Step 2: Find the right eLearning provider

Content

1. Which tool fits my need?
2. Choose the right (eLearning) software
3. What makes a good eLearning provider?

1. Which tool fits my need?

Project management software, learning management system, social intranet, training program, talent management platform – tools tend to be a dime a dozen. That’s why it’s all the more important for you to know exactly which solution approach best suits your project.

To do this, define your strategy in advance, as described in the step Implement eLearning successfully. Which challenges should the selected tool make easier for you? Which processes should be mapped with the software? How do you want to reach your target groups?

2. Choose the right (eLearning) software

In order to be able to select the right (eLearning) software, we now go in-depth further. Define your requirements in more detail based on your goals.

Tip: Involve the works council in the process right from the start, for example to protect the data protection rights of your employees. This will ensure that no obstacles are placed in your way shortly before the contract is signed. If necessary, a works agreement must be drawn up.

We have compiled an overview of popular and frequently requested product and security requirements for eLearning tools, which you can use as orientation for your personal requirements catalog:

Authoring system and learning scenarios

Administration and security

Download PDF overview (Checklist eLearning tools) for your records here and define your own requirements catalog.

3. What makes a good eLearning provider?

You can recognize a good eLearning provider by the fact that it fits your project. Since different providers have different focuses in their offering, it is important that you have defined your requirements precisely and are looking for the best possible match. If you want to offer eLearning in the EU, please pay special attention to the data protection and security-related aspects. In addition to the product requirements, the following points are also relevant:

Why is secure hosting important? What security standards are considered a sign of quality?

In eLearning, you process a lot of data: Names and email addresses of participants, training results, activities in the LMS and much more. Recently, with the final entry into force of the GDPR in May 2018, the processing of personal data has come into focus. Since a lot of this data is created and processed in eLearning, it must also be specially protected.

If your eLearning provider uses servers located in the EU, you can be sure that the GDPR is respected. An additional certification, e.g., according to ISO 27001, both for servers, data centers and the eLearning provider itself, demonstrates compliance with further security standards – also regarding your password and encryption policies.

Why is SaaS the new eLearning standard?

Cloud services are on everyone’s lips – starting with the smartphone that syncs data with the computer via the cloud or programs like Dropbox and Office 365. We have all become accustomed to our technical infrastructures doing a lot and these services continuing to be easy to use. If you also want to make your eLearning available from anywhere and don’t want the hassle of manual security and feature updates, Software as a Service (SaaS) is the right choice for that.

With maintenance included, SaaS has long been established in the learning space. An LMS offers more reach for corporate learning while keeping up with the times. Here we have summarized the most important advantages of SaaS Learning Management Systems in a few key points:

How can I tell if an LMS is future-proof and what does the future look like?

There are a few points you should pay attention to when it comes to future-proofing an LMS. This starts with simple points, such as the fact that the LMS grows with you – the more courses and users you hire, the more activities you map in the LMS, the LMS should be ready for all of this, and the eLearning provider should be able to offer you a scalable solution:grow as you go!

Future-proof providers move with the times. This means that the platform is constantly evolving in line with market developments (like ‘profiling’ and ‘gamification’). At the same time, the infrastructure of the LMS remains intact and always up to date, even if the number of users increase significantly.

Competent service and support

An important pillar is also a good and timely support from your prospective eLearning provider. Is your desired provider available by phone and online? Does he advise you individually on your eLearning introduction? Does he offer support in course design and creation? Can they help with author training? Does it provide technical articles and other support materials?

A professional eLearning provider offers you an insightful look at his system with a free web demo. He guides you through the eLearning platform, shows you all the functions that are relevant for you and directly addresses your questions.

Transparent cost structure

Finally, the costs also play an important role in the purchase decision. The costs of an eLearning platform consist of:

Depending on the provider, only individual cost items are due, or possibly all costs are already covered by the monthly license fee. This also reflects the advantages of a SaaS solution, which covers all costs for setting up, maintaining and further developing the platform in the license fee.

You have already found the right provider?

Then it’s time for setting up your eLearning akademy.