Comparative Study of Online Distance Learning Platforms

Abstract

At Karaganda State University, the digital shift has been evident with the introduction of specialized online education platforms. This research embarked on a quantitative analysis to understand the nuances of these platforms, such as MOOC.kz, Edu.kz, BilimMedia, and Platonus, as well as to assess the rising trend of unconventional tools like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Skype in an academic setting. Though these social media platforms were not originally designed for educational contexts, their role in fostering efficient communication and collaboration among learners and educators cannot be underestimated. Through a side-by-side assessment of conventional online learning platforms and these emergent communication tools, this study offers an encompassing view of the e-learning ecosystem at Karaganda State University. The ambition is to elucidate the strengths, constraints, and distinct characteristics of each digital tool, empowering stakeholders in the educational sector to harness the full potential of online learning within the distinctive academic context of Kazakhstan.