A study conducted by Brandon Hall Group and reported by Forbes, suggests that eLearning takes 40% to 60% less employee time compared to traditional learning. This saving of time is one of the reasons why online training has become a norm in most leading corporates. A study by KPMG states that currently, around 90% of corporations use online learning compared to just 4% in 1995 — Guide2Research.
The above numbers signal a significant transformation when it comes to disseminating knowledge in your organization. In the modern era, adopting an eLearning platform is not a trend — it is a necessity. However, when it comes to picking the best eLearning platforms, you should note that the market offers a gamut of providers. So, how do you differentiate the one you need from the rest? Well, our step-by-step guide will help you in making the decision.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Pick the Best eLearning Platforms
Understand your requirements
First up, you must understand and refine your search criteria. What are your training goals and end objectives? Your goals should be tangible, specific, achievable, and defined by a fixed time frame. An ideal way to do so is to split up your business targets. For instance, a training objective can be — how to reduce inbound marketing certifications from one month to one week?
More comprehensive targets can be to introduce a new product to your employees or gauge your workforce’s knowledge about a specific technology. Once you have clearly defined your strategy requirements from an eLearning platform corporate learning, your search criteria become more focused and streamlined.
Finalize the features you need from your eLearning platform
The second step is to make a list of your LMS requirements. Different eLearning software arrives with additional features. So, you need to finalize the functions that fit your end goals. Do you want your learners to have a more interactive experience? In that case, you might want to check out a provider offering an eLearning platform embedded with gamified tools and multimedia vaults. Again, if you’re going to self-create and deliver a unique, company-specific training module, you might want to pick an eLearning platform that easily integrates with LCMS.
Research
Now that you have already defined your LMS features, the third step is to filter and narrow down your choices — limiting your final options to a few shortlisted solutions. The ideal way to move forward is to check for user ratings and reviews. The other alternative is to check if your required features are present in your chosen LMS.
Once you have cut down your vendor list to the last three to five names, check their reliability and experience. Check their website if it contains a knowledge bank like product documentation, how-to articles, and video tutorials. If yes, they are an authentic name in the market!
Test & Evaluate
Finally, if you have shortlisted a vendor, request them to give you a demo. A free trial allows you to check all the features of the eLearning platform. At this stage, you should also practically try some of the functions in a live scenario. Also, give a glance to the learning management system interface — it should be easy to use, without too many complications.
Yes! There you go! You only need a bit of forethought and research when you decide to pick an eLearning platform and corporate learning for your company. With the right approach, choosing the best eLearning platform is a breeze.
