs online course websites
There are plenty of ways to receive education online these days. This can include anything from casual content, such as an educational YouTube Video, to more structured online education such as a series of videos, and in some cases supplemental content in the form of text or a downloadable PDF. While there are many websites to educate and impart content, they are not all online learning platforms.
An online learning platform goes beyond what an online course website offers, with additional content to support the education. While it will incorporate the elements of an online course website, it will include additional tools, which will all be combined into a single platform. These tools can be communication methods such as live video or messaging, the opportunity to have assignments, and a record of certificates of completed courses. Overall, an online learning platform provides content that will be more in depth, and organized in a more formal environment to promote greater learning.
Open source vs free vs paid online learning platforms
Learning platforms can be divided into three different categories based on the pricing model.
The first is free, which has the benefit of no cost. There are both services that offer this at no cost, or ones that have a free tier, with reduced features, that then hope to upsell the service to a paid tier, and use the free offering as a gateway to getting a paying customer. A downside of these free offerings is that the support tends to be minimal to nonexistent, such as only via an online community board.
Open source is another nice option for a learning management system. In this model the software is distributed for no cost. This can allow an organization to then run this off of its own server. However, there are still costs to doing this, and then this must be supported internally. Another downside is that then the software may not be as updated as frequently, exposing it to security vulnerabilities.
The final option is a paid offering. While this does have an upfront cost, and in most cases for each additional learner, it does have plenty of advantages. This includes that the provider can host the software as a cloud service, requiring no in house personnel to provide support. Also, there may be options for phone support, and also more features.
Is Zoom an online learning platform?
Made popular by the pandemic with remote meetings becoming commonplace, Zoom is a video communications platform. Other popular choices in this category are GoToMeeting, and Google Meet. Zoom and other video communication apps are used for online audio and video meetings for business, casual and educational use. Each also supports additional content to support the virtual meeting, such as sharing screens, or chat within the app.
However, Zoom is not specifically an online learning platform. While it can certainly be used to support education, it has no way to provide assignments, grade them, or do quizzes for example. As an online learning platform it falls pretty short, with plenty of better options out there. Also, many of the better online learning platforms offer video chatting within the platform so Zoom as a standalone is not needed as the functionality is already incorporated in.
What are the pros and cons of an online learning platform?
There are plenty of pros for an online platform. This includes the instant availability of the education, and that learners are not limited by geography and can attend class anywhere- even from the comfort of home. The learning is also self-paced, as it can accommodate a variety of learning styles and learner needs as it is more flexible. There is also the benefit that learners don’t need to commute to the school reducing the cost and burden of education, which can also be a time saving benefit as well.
While there are certainly benefits, there are some downsides as well. Some students may prefer face to face learning with a teacher directly in front of them, that an online learning platform lacks. Also with no physical school to attend, there is less of a structured learning environment, which some learners may do better with. Furthermore, there is less or even no camaraderie between learners than at a physical school, which can all be part of the total educational experience, and is a missing component with an online learning platform.
What are the essential features of an online learning platform?
When choosing an online learning platform for your organization, be sure the choice is a good one. Here are some essential features to look for:
- Scalability: Nobody wants to outgrow their platform too soon, and have to transition to another one. Therefore, look for scalability that can grow as you need it to.
- Mobile presence: Today’s learners want to be able to learn when on the move. Therefore, look for an online learning platform that has well rated apps for both the iOS and Android platforms, that are highly rated.
- Tools for authoring: A flexible platform allows for content creation that is easy to use. This can include tools for text editing, and also video capture and editing from within the platform to streamline production.
- Easy to use interface: Nobody likes to use a clunky interface, so look for an easy one to use, that is well presented, and won’t distract or overwhelm users.
- Robust support: When the inevitable issues of a platform come up, users are going to need some help. Look for a platform that offers a variety of support choices, including options for direct support such as a direct email and phone number.
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cath
I was thrilled to win tickets to this and it didn't disappoint... it was absolutely amazing!! fantastic night. saw Coldplay too at Isle of Wight festival and loved them ever since. People who say they're 'depressing' should see the energy in one of their live performances
Willy B
no doubt coldplay are one of the greatests bands ever, trouble was absolutly epic and a wonderful take on God put a smile, i thought it was a new track!! please dont take it off tonight, i cant stop listening to it
stuart starr
yet another totally awesome live show by the band who keep on breaking the bounderies. who knows where they are going next. cant wait too find out though. loving coldpay from the 1st album, every song means something to everyone
Rob Kemp
So very good. Caught it Monday night before it went forever. Thank you BBC.
Catherine Hutchinson
Unbelievable! I cannot wait until they grace Belfast with their presence.Saw them play in LA Forum. Unforgetable.Chris's has had a bap chop.
Paul Woolley
Weren't the audience a bit muted? When Coldplay started playing "Trouble" there was only a slight ripple of applause! I think I'd have been a bit more appreciative if I was lucky enough to have been there. I think that sometimes people think that if something's popular, it's not as good as if it's a bit obscure, but these guys write sings that are popular, and will stand the test of time.
Jemma
Brilliant! Thanks Radio 2. Great performance of Trouble and it was great to hear some of the new songs live. More please!
connor
they have great songs whish i wrote them !!!!!ther a cool band
Steve
Great, haven't bought the album ye, but I will now, particularly liked 42.
kevin taylor
amazing
Billyboyo
They are a truly great band imo- always evolving without letting their standards drop. latest album as fresh and exciting as first, with standout tracks forming the majority
Josh
Coldplay are fantastic, and the way they write their music is second to none. They are an awesome group who function so well together.
61 year old fan
Sitting in my office pretending to work and have been playing this over and over.
Carraway
Watched 3/4 of concert - fabulous -then iplayer only played in 30 second snatches really irriating but Band Absolutely Fantastic
pinokaran
PLEASE EXTEND THIS LIVE PROGRAM!!Today is Monday 8 Sep.! I had already listend this program 5 or 6 times!!!I miss this live and COLD PLAY! This set list is amazing and great! LOVE Chris and BBC2,Thanks for giving such a lovely presents!!
Phil
DVD for sale Please
sheila williams
Can't believe I nearly missed seeing the video. It was great to see folks my age in the audience (I'm a nana) enjoying themselves. Boys you just can do no wrongxxx. You've made a sad week smile.CHEERS LOVE YOU COLDPLAY.
Paul Curry
Absolutely stunning vibes,i was feeling depressed but watching this concert online lifted my spirits no end,they should be on prescription throw away the valium!
Daniela
Watch it all...it s great thank u Radio 2.What a great gig...almost like being in there!I love them...
Gary Irving
Great Band no doubt but u2 are the champions of the world still ...
samshepcap
Wow that was awesome, i have listened to it three times already!!!!!11
Pilgrim Patton
My laptop's rubbish, so could only get bits of it (plus there's a rubbish signal here). From what i saw - ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!! Can't wait to see them - i've got FRONT ROW tickets for me & my girlfriend at this year's Belfast gig...& i just got my NEW tattoo yesterday: "COLDPLAY", on the underside of my right forearm. The 'O' of 'COLD' is the album cover from 'Parachutes, & the 'L' of 'PLAY' is the album cover from 'X&Y'. AND i'm getting my jacket tailor-made for the concert - just like Chris's 'VIVA-LA-VIDA' jacket....I LOVE COLDPLAY!!
Ed
Absolutley fantastic the best band in the world by far,
Susie from the North-East : )
I love coldplay!!! I can now play Viva La Vida on the piano :) Please leave them on for a few more daysMY INSPIRATION!!!!!!!!!! xxx
Jo pepper
well i cant wait to see coldplay in december in belfast , both me and my boyfriend are big fans more him than me tho
Terri Morris
Coldplay are just plain brillaint - I don't know why I never got to hear about this before it was on - just as well I am going to see them twice at the O2 in December!!!!
Nettie
Thanks again Radio 2! Please PLEASE put this on BBC HD channel. I shall be eternally grateful... :)
Ian Noble
Wow! Coldplay are simply amazing - applied for tickets for this gig but was unlucky! Do have tickets for O2 in Dec though and can't wait! They were great on the X&Y tour but this promises even more!
Eloise
Fantastic as usual!!! Oh, and Mr (or Mrs) BBC - please can we have this available to download? PLEEEEEEEEEEASE? =]XXX
P-ta Marchant
Brilliant band, but they're pretty sketchy live ent they lol xx
george
Failed to get tickets..............thanks for this. Just great.
Aaron
Coldplay are just fantastic and this is a perfect example of them at their best, well done lads!
crazyartlady
These guys just keep getting better and better!!
Jim McEwan
My wife and I were on the back row of the theatre but they were still so close! Great entertainment. I haven't stopped playing the album since I bought it in the middle of July. Thank-you Coldplay and Radio 2.
David Barnes
Simply AWESOME. Well done Radio 2!
Fi T
This was a great taster before I see them live for the first time in December. Chris Martin is a great showman, but I miss his curly hair!
martin sensecall
superb!!
Carl
They're good in their own right, but they're not U2 - and shouldn't be compared to them.
Ali
The bits that I've seen look and sound great - but unfortunately the I-Player is not playing fair!Can't watch the show in its entirity and can't access some of the individual songs. Sort it out, BBC, time is running out!
John
Only one word for it "AWESOME"
Hollie
I love it! They're amaaaazing :-) I can't wait to see them in December!!!
sue
brilliant fantastic love to see them live but can never get ticket
Anne Ishikawa
I loved it how cool are coldplay? ?????
Carol Forrest
Coldplay are just brilliant and they are even better live. They were obviouly enjoying themselves as much as their audience in this special gig. I cannot wait to see them in Birmingham in December. Viva La Coldplay!
Toddy
I'm an aging rock 'n' roller and it's taken me some time to get into Coldplay's music. My son and daughter tell me they are really good. Got to say having watched the video and listened to this selection of live music I now know what all the fuss is about. Excellent band and great music. Will be buying their latest CD!!!
Helen
LOVE IT!!!!! so brilliant! Coldplay are the best and that's that ( i'm talking to you Richard! kuh). Wish they had done Fix you, it would have been fab!
Alex Macrae
Has really wetted the appetite for the forthcoming concert in December
Nat
Why can't I get enough of Coldplay, oh yeah, because they rock! Once again, Coldplay have done it again. This needs to be on DVD!!! :)
Emmy
Coldplay are AMAZING!!I want to see them live sooooooo bad!!I love them!! and the new album is immense!!
Margaret
Just watched the video - fantastic, what great guys Coldplay are! Only wished I could have got tickets what a brilliant, intimate concert and their sound soooooo good.
Matt Higgins
I love this intro, I would love to go and see them one day.
johny murphy
magical,sick of hearing comparisons to u2,this band are musically and lyrically brilliant in there own right,and have there own style and balance of music which in my opinion doesnt copy or imitate any other band,just superb,roll on december in manchester....
Stephen Pendleton
A truely amazing concert!! I wish i had been there!!
W.Saelan
this is just fantastic...!!!!
Darren
Thanks Radio 2. Fantastic intimate gig. Goosebumps in Viva when they all sung with Chris...."woah oh oh"!!! Couldn't get tickets to the O2 so please release this on DVD/CD it would be amazing. PS Coldplay are on par to becoming as great as U2.
Gavin Conway
What an Awesome band!! NIce to see Coldplay back in the UK!!PLEASE, PLEASE CAN THE BEEB RELEASE THIS GIG ON DVD?
phil
Fantastic. Now watching concert for a third time on-line.
Adele
SIMPLY THE BEST
April
Fantastic, what a good concert and superb group, more more more
Paul Strange
What great way to wake up on a sunday morning, Coldplay brilliant.
Lesley Wood
Brilliant I just love their sound only band I would ever see live and thanks to my daughter will see them in Birmingham in December. Can't wait. Thanks for the taster.
Anne Montgomery
brilliant seems such a small word in comparison to the talent that is Coldplay
Gareth
Great concert
alex
what an amazing concert , life in technicolour was outstanding best version of their song so far
Spider Warr
Brilliant....Wish I could a copy for ever....Coldplay are just great live....Just like U2 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rob Carthy
Chris Martin seems to be morphing into Annie Lennox. Are they ever seen together in the same room?
Seán (Belfast)
Love Coldplay they are by far one of the most recognizable and unique bands on the planet going to see them in December and its my first time. I cant flippin wait. Viva La Coldplay.
STEFAN SPHIKAS
very good. we would of love to be there. maybe next time,
toffistikasion
Is it my imagine that unless you have adobe flash player . You can not watch the BBC on my iphone ps you can not even go to coldplays own website for the same reason !!! I hope they sounded good !!!!!
Gazzauk63
The best of British music ever, will there ever be a better band? See you In Paris Guys
Hus
brilliant it is the real music…
peter
that version of the hardest part was superb....x and y was very underated by the media.. granted...a rush of blood to the head was brill, and viva is exellent..but x & y is just as good
karen
best band everhelp all tickets sold out 4 concerts in uk.
Paul
Brilliant should be on dvd,hope you broadcast it again on radio
David
Chris needs to work on his singing, I love Coldplay but they are fantasticaly overated, this gig proves it!
Pete
Cool dudes!.. loved it.
mykel
awesome...lost is a cracker
Al.
All downhill after Rush of Blood folks ......
Ashley Michael Byrne
Fabulous..... !! I just fell in love with Coldplay..... All over again. :-) .... Viva la Vida grows on me, & is never gonna be a 'Trouble' to hear, Just a delight for my ear. .... Ash in Bristol.
Andy Ipswich
As Tel would say..."MORE BBC..."
Mandy who would like to be in the Strawberry Swing
Coldplay at their best in a small venue. Hope it translates to the O2 in Decmeber - looking forward to it!!!
david fudge
i cant beliv i havent got tickets for december :(
Catherine Hawksworth
Chris Martin - Coldplay - You ROCK ! Thank you Radio 2, what a wonderful gift, we watched this after putting our 5 month old daughter to bed and we feel youthful again hurray! Our heartfelt thanks.
Kevan Booles
as an ex pat living in greece is it not about time that we too can benefit from watching and listening events like this.a frustrated fan!
jack
just amazing, best band in the world
Kevin
Great show!
Clive Stevens
Moving!!! wish I was`there
Garry
Quality service fab viewing dudes, more guitar based music please !!!!!
Tracey Bell
I gather you either get them or you don't. Thankfully I do, Brilliant!!! Old stuff and new have given me many a sense of feeling alive, many thanks :)
bev
brilliant as usual, please release it on cd and dvd, cant get enough coldplay !! see you in december in manchester xx
Kieran Ingham
Awesome!!!!
KERRO
Just fantastic-- what els can you say??
Claire Hudson
Absolutley amazing gig..wish i had been lucky and got tickets still only a few months to wait to see them on tour!looks like a lovely intimate venue and everyone was having fun.great dancing!
Mike Sexton
not impressed......trying the U2 mold again and the yanks are buying it......i'm not.a very very long from sell out worldwide stadium shows.
Kevin G
Coldplay are the business! BBC, make this video avaialble to buy please!?
Toni
Just loved it!
Jessy
words can't describe how amazing you guys really are!you're such a huge inspiration to me.i love you :)
VeaNN
I love coldplay but.. i'm from mexico and i can't watch this video.. :(
Lesley Hodgson
Absolutely Fantastic!!!!!Fist time I've listened / watched something like this on the net!I've listened to it 3 times and watched it once. Would be even better if you could obtain it as a podcast to keep and watch over a longer period than a week / 10 days. Still, it was darned good!
izzy
an awsome band love them...especially will!!!!
Kay Banham
Wow brillant, any chance of this coming out on DVD so that my Nephew can watch he is only 3 and a big fan thanks to me hahahah
Ben Gunn
Missed this, but was present at 'secret' gig for friends/family/label workers at Wembley Arena in June. Outstanding gig - you're going to love their full-size concerts in December!
Big Al in Leeds
Brillllllllllllllll - get it out on DVD asap please..................
ben
shame they didnt do talk. thats my favorate one.
Caz
Outstanding - as ever! Hugely disappointing that band are not visiting Newcastle this time around. Chris, if you are studying this then please, please, please include us on the next tour!
glen dawkins
awesome - all so talented in their own right -gotta be the biggest band in the world right now!
Ray
Some of Coldplays songs are the best since the eighties.
topladsteve
top banana!!!!
Sue A
I have been a huge fan for years and think 'Viva' is their best alnum to date. Fantastic gig - this should be released as a DVD!! Well done all. Wish I ahd been there.
Simon Tween
simply awesome
Claire
Absolutely awesome!!
Mark
Memorable,remarkable,inspirational.
mike
Saw them in Strasbourg in the weirdest stadium,They are at the top of there game..great
Michael Anderson
Brilliant, this band just gets better and better.I'm nearly sixty and I have seen only a handful of bands that can hold a candle to this unique group. Roll on December!
Geo
Thanks a lot Coldplay!
Keith Whelpton
The rest of the set was absoloutely amazing. But what have they done to god put a smile on your face??? Ruined that song!
Grace
VIVA LA VIDA!!! VIVA COLDPLAY!
Xavier
utterly brilliant.
Francis Mclean
Gr8 concert and backing track ! The guys are good and the new album is very good but come on 2 say their in the same league as U2.U2 are Champions League winners 4 the last 25 years1 Coldplay have just won their 1st Premiership title!!!!!
Kevin Mardle
I love Coldplay...but Chris Martin's yelps and high pitched squeals are bloody annoying! Amazing, amazing band though.
Gav
Like the new stuff live.....seems to have gone down really well.....gotta hand it to them!!!!
David Wall
Really looking forward to the gig in birmingham in December now .. I loved the hardest part
Chris James
They never cease to amaze me! They are so good live and I'm so looking forward to seeing them live at Birmingham NEC in December! Great concert!
Garet Keeing investigates
Great set, Great band
vince
once again coldplay lead the way with music, surely they have to be the best band in this country...for me no other group in the world can come close to coldplay, pure class......oasis nah...
Kaiser
Now I know BBC iPlayer is a good thing!
Dave Groves
Such a feeling on the music delivered that it makes me feel as good as I did when first hearing the Beatles!Colplay are outstanding. What a refreshing experience, a very very talented band!
Aaron
Love Coldplay, sounds a really good concert, can't wait to see them in December.
Jason
That Richard fella mustn't know much about music to say that U2 are bad, coldplay is also one of the best bands of the century. Different but very, very good. Now can anyone say U2 are a bad group!!!!
Dee
God, I love that Strawberry Swing song. Great to hear it live.
mike
@ teresa - 2359 is the time, not date!
Oliver Tilbury
So let me think.. An Andy Murray interview where he moans and groans.. or some REAL British talent singing his heart out!!
Mike
Brilliant songs but unfortunately he does not sing as strongly as i think he could do live.
ali
this man deserves a knighthood!!Coldplay are an amazing band!!! I cant wait to see them live at the NIA.Absolutly brilliantGO CHRIS!!!
zyan
Awesome wish i was there.
Neil Crespin
I think Viva la Vida is one of the best tracks of all time - i think the lyrics are stunning and the sound track invigorating. Looks like it was a brilliant gig.
Sam Ostler
AMAZING I WANT TO BE LIKE CHRIS MARTIAN
Modette
I don't get this band. They sounded as if they would break up any second. Chris must surely be one of the worst singers outthere. All pretty shallow stuff. Great the fans liked it but I'm just shaking my head in disbelief.
DBDB
OK...I think, and always have that Coldplay are as dull as dishwater. same as Keane.BUT! When I Ruled The World. Brilliant! Just Brilliant!!!.
Richard and Alison Spurrell
Watching this at home in Ivybridge Devon I could join the band on Piano .It was totally BRILLIANT !!!!!!!! SOUND AND VISION HIGHEST POSSIBLE MARKS TO THE BBC FOR THIS WEBCAST COLDPLAY ARE THE BEATLES FOR THE 21st CENTURYVIVA LA VIDA.THE Hardest Part was the end of the concert.By the way The official coldplay sheet music is SPOT ON..Key and Chord Wise.For one night only I was a member of THE BEST BAND IN THE WORLD !!!!!!!!!Thanks for the memory.
Mark
he looks much better ith a shaved head, im gonna do it now!
Graham McMillan-Cox
Truly superb concert. Yes, please release a DVD of this concert. It will make the band (and the Beeb!) a good deal of moola! Sadly, our Sky connection seems incapable of feeding more than 60 secs. of material before hiccuping and freezing for about 5 secs. 2 meg and we're all of of 400 m from the BT exchange. The wonders of technology. Note that Demon gives our mate; some 3 miles away from the same exchange, approx 3 mbs. Be warned and check the true offers from your potential isp!!!Graham
Les
Brilliant, must be released on DVD....please.Looking forward to Manchester in December.
Dockers
Saw them twice on the last Uk tour, but wanna see them again. The new stuff gets better with every listen, 'Death and all of his friends' just amazing. Stunning music. Just renewed my tv licience, money back already!!
Neville, Plymouth
Really don't rate the new album compared to X&Y...how does 'Viva la vida' make it to number one but not 'Speed of sound' ?! I know the stupid crazy frog was around then and the new album has had massive amounts of press and viva. was featured on an ipod advert, but COME ON! Still awesome gig, shoulve played more oldies in my opinion! Like Talk, White shadows, Fix You, Don't Panic, Spies, Shiver, Moses!Don't like the way when Chris Martin messes up he stops mid-song and re-sings/plays the part he screws up, should just carry on...
nuzhat hussain
i think coldplay are the best always were my favourite and always will be rock on !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!whoop whoop
chris tarn
man these used to be good, what happened?very average now.... :o(
Sara
absolutely fantastic! good preparation for the O2 gig im off to in Dec! cant wait even more now! Guy Berryman-very nice!
ria & her friends
we love them more than life.
Geoff
What can I say but BRILLIANT
KBI
Their customary bland selves.
steve johns
I am a huge fan of Coldplay and have seen them live 3 times. Why is this Concert available to UK only?! Im living in Abu Dhabi and I am GUTTED that I can't watch this! Please at the Beeb- see what you can do!
Frances
Just can't wait O2 15th December!!!!!!See you there
Ian
Great performance - even if the lead singer is out of tune - its amazing what recording studios can do
Syd
More of this please
Liz Johnson
Love it, love it, love it. Their music holds so many special memories for me. Goose bumps all the way.x
Tucka
absolutely fantastic, coldplay! They are impossibly brilliant! WOW!!
Ta-quan
Am a hiphop fan but i love cold play great gig
kenny
There's something about their music, touches something in the brain,the mood side, makes me feel happy - releases the endorphins. I get the same when I go running.
Kevin West
Thanks Radio 2 a great Concert - Coldplay seen at there musical BEST.
Rob Hanson
A definate YELLOW moment!!!Coldplay at thier best
Kerstin from Germany
Hello there,it's a disgrace, that this concert only in the UK is to be looked. Many people on the continent love Coldplay also!!!!Give us please a chance to see this gig also!PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lizzie
I saw Coldplay at One Big Sunday in Leicester years ago (before they were famous!), they were amazing then, they're awesome now. Would love to see them again.
Penny Chater
Yeah, not bad I suppose. Who am I kidding? They were brilliant as usual. Only wish I was seeing them in December. Just have to wait until the DVD comes out!
Ryan
Brilliant stuff - love em!
darren housewood
sublime
Brian the G
It's great. I really admire these guys, although I am not a Coldplay man. They are a band of genuine commitment to their music. This last album is a huge musical departure, not just for them but for modern 'pop' bands and it is a really great piece of work, so much more than a pop album. I think I hear a lot of Gabriel in it. I love the rawness of the performance, they have captured the spirit of the songs and brought something special of their live selves. Proper, real band.
Pete
What a talent!
Faith Edgington-Mole
Great gig! What ya gotta do to get tickets for these things! iPlayer's sweet! - the next best thing to being there!
jack
bad music.sorry guys
stella
absolutely fantastic, have watched it 5 times. Would sell a million if recorded. Going to Atlanta to see Coldplay in November cant wait - see my son too....Brilliant
john
simply the best brit group ever if not on the planet
Greg Moir
The greatest band ever!!! Can't wait till Dec!!!
jacqui
a brilliant rainy friday nights entertainment. you've come so far since my first coldplay gig at ulu in 1998.....
Alan
I had not of Coldplay until a few weeks ago! A brilliant, stunning gig! Viva Coldplay!
Giles
Great!!! Brilliant to see a real band that can write songs and play instruments!!!!!!
Tim Cooke
WOW!! these guys are the best! Can't wait for their next tour
Shaun s
this gig is amazin, the vid quality on the internet is bril, lovin the random gigs from coldplays tours, there gr8!!!!
Anthony Peter Crofts
Coldplay were introduced to me by my eldest Son, my favourites before were the big bands of the 70s era and before, viz; The Who, Genisis etc.I consider that they are also a product of this ERA and to me appear to have been influenced by them.Rather than plagerizing them!!
Steve Fulton
As usual brilliant well written and emotional songs.Well done Coldplay Keep it True and real'Ive seen Coldply twice at big venues ,wish i could have been in this small one -it looks like all the lucky ones had a very personel experiance
John Clarke
So nice to put pictures to the sound. Excellent thank you.
charlotte
i wos one of the lucky ones i shook chrises hand he and the band amazing
charlotte
coldplay you are the greatest band ever im so glad you formed a band and i love the gig off to see you in decmeber cant wait see ya then great new album the best yet =p
joshroyles
VERY GOOD!
ted knott
absolutely brilliant,Iam a young 62 but their music suits me,Chris Martin is a GENIUS! how I'd love to see Cold Play live.... Clocks,Yellow, In our place, Talk,Trouble,The Hardest part etc etc they are all great tracks-- THANK YOU THE MUSIC.........
Raquel
I am just listening to the concert. As I live in Spain it is not possible for me to see the video... What a pity.....I wish I could be here in Uk now to watch it.Is there any way to do it??Going to the concert tomorrow in Madrid, i can't wait!xx
Christine
Fantastic concert. Coldplay are the best. Thanks Radio 2.
Gary Murdoch
Awesome - Thankyou so much Radio 2. Why do people continue to knock or say this Band is overrated? They are a four piece british Band writing and playing their own music and giving it their all - '42'fantastic!
Gill
Thank goodness for the BBC! Thank you.
liz applegate
brilliant !!!! wish i was ther!!!! luv coldplay!!!!!
Mike Chorlton
Absolutely fantastic, cant wait to see them at the MEn in December. GET THIS RELEASED ON DVD, ITS TOO GOOD TO HIDE IN THE ARCHIVES!!!
Samantha
Absolutley Amazing!!!!!
Beverly - from Minnesota, USA
Please make this video available in the USThanks!
shergrouse@yahoo.co.uk
Wish I'd been there!!!
Tracy - Brighton
Have been away and was disappointed to have not been able to catch this on Saturday but was over the moon to be able to watch this today. Fantastic gig - can't wait to see you guys again at the O2 in December. The new album has really grown on me and look forward to the 5th album so soon after this one. Can't wait for more of this great music. Coldplay are the band for me!
Jonathan
Please please please please release this on DVD.
Sally
I continue to love their music and LOVE the new album - this intimate gig was so special and brilliant to watch! Thank you for the opportunity to view it online. I can't wait to see them in Glasgow in December! Can I add my name to the list to release it on DVD...Please!!
STS
Stunning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! can,t describe it.... MOre more more more
Sue
Gwyneth is SUCH a lucky lady!!!!!Great show, guys.
Blatch
superb
Alan H from Exmouth Devon
It should be showed on telly and not on the Red Button it was that good
angela & alanna
Was at the show and what a show.. absolutely amazing, coldplay are the best!
paul mc
top draw!
Patricia
Was lucky to win tickets to see Coldplay at Abbey Road a fantastic night, listened to Radio 2 on Saturday, was wishing I could have been there, it was awesome.
Len
Absolutely fantastic, this must be released on DVD. When will it be on BBC HD? This group just get better and better
Julia
Thanks bbc for giving me the opportunity to watch Coldplay live, their music sends me and i can only compare them with Genesis...Great stuff.
Simon
Coldplay are so clever with their music! They have the ability to captivate their fans with one note!!!
Anita
Oh yes!!!!!!!!!December in Manchester...Can't wait!Well Done lads, you remain amazing!
John Foster
As usual Coldplay deliver an utterly brilliant performance; its such a shame that these intimate gigs are so very exclusive.....I hope they're this good at the M.E.N Arena in December!!!!
John
This will so down as one of those great gigs. Just fantastic
Hernando
can´t wait to see them again... Viva Coldplay
Cinco
Love Yellow as always. Thanks Radio 2!
Derek Short
Fantastic gig, radio 2 delivers the things we all want to hear well done and thank you
Norman Morrison
This kind of material makes my TV licence "value for money"THANKS,BBC.
pj clitheroe
once again bbc shows how to record live I go back to the 60s and the beatles this is l[ve music at its best coldplay rule
Not Richard
Coldplay are not overrated (overated?) Richard. They are a great band who speak to and for millions of people.
Oli
Awesome! Please bring this out on CD!!!!!
olly martin
painful chris' voice is shot to bits
Stuart
Great concert really enjoyed it.I would love to see this released as a CD/DVD set.
Hannah in West Wales
It's such a perfect day... when Coldplay play!Thank you for letting me share the experience.
lee maxwell
Coldplay push all of the emotional buttons from envy to pure admiration. What talent.
Dave Brown
Superb.. i'm off to see the guys in Paris on Tuesday... i cannot wait!!!Superb gig!
Nick
thanks BBC for the two great coldplay concerts you've held recently! enjoyed watching them! and well done coldplay, you never cease to amaze me!
WENDY
AWESOME GIG,WATCHED IT 5 TIMES ALREADY
Richard gwyn Evans
Brilliant concert lads can not to see you live
KEVIN
How some people can call coldplay boring is beyond me. The best band in the world today
Phil Wilkinson
I'm coming up to 57 years of age (sorry guys! ) so I've cut my teeth, what are left, on Led Zep, Sabbath, Deep Purple, Free, etc,etc, but ever since Coldplay released 'Parachutes' I've been a Coldplay fan. They just seem to get better and better a..........
joe
coldplay are the best band in the world & are great live
jimbo makkaman
you are the best cp.. dont know what richard is on about.. my son and i think your sooooo underated .... we love ya , wish we could have been there. wish we could get tickets for the o2 :( gutted:(
Damian H
brilliant beyond words! these boys are classic they keep getting better and better. they are a talent beyond compare- long may you reign lads
Dawn
I have a very wide taste of music and listen to all but Cold play has its own sound and i feel content to listen to them always. they are excellent and will always excel, they have the true WOW factor for a band with great depth and meaning. i disagree with the opinon of richard on here, you can really loose yourself in thought with their records especially with the begining albums. which are my favourite... just please dont get over comercial and loose your roots and zinc to your musice. well done boys , good work!
nigel holloway
the first time i heard the new album strawberry swing was my favourite.... superb ! i look forward to their music as much as i did the Beatles !
gill
Wish I hadn't watched it because Chris looks so awful with that hairstyle. He used to be so gorgeous.
bretsky ;0)
Legends in their own lifetime, absolutely brilliant, thank you BBC.
jim childs
don,t think i can ever tire of these lads,absolutely fantastic
Theo Filipino
Amazing!!! Can't wait to see them in December in Liverpool.
nalina
think coldplay are great love them live
Tony McAleer
Coldplay i missed you don't ever leave again
john porter freelance cameraman
i would have paid you money to work on this fantastic looks good and sound better great service from the bbc
simon warnes
amazing - nothing but pure coldplay unbelieveable , magic cant wait till december and the o2 arena! MUST MAKE CONCERT ON TO DVD.JUSY AWESOME
P.B
thank you I just loved it wish I could have been there.
Arpineh
I wish....Iwish I was there!!!!!hope to have the opportunity to go to one of their concerts/gigs... fingers crossed!!!!THANKS COLDPLAY FOR BEING SO TALENTED!love x x x x
Dennis Le Marchand
U2 are brilliant but coldplay take it to another leavel fantastic music from musicians love the music
reg porter
coldplay at there very best please release this on dvd pure live music
Ted
A knockout!
john brady
best thing since slice bread
Pam Blackburn
Brilliant!!!!!! Can't wait until December in Sheffield
leigh dubbels,aberdeen
hey what a great gig.cant wait to see u guys in glasgow and manchester in december.ur the greatest band on the planet.nice one boys.xx
Danny
THE ALBUM OF 2008.... roll on december 12th....quality
Ted Knight
I'm an oldie (Bob Dylan is my man) but, at the age of 67 and recently having discovered Teddy Thompson, I have to say that Coldplay are magnificent. Yes, truly magnificent.
Marcus
Brilliant, cant wait until see them again at MEN in December. Please BBC/Coldplay release this on DVD.
SaM
OMG I LOVE YOU COLDPLAYthey SOUND EVEN BETTER THAN BEFORE!!!!
ian robinson
great gig what else can one say keep up the great music radio 2
sophie.
ahh! this is amazing. i can't to actually see them at the O2 :]chri's over 40 joke was legend. all th enew stuff is as as good as the old .wish i'd been there.
Mark Barrett
How can anyone possibly question the value for money the BBC provides. I'm gutted I didn't get tickets but soooooooo glas I was able to hear (and view) online.
bazza
just watched da radio 2 concert online , amazing stuff ! Coldplay just go from strength 2 strength .well done lads & thanx 2 da beeb .
Luis
Please can you put available this video around all the world Coldplay has never performer The Hardest Part Live before I need to see it
laura
i was lucky enough to win tickets to see Coldplay at Brixton in June, they were amazing, cant wait to see them again after wacthing this!
Benny
VERY GOOD,Brilliant,thanks to BBC Radio 2 for great gig Coldplay are the best band in the world today Viva La Vida One of the best album brilliant Chris Martin is amazing.I can not wait to see them live in december at O2 LONDONjust love this band and their sound fantastic. again Thank You very much BBC Radio 2 for share this gig video with all Coldplay fansgod bless all Coldplay Fans
harrison
absolutley brilliant fantastic
Carol French
Fantasic lads. Have been a huge fan since you first started and I saw you in Party in the Park in Australia. Your music and performances are sublime!! Really love your music.
Anne Phillips
Great! They just get better,Thanks Lads.
Graham D
Their quality is even more obvious liveCan't wait to see them in Manchester again this December
Annie
Fabulous, brilliant, lets have more live concerts from top bands.
lisa doel
I LOVE COLDPLAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!BRILLIANT,WHAT MORE CAN I SAY!
sam
I would BUY this.I would be going to see them if the tickets weren't 42 quid each! damn inflation!
Alfred Goodson
I see someone referring to them as the new U2....Dear me NO!!! U2 are grossly over-rated! Viva La Vida is definitely their best song yet. Well done lads. Love your music, even when Chris does not quite get the high notes, particularly when he is getting carried away!!
steffen
Uplifting - heart warming – beautiful music – great band - god bless
Anne Marie Forbes
Roll on glasgow, cannot wait!! "Look at the stars" xx
Jane Burns
Myself and my husband were fortunate enough to win tickets to the concert it was absolutely phenomenal, special and so enjoyable in such aan intimate venue I never want to go to a large satduim concert again UNFORGETTABLE thanks a million radio 2
Guy Perry
Fantastic great awesome!
Chree
I was there! It rocked! An absolutely amazing gig - an hour of pure genius and genuine talent. I have been to so many concerts over the years but this was just the most beautiful thing and the memories will go on and on... Thanks Guys and Radio2!
rock chick
FAB, can't wait for Birmingham in December!
Barney
It never ceases to amaze me how these guys can keep writing songs that feel like they've been part of your life forever....Amazing!
nick lawrence
great to see you rockin on home soil again...great gig,just wish i was there...
stephen wright
utterly brilliant, (lifes ambition to see coldplay before I die)up there with the best ever bands
jamie emmerson
listened live to the gig and i wanna know how the hell people manage to get tickets for these intimate gigs! i'm sooo jealous! i'm going to manchester on 11th dec so cant wait but my god! i would have chopped off a limb to have been at this one! pure genius! you lucky lucky people! a big thanks to radio 2 and of course to the best band in the world! CHRIS, JONNY,GUY AND WILL. SEE YOU IN DEC!
Kay
Amazing! Wish i could have been there. Death and all his friends gave me goose bumps whilst i was watching it. Viva La Diva is my absolute favourite. The December Tour will be fantastic! Well done guys. xxxxx
Peter Ward
Loving coldplay. Excellent gig. Thanks Radio 2
Simon
Awesome as always boys!
Scott
Rubbish, just rubbish. His voice is terrible in this performance. Chris should be a piano player only. Then they could get a decent singer!!
sarah
Brlliant beyond words!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tracy Abbott
Brilliant - love it!! PLEASE release this concert on DVD so I can get my daily fix!!
carol
Wow, that was goose bump stuff. Off to see them next week in Paris (twice!) I can't wait.
Adrian
Coldplay just great - better than ever!
Richard
Im not a fan of Coldplay I think they are very overated. I watched the video to try to be converted , but alas they are still overated. God they are awful. Nearly as bad as U2.
Fraser and Katherine
We absolutely adore 'Viva La Vida' - especially this live version ...... the best Coldplay song yet? :-)
Matt
Great concert lads, great line Chris "this song was written before most of you were in your 40's" Thanks Radio 2.
Ian Parkinson
The new U2
jess
fantastic, wish i'd been there!
Mike S
Fantastic Fantastic!!! Please Please Coldplay/Radio 2 release this gig on DVD/CD. A great gig and a great band.Thankyou very much Radio 2.
Dave Riding
Great to see Cold Play! Wish I had been there!
Spammy
Fantastic! Thanks Radio 2.More pleeeeease!!!!!
Sue P
Love Coldplay, they are absolutely brilliant. LOVE Clocks, even have this as my ringtone so I can hear them when my phone rings.Really lookin forward to seein them in concert later on this year. Hope Chris still has a voice then!!!!
Josh Payne
Amazing gig... i wish gutted as i didnt get tickets but still an awesome gig!
lee keeler
Every song is worth listening to at least three times. I whish I could have been there.
Anne
A brilliant mix of old and new favourites. Any chance the BBC will release the concert on DVD? Please?
Clare BC
Thanks so much Radio 2 for making this such a special night, I got tickets (yay!) and we got great seats. It was surreal to see them up so close and they were so good live. Very impressed by the whole night. Cheers!
david preston
simply superb
Ravi
Tremendous, words cannot describe how awesome, humble, normal these guys are!
jo hilton
Great gig!!! Chris was on such top form! Loved The Verve bit in 'Clocks'. Carn't wait until December!
charlotte ward
You lovely people. Thank you for such amazing music.
Carol from Leeds
Was having a bad day, then I watched the gig. It put a big smile on my face - as always. Love the new album. Brilliant, well done lads.
Alex
Cant wait too see them in December!!New album to come out too!!
Sarah Owens
Pure genius as always! Seen Coldplay a couple of times before - shame I didn't get tickets for this gig. New album is fab - possibly their best so far!!! Love you boys!! xx
Chris Doyle
Surely a gig of this importance should be shared with the masses on TV?
Chris
They sounded a bit out of practice to me like they were going to go wrong any minute.
Sue Williams
Brilliant - more of the same please
Anna Kaufman
Sadly I never got hold of a ticket to see Coldplay live, but just watched video from the BBC and loved every minute.Chris Martin is a brilant lead singer and soon as he sings, you just know you are listening to Coldplay.
TJ
best rock band wihout a doubt..no offence for u2 and the verve fans..but this is just pure quality..they are always quality..PS: loved the "Love is noise" at the end of clocks...simply magical..
Yvonne Fitzgerald
What a way to spend my day away from the office, thank you BBC for giving us the opportunity to see this concert. Never seen them live but from comments from other fans its something I must do! Brilliant
Mark Cooper
Loved the concert but do the audience have to clap along....where do they think they are Crackerjack?
tracy
WOW wot a great gig.bring it on COLDPLAY we want more.wish i had the chance to have been there,could not get tickets.Thank you BBC,
tim Wheeler
A fantastic gig
Dave Hobbs
At 61 years old i have been to many, many concerts this however was the every best I have ever seen, all credit to the BBC and Coldplay. Lets have more.
Derek A
WOW well done coldplay and the beeb fantastic
Jordan Boyd
i Love coldplay
Charles Newton
Excellent Concert. Coldplay are an excellent band with excellent music. The opportunity to watch it through the Radio 2 website was better than just been able to listen to the excellent concert which Coldplay did on Radio 1 to launch the Album
Les & B
We were two of the extremely fortunate people to have witnessed and taken part in a unique gig. Words cannot describe the electric and emotional atmosphere of being inside the small BBC theatre with another 200 very lucky people. It was a dream come true which I was able to share with the women of my dreams also, well done BBC and thanks a million COLDPLAY. Cheers Chris Evans, you’re the boy and thanks for the singed song-sheet Dermot. In the words from Strawberry Swing, “It’s such a perfect day”.
Hermione
Brilliant!! Can't wait to see them live in December!!
dave, jill &georgie
one word, TOPS
Mark should have won a ticket (not fair!)
best band ever! nettie how to you get to go to every gig, i see you everywhere?!
mummy
watch and listen to this!
Colin Cooke
Awesome as per usual, enough said!
Matt
Fab! Great work Coldplay and Radio 2! Hope Terry Wogan liked the shout out. Wishing for tickets for the next gig!
jh1
love it
Mirella P
Lucky enough to be there, 3 rows back, loved every single second. You are legends, Coldplay. Best night ever! Thank you Radio 2.
Brian Living
excellent who can say more.please lets have a repeat of their live concert on tv again.
Tania
Coldplay are a brilliant band, I feel so annoyed I couldn't be there. They seem to always provide a great atmosphere at every one of their concerts, and never let their fans down.
teresa
I was both amazed and delighted to see that the Coldplay Radio 2 gig will be available until 2359... even though I will be 400 years old on the 8th September of that year and probably my eyesight will be failing by then. Concert was great though and deserves to outlive us all!
Christopher Deyes
I wish I could of been there. I love their music.
Jack Regan
Brilliant! cannot wait to see you in December :D
pete
coldplay and radio two at there best
Maggie
Just watched on line, brilliant. Great hearing some of the older stuff aswell. Clocks and Viva La Vida my favourites, and Strawberry Swing and The Hardest Part and!!!!! Need I go on. Can't wait for Sheffield.
Simon Lang
This band can do no wrong in my eyes 4 fab albums Just keep it coming guys...
hudders
my mate bod reckons coldplay are rubbish, he knows nothing about quality music!
Matt
Amazing, The new album is really good, but soo are the classics
Sara Frankcom
Thankyou for such a brilliant gig. Modern technology is a wonderful thing. Love u Radio 2! xxx
American
Please make this view-able in the US!
Mig-El
Come on, why unly UK residents????? I'm from Mexico, I'm a huge fan, I wanna watch the videos please, don't be like that
nick
Great gig from a great band but i wonder how many BBC people were there in the audience?
George Rendall
Having seen coldplay both times at glastonburry and at the brighton centre I new we were in for a treat - best gig ever! Thanks to Coldplay,The BBC and especially my mate James Boman who won the tickets,sorry to his fiance but you are going to see them in Dec ! So glad they finished on Strawberry Swing brilliant !!
Tom
The end of Viva la Vida gives me goosebumps every time i watch it
Steve From Southampton
COLDPLAY Are Fantastic ! First Class Music !Everything They Do Turn`s To Gold !Long May They Continue !
Sally-Anne
What a wonderful tuneful lot Coldplay are. I really enjoyed their preformace. Thank you B.B.C.
Sean Reedman
Absolute quality as usual - wish I could have been there
Kitty
Just listened to the gig online (nope, didn't get tickets to go and yes, was sulking on saturday after tuning in to radio 2 and 6 music for the pre-gig interviews). Brilliant set list, a great rapor with the crowd, and musically so tight as a band (bar one or two bits). Amazing. Loved The Verve reference during the end of Clocks too. Made my day. xx
Smitts
Brilliant to see the guys back performing again. Chris Martin is so lovely! Only wish I'd been there to experience the atmosphere 'in the flesh'! Can't wait for the next tour! Don't listen to the critics - you guys rock!! Smitts xxx
sue mangan
cold play the best group ever sing from the heart.
paddy simms
thanks Beeb for a brill Gig as trying to get tickets to see the band are expensive and like Gold dust
CB
Everone and their mum loves Coldplay.
David
Amazing gig wish i could of been there i like the new god put a smile on your face it ounds different but its good
Vladimir from Belarus
Thank you BBC, thank you, my favourite band! Just a perfect play - Coldplay.
Annabelle Tipper
I wish I had been there but it was wonderful to be able to listen to the concert on the radio. I'm a huge Coldplay fan and it was my birthday on the day that the concert took place. I've been enjoying looking at the photos and listening to it all again. Thanks Radio 2!
Alex
Even though I didn't go, it's obvious how brillant Coldplay are. What a band!!!! First-class music, everyone would like more please!
Jane Moore
lucky winner of a pair of tickets to this gig - it was thee most amazing hour of music - thank you so much x x
veet
I really wanted to see it!
Nettie
Absolutely excellent coverage Radio 2. Thanks sooooooooo much! I will treasure this gig for the rest of my life...Luff yoo Coldplay!Nettie xox
Richard Bowden
Thank you BBC, and thank you Coldplay. We were in the 4th row, and it was just like the band were playing in my front room. The Hardest Part was simply brilliant, and I'm honoured to have taken part.
steve from manchester
This piece of music has to be Coldplay's finest hour. Viva la Vida is probably one of the best songs I have ever heard. Ever.
Andy Barwell
Wow, all the old songs still sound amazing, and new ones are genuinely awesome. A great musical journey - thanks BBC and thanks Coldplay!
Michelle and William
Go on Mum ring in, we might win some tickets! I did, we did and there we were on Saturday night singing along with Coldplay, and sooooo close too! Thank you Beeb. Thank you Coldplay! Unforgettable! A night to remember.
gazza
well good gig im definetly going too the o2 arena this year too see them brilliant wicked cant wait too see them and not watching them on the radio.
Mich
Wow. Awesome! I wish I was there.
Jan
Does it get any better....no...the are the best. Cant wait until Dec. Thanks Coldplay XX
Alex
didnt get a chance to see them on saturday :(great having it on the website so i can see what i missed out on!Violet hill is my fave but sounds much better on the cd...
Mick Conelly
Hey thank you bbc & coldplay for a great hour of brilliant entertainment i loved the gig cheersMicky bobs
Danny
Looks amazing, just a shame the sound recording on some of the songs is so poor!
Anthony Fairbank
A truely "one off" experience with the UK's top band. Awesome!! Thanks Radio 2.
libby and Pete
WHAT MORE CAN WE SAY OTHER THAN COLDPLAY ARE ABSOLUTLY AMASING! wE COULD LISTEN TO YOU GUYS FOR HOURS AND HOURS
Jacko
Brilliant
dave richardson
Fantastic wish i was there applied for tickets but faild now i am Lost
Martyn Addison-Smith
Total enjoyment what a talented group Thanks BBC2 and Coldplay - long may you play
steve scott
good but not as good as elvis ,68 comeback tour
Rev
the music i hear from Coldplay is the best i have ever heard
nelly orchard
i was one off the lucky ones to be at the gig was absolutly amazing seeing one off the best bands in the world at such a small venue was right at the front the band where amazing as all ways glad chris cut his hair for the gig also met dermot oleary who done a great job presenting well done coldplay and radio 2 thank you cant wait to see them in dec in birmingham may not be so close this time lol amazing
Martin Phillips
coldplay are my fav band
christine fisher.
coldplay always great, but the radio 2 gig beat all expectations, absolutely marvelous provide us more.
tom g
awsome!
Stu
Awesome....my favourite band by miles, brilliant album!
Carol
I am a latest convert to Coldplay. A great show. Why not put in on the TV as my broadband is not quite up to it!
Jonathan Ramsden
Amazing gig....so much looking forward to seeing then in December at Manchester...more please!!
Mark Bidgood
Coldplay were fantastic! Being so close the front meant the atmosphere was brilliant! Thank you ver much Radio 2 for allowing me to watch such a fantastic band!
Steve Corderoy
They rock, well up there with the U2s of this world!
Adam
Looked like an amazing gig! Saw them last in Marseille in 2005, hoping to catch them on their tour this year!!Truly brilliant to see live, so uplifting!
graham barton
hair tingling,just the best!
Kev Smith
Soooo wish I was at that gig!..Get the whole concert loaded up Radio 2...what's the hold up! ;-)
steve chard
good to see them back spot on.
Richard Small
Fantastic !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
joanne maw
fantastic concert cant wait to see em live at sheffield in december
Lesley and Mark
Thank you, thank you, thank you - what a fantastic experience. Couldn't wait to see the official photos and video reliving a very special hour which will stay with us for a very long time.
Jayne Dunstan
I was one of the lucky ones to be at Saturday’s concert. My partner rang in because he knows I’m a huge Coldplay fan. Awesome sounds so inadequate. The theatre was fantastic, the staff were lovely, Dermot was an absolute sweetie and the band just blew me away. My only regret is that I was too much of a lady to elbow everyone out of the way to get a front row seat and shake Chris Martin’s hand. I thought that the stunning diamond ring my partner bought me this time last year was the ultimate gift but after Saturday night it has lost just a hint of sparkle. Long live the BBC and Coldplay!
Cheryl & Neil Harrison
Just fantastic! - 3 rows from the front and loved every single minute. Still pinching ourselves that we were there and cant stop singing Viva La Vida. Awesome!!
paul chicken
I too was lucky to be there unbelievable cant get the music out of my head .Just wished in hindsight that I had pushed the pregnant lady over to get to the front.The Staff were superb many many thanks
Mary Pollock
So So So sad. Lucky to win tickets but could nt go,husband away. sounds so good.look forward to watching the whole gig later on this page.x
Nettie
It was the most intimate gig you could ever wish for! I was centimetres away from a very sweaty Chris Martin. What a dream gig. Thanks so much Coldplay! You nailed it!
Nick Short
I well wish i was there!I love coldplay sooooo much! It looked incredible! love coldplays music. I want MOREEEEE! :)hope to see them on tour...
Heather Adams
Fantastic stuff !!!
Susan Drake
fantastic
tony maloney
so overrated.
Steve Banks
I was lucky enough to be sitting (well standing actually)right in the middle of the front row. I'm still buzzing off the whole gig and was a fantastic one hour set. It was like Coldplay coming around to my place and setting up in my lounge - intimate wasn't theword! The 4 lads crammed as much as they could into it and all I can say is thank you Radio 2 (and Chris, Jonny, Will & Guy of course) for giving me and my son this once in a lifetime opportunity...and all it cost was my train ticket to London!!! An exquisite memory that I'll cherishfor the rest of my life.
Ben Taylor
I've havent been lucky enough to see a coldplay gig, but I listen to them so much. I love them! well done lads !!!!
Cheryl McKeown
Absolutely amazing, looking forward to Belfast.
Irene Mccready
What can I say?! Just luv em!
David Clark
Brill!!!
Wayne Mattocks
I attended Coldplay's Radio 2 gig. What an experience! I was on the front row, maybe a metre or so in front of Jonny. As Chris was describing the crowd for the Radio 2 audience, he described me as a fella with a nice head of hair. I just winked at him. Every track the band played sent shivers down my spine, I couldn't stop smilling/singing/clapping!! Thank you Radio 2 for this memorable experience.
LAURA & NEIL
We have seen the band before but we are both still on a high after this amazing gig, the set list was great and the atmosphere was wild. It was a real priviledge to see this band at such a intimate venue. Dermot O'Leary did a great job at presenting as usual. This is one we will never forget.
Richard
Loving it. More please!
CHARLES BARNETT
Hi I was one lucky person to be at the gig, It was awsome! such an exceptional experience. Made even more so for me as chris martin included me in describing what he saw to the listening public "theres a gentleman with the more streamlined look" refering to me personally and my lack of hair! The sound and atmosphere, were one I will never never forget. Well done coldplay! ! !
Are you the type of person who has a dressing room meltdown or who confidently struts in front of the mirror, putting on a fashion show for everyone else? Regardless of your shopping persona, your approach to style can be greatly influenced by your zodiac’s sun sign. In fact, three zodiac signs tend to be the most fashionable in the cosmos, and please don’t @ me until you’ve heard me out.
I know what you’re thinking: Seriously, only a select few are considered fashionable now? To be fair, each sign has a unique energy that has the potential to be reflected in their everyday style. For instance, Capricorns provide off let’s-get-down-to-business vibes, so their look may be more straightforward and neutral. On the other hand, Cancers are known to be very sentimental and likely value clothes that tell a story (they cherish a good heirloom, like their grandfather’s old cap or their mom’s favorite ring). Meanwhile, Scorpios are drawn to rich colors and most definitely know how to create a sexy look.
More from StyleCaster
We all have different values (hi, that’s why we’re unique)—and for some that means scoring the latest designer purse, while others love thrifting a unique pair of jeans, or creating an outfit perfectly mixed with different colors, patterns and textures. These aesthetically-driven individuals sure know how to make heads turn and jaws drop.
I’m not saying that all of the Zodiac signs aren’t capable of keeping up with the latest trends, but there are three placements in particular who are innately gifted with designing an outfit to be remembered for the ages. Peep them below, and let us know if you have a different take.
Click here to read the full article.
It’s no surprise that Leos adore being the center of attention, and what better way to steal the show than by wearing an extravagant fit? Let’s just say, individuals born between July 23 and August 22 are not afraid to wear statement pieces (read: funky makeup, sequins and bright colors—you get the picture).
Not convinced? Just look at fashion designers Coco Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Michael Kors. Models such as Cara Delvigene, Kylie Jenner, Karlie Kloss and Winnie Harlow are also Leos… and just so happen to be the epitome of fashion. Whether Leos are running errands at Target or sipping champagne at a glamorous event, they always know how to dress to impress. Even if their over-the-top style attracts jealous eyes and judgmental glares, Leos don’t care. The more people watching them shine, the better.
Born between September 23 and October 22, Libra is ruled by Venus, the planet that represents beauty and love. While I am not saying that Kim Kardashian, Bella Hadid and Gwyneth Paltrow owe their fashion sense to their Libra sun placements, it can’t be a coincidence, right? Chic and tasteful, Libras look like they could be on the cover of a magazine every day. You’ll never catch a Libra leaving their house in raggedy flip-flops or wearing their old high school sweatshirt in public.
While it may take them a few tries to perfect their outfit, Libras have an eye for design and in the end, get their look just right. Libras are thoughtful and intentional when getting dressed in the morning, a reason why they receive so many compliments throughout their days. Not to mention, they know how to plan their outfits ahead (how do they always have the perfect transition pieces to meet up with friends after work???). Unlike Leos, they aren’t over the top, but rest assured, Libras effortlessly know how to captivate a crowd.
Because Taurus is also ruled by Venus, people born between April 20 and May 20 deeply appreciate all the good things in life. Venus supports Taurus with regard to money and love, aka the reason Taurus’ will invest in designer and quality clothes. Even if it’s beyond their means, Taurus’ love the finer things in life and can’t resist adding new items to their closet regularly.
Luxury is their middle name and these bulls are always keeping up with the latest fashion trends. Similar to other facets of their life, Taurus’ won’t settle. They love timeless pieces and are drawn to quality, rather than quantity. But, don’t be fooled—this Earth sign also values comfort. Their style can be described as practical, yet refined. As a fixed sign, a Taurus likes to be consistent, yes even in the way they present themselves. Unlike their trendy Leo and Libra friends, a Taurus knows fashion can be comfortable (they prefer it this way!) and aren’t afraid to rock a comfortable sweatsuit.
Best of StyleCaster
Natural Gas Technical Analysis
Natural gas markets have gapped higher to kick off the trading week, pulled back to fill that gap, and then rose again. Ultimately, this is a market that continues to see a lot of noisy behavior, and quite frankly we had gotten so oversold that we needed this move. In fact, we may have a little bit further to go, but ultimately natural gas markets will continue to get hammered. This is because the United States is not going to be producing LNG for the European Union, and the EU has finally gotten it into its head that they need to find alternate sources of energy. (Take a look at the coal market to get an idea.)
If we can break down below the bottom of the candlestick for the Monday session, then I think we go lower to test the 200 Day EMA. This does not necessarily mean that you jump in with both feet, but I still think that this is going to be more or less a “fade the rallies” type of situation. Because of this, I think that the first signs of exhaustion in this market will continue to attract shorting opportunities. Because of this, I do think that we go much lower but we have fallen so hard in such a short amount of time a little bit of a bounce makes quite a bit of sense.
As things stand right now, the $5.34 is the “floor in the market”, and I would fully anticipate that we will eventually retest that area. If we can break down below there, then the market would fall apart but I think we’ve got some work to do before we make that attempt.
Natural Gas Price Forecast Video for 12.07.22
For a look at all of today’s economic events, check out our economic calendar.
This article was originally posted on FX Empire
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The best online learning platforms make it simple and easy for educators and trainers to manage online courses.
Learning Management Systems (LMS) and Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) have become increasingly common, especially due to the sweeping educational changes that became necessary due to the pandemic.
While face-to-face learning has a place, increasingly learning and courses are being conducted through digital channels. This can be both cheaper and easier to manage for businesses, and also for educators it translates to being able to reach people from a distance.
In a remote situation is where online learning platforms really come to the fore, as platforms for education make the most of modern technology. That’s not to say traditional means of education are about to be extinct, but academic institutions and businesses have identified that we can achieve plenty more through tech, such as smartphones and other internet-connected devices which can facilitate learning from any location.
Online learning platforms have become more diverse, so to learn a language, you can use language learning apps and online flashcards, and for younger ones, there are e-learning online classroom services as well. Additionally, there are coding platforms for schools as well.
When comparing the different online learning platforms, we looked at what operating systems they were available on (Android and iOS), the app interface, integration with third-party software, and the overall quality. We also assessed the pricing plans and what kind of users each learning platform would be best suited for, among other things.
Through digital means, learning is on tap. It doesn’t take long to find out a fact, or to develop a specific skill. The way training organizations and educators create courses is also dramatically changing. In this article, we’re looking at the best learning management software tools available right now.
If you're interested in what online courses have to offer, we've featured the best SQL courses, best HTML courses, and best Python courses.
We've also featured the best online courses for learning Word, Excel, and Javascript online.
Best online learning platforms of 2022 in full
Google Classroom offers a cloud based learning environment to enable remote education for learners from pre-K through the university level. We appreciate that it pulls together a number of Google tools, such as Google Meet, Google Drive and Google Docs all in one place to enable learning.
Teachers can put in assignments as all types of documents, including .doc and .pdfs, students get the notification, complete the assignment and submit it. Teachers then grade the assignment, keep a virtual gradebook and can provide classroom style lectures via the Google Meet function.
Google offers this via several tiers of features, but we can appreciate that the free tier is plenty powerful for budget conscious school districts. The platform is also cross platform to allow learners to function with it with whatever their device of choice is, including laptops, Chromebooks, and both smartphone platforms- although the Android one garners complaints from the users.
Read our full Google Classroom review.
Targeting the enterprise market, Docebo takes an AI approach to a learning platform with an impressive list of Fortune 500 companies that use its service. Incorporated under the Docebo Suite are multiple products to create content, deliver it, and also to measure the metrics of its impact. This style of product is well suited to onboarding, and retaining new employees.
There are some issues with the lack of support options as we would have liked to have seen some more direct choices, such as a direct phone number or a chat option. Also of concern is the completely opaque pricing as we could not even figure out the available tiers or options without direct company contact. However, users are sure to make good use of the robust interactions fostered by this service via the ‘Docebo Community,’ although this gets negated by the clunky, and low rated smartphone apps on both the Android and iOS platforms.
Read our full Docebo review.
Adobe Captivate is a professional platform for creating learning content. This can be incorporated from a variety of sources, including images that this software can edit, screen captures that can be done automatically, and by importing PowerPoint presentations.
We are impressed with the support for VR projects, and users are sure to like the choice of acquisition options along with its use of templates to streamline project production, and provide consistency. Users do have issues with the stability of the app, the limited options for direct support and the cancellation fee for the monthly plan will undoubtedly irk some out there.
Quibbles aside, Adobe Captivate is a mature piece of software that has endured with good reason, and is well worth a closer look via the 30-day trial that is longer than most of its competitors.
Read our full Adobe Captivate review.
Blackboard Learn is a learning platform that is used for learners of all levels from pre-K to university and beyond such as in government and industry. It has some shortcomings such as the opaque pricing, the limited direct support options and the multiple bugs that users report in the apps, especially the Android version.
Balance that against the integrated tools that some competing solutions charge for, such as a plagiarism checker to check student assignments against. Also factor in the accessibility tool to be ADA compliant, and the other items to foster communication between students and professors, and the tracker to keep students on track with submitting their assignments. Additionally, the 30-day trial is longer than most others, and the iOS app is highly rated, so organizations that need a full fledged solution will see quickly why this learning platform enjoys its popularity.
Read our full Blackboard Learn review.
For those that are looking for some upfront pricing, Acorn LMS- unlike some of its competition- answers that need. Rather than keeping potential users in the dark, Acorn LMS is upfront offering both a tier without content and another with content The company also offers a flat fee for the first 100 users and an additional student fee for each user thereafter.
Beyond that, this platform has a number of strengths that impress us, such as the ability to make individualized student pathways via LinkedIn Learning content, the white label approach to foster customization of the site for consistent branding at an organization, and support for multiple tendencies allowing an administrator to easily manage multiple acorn LMS accounts via a single set of sign on credentials.
While nothing is perfect, and we should point out the lack of an Android app in the Google Play Store, the dearth of user reviews, and that there are no advanced support options such as a forum or a FAQ, overall it is an attractive package worth the 60-day free trial.
Read our full Acorn LMS review.
While commercial software has its place, sometimes it is truly impressive what an open source project can achieve, such as in the case of Moodle LMS. This open source learning platform can be downloaded and used for free. While direct support is lacking (although an organization can engage one of 80 Certified Service Providers to remedy that deficit), there is still plenty here, including documentation such as guides on how to use this platform.
Learners and teachers are sure to like the expansive feature set, such as interaction with multiple choice questions in the content, an integrated text editor, and support for 3rd party cloud storage providers, such as DropBox to submit assignments. It is also multi-language capable, and supports open standards such as SCORM.
We also like that teachers can make comments on assignments, and the integrated all-in-one calendar. With so many features, it may be open source, but it hardly will feel like it, which explains why it has over 200 million users.
Read our full Moodle LMS review.
Thinkific is an online platform that has enjoyed meteoritic success as a relative newcomer to this space. It has useful functions, such as the ability for educators to build a website, and templates are provided to facilitate this for newcomers.
We also like that this platform can be used to issue certificates of completion. It is used worldwide, and can accept payments from learners signing up for courses from over 100 countries.
Some omissions, such as the lack of a direct phone number or email for support, and no smartphone apps for either Android or iOS show the immaturity of the platform. We also wanted to see more user reviews than what we found online. However, with a choice of tiers starting with a free one, and a track record that has already earned its experts over $650 million dollars, it is seriously hard to dispute.
Read our full Thinkific LMS review.
The Absorb LMS is a learning platform that focuses on business. It is also especially adept at social aspects, as it can easily integrate with corporate social media accounts.
We also like the social focus that continues on to allow learners to create social accounts on the platform. This then allows them to virtually interact with the other learners, and also display the awards and certificates that they accumulate for completed content. We also appreciate that certificates can be custom created, to be either downloaded or printed. However, some aspects frustrated us, such as the learning community that is not running yet, the opaque and ultimately high pricing, and the buggy smartphone apps on both the iOS and Android platforms that have users commenting they would be better off accessing content on a computer.
Read our full Absorb LMS review.
360Learning meets the challenge head on of streamlining the task of project creation. Users are sure to benefit from the integrated tools such as the video editor, the included templates that are branded as ‘Cheat Sheets,’ and the option to include ten different types of questions to test learners.
We also appreciate the free 30-day trial without credit card info, and the choice of tiered plans. However, we were less impressed that there are few options for direct contact, with some features reserved for the top plan (like support for course attachments), and that the Android app has a significantly lower rating than the iOS version. We also like the ‘Collaborative Authoring’ approach that lets even inexperienced users create a course in minutes, rather than months.
Read our full 360Learning review here.
The Canvas LMS is used by top institutions worldwide, and it can boast it has over 6 million users with an over 90% satisfaction rate. Users are sure to be impressed that it integrates well with popular apps that students use, such as those from Adobe, Google Workspace and Microsoft Teams.
We also like the robust community forum, with thorough answers for common user issues, and the multiple communication options covering the spectrum from messaging (individually and as a group), to audio, and video. Some areas we would like to see improved would be support for gamification, and some transparency in the pricing. Teachers will also be pleased to see the support for automated grading via integration with SpeedGrader. While the opaque pricing is frustrating, we appreciate both the free 30 day trial, and also the lowest ‘Teacher Tier’ plan that is free long term for both teachers and students to allow for education of all.
Read our full Canvas LMS review.
What is an online learning platform?
An online learning platform is designed to support a student’s learning. It is an online portal for education, and within it are multiple tools, all self-contained, to be a one stop resource for both students and teachers alike. Activities supported include lectures, assignments, quizzes, interactions between the teachers and learners as well as between the learners, and also the issuance of certificates. More advanced versions have features for course creation and to streamline the production and delivery of this content.
Which online learning platforms are best for you?
When deciding which of the best online learning platforms to use, first consider what level of competency you are currently at. If you've not used a LMS or VLE before then it would definitely be recommended to start with the lower end platforms, so you won't be overwhelmed by the number of options that enterprises need but smaller players usually don't. These will help introduce you to the basics you'll need before you cover more advanced tools. However, if you already have a strong IT background and a lot of experience using a range of different software platforms already, or have even used a LMS or VLE yourself as a student, then feel free to try your hand with the more advanced courses.
How we tested the best online learning platforms
There are plenty of choices in the online learning management software area, so there is sure to be one well suited for each organization.
A major differentiator is price. Some LMS’ are available for free, or have a low cost entry tier. Others offer more features, but at a higher price point. Pricing models are also different with some providers charging only by each student, while others having the price based on the plan, and then a lower additional cost for each additional learner.
Another feature to look for are the mobile apps. Especially younger learners value these apps so that a learner can engage in education from anywhere, at any time. Be sure that the apps are available for both of the mobile platforms- Android and iOS. Also, check the ratings of the apps in their respective stores, as just because an app is available it may not be a great one with some low rated, glitchy ones out there.
See how we test, rate, and review products on TechRadar.
Online learning platforms vs Learning Management Systems
Both a learning platform, and a learning management system have the commonality to offer an environment for learning- but they are not the same. They are both useful pieces of tech to assist teachers and students for the management of learning.
A learning management system (LMS) is a software based app that facilitates a user making, designing and delivering their own self created course content. It can use either, or even both a website, or a mobile app for the creation and delivery of this content. LMS’ tend to have a larger feature set to collaborate between teachers and students, and greater support to share files. A good example of an LMS is Blackboard.
Alternately, an online learning platform is a web based learning platform for a user to both design the online course, and then deliver this content to the audience of students. With an online learning platform there is the option for the creation of the content by the educator, but it can also incorporate previously created content. Online learning platforms focus more on the hosting of the education, with more basic tools for adding content. An example of an online learning platform is Adobe Captivate.
Online learning platform vs online course websites
There are plenty of ways to receive education online these days. This can include anything from casual content, such as an educational YouTube Video, to more structured online education such as a series of videos, and in some cases supplemental content in the form of text or a downloadable PDF. While there are many websites to educate and impart content, they are not all online learning platforms.
An online learning platform goes beyond what an online course website offers, with additional content to support the education. While it will incorporate the elements of an online course website, it will include additional tools, which will all be combined into a single platform. These tools can be communication methods such as live video or messaging, the opportunity to have assignments, and a record of certificates of completed courses. Overall, an online learning platform provides content that will be more in depth, and organized in a more formal environment to promote greater learning.
Open source vs free vs paid online learning platforms
Learning platforms can be divided into three different categories based on the pricing model.
The first is free, which has the benefit of no cost. There are both services that offer this at no cost, or ones that have a free tier, with reduced features, that then hope to upsell the service to a paid tier, and use the free offering as a gateway to getting a paying customer. A downside of these free offerings is that the support tends to be minimal to nonexistent, such as only via an online community board.
Open source is another nice option for a learning management system. In this model the software is distributed for no cost. This can allow an organization to then run this off of its own server. However, there are still costs to doing this, and then this must be supported internally. Another downside is that then the software may not be as updated as frequently, exposing it to security vulnerabilities.
The final option is a paid offering. While this does have an upfront cost, and in most cases for each additional learner, it does have plenty of advantages. This includes that the provider can host the software as a cloud service, requiring no in house personnel to provide support. Also, there may be options for phone support, and also more features.
Is Zoom an online learning platform?
Made popular by the pandemic with remote meetings becoming commonplace, Zoom is a video communications platform. Other popular choices in this category are GoToMeeting, and Google Meet. Zoom and other video communication apps are used for online audio and video meetings for business, casual and educational use. Each also supports additional content to support the virtual meeting, such as sharing screens, or chat within the app.
However, Zoom is not specifically an online learning platform. While it can certainly be used to support education, it has no way to provide assignments, grade them, or do quizzes for example. As an online learning platform it falls pretty short, with plenty of better options out there. Also, many of the better online learning platforms offer video chatting within the platform so Zoom as a standalone is not needed as the functionality is already incorporated in.
What are the pros and cons of an online learning platform?
There are plenty of pros for an online platform. This includes the instant availability of the education, and that learners are not limited by geography and can attend class anywhere- even from the comfort of home. The learning is also self-paced, as it can accommodate a variety of learning styles and learner needs as it is more flexible. There is also the benefit that learners don’t need to commute to the school reducing the cost and burden of education, which can also be a time saving benefit as well.
While there are certainly benefits, there are some downsides as well. Some students may prefer face to face learning with a teacher directly in front of them, that an online learning platform lacks. Also with no physical school to attend, there is less of a structured learning environment, which some learners may do better with. Furthermore, there is less or even no camaraderie between learners than at a physical school, which can all be part of the total educational experience, and is a missing component with an online learning platform.
What are the essential features of an online learning platform?
When choosing an online learning platform for your organization, be sure the choice is a good one. Here are some essential features to look for:
- Scalability: Nobody wants to outgrow their platform too soon, and have to transition to another one. Therefore, look for scalability that can grow as you need it to.
- Mobile presence: Today’s learners want to be able to learn when on the move. Therefore, look for an online learning platform that has well rated apps for both the iOS and Android platforms, that are highly rated.
- Tools for authoring: A flexible platform allows for content creation that is easy to use. This can include tools for text editing, and also video capture and editing from within the platform to streamline production.
- Easy to use interface: Nobody likes to use a clunky interface, so look for an easy one to use, that is well presented, and won’t distract or overwhelm users.
- Robust support: When the inevitable issues of a platform come up, users are going to need some help. Look for a platform that offers a variety of support choices, including options for direct support such as a direct email and phone number.
