How to Choose an eLearning Provider?

The current pandemic has impacted the people, organizations, countries and economies like no other health emergency in the near or distant past. Social and physical distancing, controlled lockdowns and curtailed staff strengths are some of the measures deployed to avoid transmission as we begin the unlocking process. For many corporates and businesses, work-from-home or remote working has become a new normal for employees.

In these times with curtailed operations, can organizations afford to put on hold the learning and development of their employees? Can organization delay joining and onboarding of new employees as there are travel restrictions? The resounding answer is NO.

Corporate eLearning platforms have become the technology of choice for HR and learning leaders to implement learning and development initiatives and keep the workforce updated. But how do you choose the right LMS and content development partner for your organization? Here is our shortlist based on our experience in the eLearning industry for past one decade. They are categorized around three core areas that you need to consider.

• 1. Multi-Device Access
  The end-user device landscape spread across multiple devices including desktop, laptops, mobiles, tablets, etc. The LMS provided should include seamless access across multiple devices and content portability on multiple operating systems.
• 2. LMS support for micro-learning, game-based, social, and blended learning
  With the new generation joining the workforce, their attention spans are getting shorter. Micro-learning allows creating byte size learning for easy consumption. Similarly, gamification and blended learning take the stress out of learning and add practical bits of offline learning. Also, the ability for learners messaging and notifications (Discussion board, blogs, chat etc.) improve the learning offtakes. Choose a provider whose LMS can support you to deliver micro-learning, game-based and blended learning.
• 3. Powerful Analytics
  Powerful reporting and advanced analytics are vital in measuring your training success. Your LMS should allow you to pull up clear reports that are easy to read, analyse and available via a dashboard. The reports should be made available through a Single Sign on(SSO) may be from multiple systems at the back end, all transparent to users.
  
  The LMS should be able to help you ascertain the ROI of training programs, assess your ROI. You’ll also get a taste into things working fine or needing improvements. For example, if the trends show that gamification is leading to faster completion of courses or high retention then the organization should invest in gamification. Advanced analytics allow users to customise the courses to their learners.
• 4. Content Management
  Easy content management is a must feature for any LMS. Consider an LMS that supports international eLearning standards, like SCORM. Also, look for easy portability of your existing training assets, and links to the content hosted outside the LMS. Ideal LMS should also provide the creation of different learning paths for different set of individuals.
• 5. Scalability
  The vendor must have the capability to scale the LMS when required.
• 6. Price alone shouldn’t be the only factor determining selection of vendor
  Learning is worth every dollar spent. But one must be able to justify the cost against the ROI of training investments. Look for a provider which can provide you with a solution without compromising on the capabilities and services. The vendor selection shouldn’t be based merely on absolute cost/price but the total value the vendor brings to the table in terms of quality of content, timely implementation, customisation, support during and after implementation.
• 7. End-to-End In-house capability for eLearning
  eLearning ecosystem consists of learning management systems (LMS), content development, end user support) and consulting providers. It’s a complex web of technology, content and pedagogy. The market is dominated by vendors who work in isolation in one of the pillars of eLearning. But the success of eLearning comes from a provider who has a unified approach to technology and content development expertise in-house for a seamless experience.
• 8. Experience of delivering eLearning projects successfully
  Experience is an important consideration in selecting the right provider. Look at their expertise and experience in the functional as well as industry-specific domains. Choose an eLearning provider who has successfully delivered projects across domains. Look at their website or client testimonials for references or ask for samples of past content created. It is observed in many cases that eLearning provider leaves the client high and dry midway through implementation or is unable to provide require support after the project is delivered. Thus, there is additional time and money spent.
• 9. Content Development Capability, ensure timely delivery even to meet tight deadlines.
  Content is the essence of any eLearning initiative. Look for a provider that has an in-house capability to deliver content in multiple formats including HTML, PPT, Flash, video-based, audio-based, scenario-based, game-based, and simulations and across multiple devices PC. Laptops, Tabs, Mobiles and platforms be it Windows, Android, IOs.
  
  Today’s learners are very enlightened and unless the content is interesting and interactive, it is difficult get them involved in learning. That is now a days, Game based learning though a little expensive, helps achieve learner outcome and thus turns out economical.
  
  It is important that your content development partner is able to meet tight deadlines e.g. for a quick product roll-out. Any delay in such a case will result in enormous loss to your Company.
• 10. Customisation, implementation, and post-deployment support
  One-size fits all types of solutions rarely see success in the market. Every organization is different, and they need customised solutions to fulfil their needs. Look for a provider who is ready to customise based on your requirements and provides both technical and admin support post-implementation to ensure eLearning success.

These are some of the main considerations one must consider before finalizing your next eLearning provider. Look for a partner who can work with you long-term, offers the flexibility of engagement models, and is invested in your success.

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Manish is the COO and Co-Founder of GurukulOnline Learning Solutions (GOLS), an eLearning provider with end-to-end in-house capabilities in terms of consulting, platform and content development. GOLS is disrupting and creating waves in the eLearning industry both from corporate and educational institute focussed learning solutions. He is accredited with 100% successful project delivery and has helped clients win many prestigious awards for innovative eLearning solutions.

Manish has over 27 years of in business leadership, operations, finance, and strategy and is an acknowledged authority on eLearning having worked in this field for the last 15 years.

If you liked what you read, please do share in your network. You can follow my articles on LinkedIn and subscribe to our blog.

---

Manish is the COO and Co-Founder of GurukulOnline Learning Solutions (GOLS), an eLearning provider with end-to-end in-house capabilities in terms of consulting, platform and content development. GOLS is disrupting and creating waves in the eLearning industry both from corporate and educational institute focussed learning solutions. He is accredited with 100% successful project delivery and has helped clients win many prestigious awards for innovative eLearning solutions.

Manish has over 27 years of in business leadership, operations, finance, and strategy and is an acknowledged authority on eLearning having worked in this field for the last 15 years.