Do you need e-learning software? Find the perfect match in 5 steps!

E-learning
1/11/2021

E-learning software is almost indispensable if you want to offer e-learning. But how do you find the right platform? We have listed everything you need to think about for you.

Purchase e-learning software

You want to offer e-learning. Now the only question is: how are you going to do that? Through beautiful e-learning software of course! But why is it so important to find the right match?

Are you still not quite clear what an online training is? So read: what is e-learning?

As a trainer, you have one goal in mind. You want your students to put the knowledge they have learned into practice. The way you transfer knowledge is an important predictor of success. This applies to offline lessons, but certainly also to online workouts.

The success of your e-learning depends on the effective application of digital technology. By using ICT, you can increase the engagement and motivation of your participants. But if you do this the wrong way, you'll get the opposite effect. It is therefore very important that you consider what your e-learning software should have.

Are you not making a well-founded decision? Then you will probably have to be on the blisters yourself later. You can read exactly what you need to pay attention to in this blog.

First, we'll discuss a number of important things to consider before you start with the roadmap.

What should your e-learning software have?

Blended learning software

Do you want your training not to consist of 100% digital learning? Then find out if your software offers the possibility for blended learning. This is a mix of synchronous learning moments and asynchronous learning moments. This means that, on the one hand, you let your students learn in their own time. On the other hand, you can schedule online or offline lessons where they all learn and participate in the lesson at the same time. With blended learning, you can avoid the problem that not every participant is good with ICT. This form also offers you the opportunity to pour knowledge into multiple learning forms. This way, participants are provided with feedback in a more personal way.

Find out for yourself whether the above benefits are important in your case. When choosing the right e-learning software, you should carefully find out whether the technology supports your blended plans.

Are you still not quite clear how to set up your e-learning? After all, we also wrote about: A create an online course in 7 steps.

Author tool

An authoring tool is an online editing program. This allows you to develop and design your e-learning. It's important that the e-learning software you choose has an authoring tool that's right for you. This means that the software should make it possible for you to develop everything you need.

For example, do you want to be able to take tests yourself in the course? And should these tests consist of different types of questions, such as open questions and fill-in questions? Then, of course, the platform you choose must support this.

It is therefore important that you make it clear to yourself what your didactic model should look like. Only then see with which programme you can design that.

Are you good with ICT?

Yes? Then you can opt for a more advanced technical tool. The advantage is that it probably has many different functionalities.

No? Then look at less complicated tools. This is how online learning environment Pluvo makes it accessible to everyone to get started with e-learning. After all, if you don't understand technology, you can still put together a wonderful academy.

Customisation

Did you know that it is also possible to set up an online learning environment that is completely tailored to your needs? This is often referred to as customisation. This costs more time and money, but then you have something!

So, do you have a lot of wishes that differ from what most e-learning platforms offer? Then you really won't end up with customisation. Does your package of requirements largely match what already exists? Then take refuge in a standard solution.

So there are many more things to take into account. That is why it is useful to follow the step-by-step plan below if you choose appropriate e-learning software.

A suitable e-learning platform in 5 steps

1. E-learning requirements

It is effective to work structurally if you are looking for a development program for online training courses. This way, you can prevent problems and dissatisfaction in the future.

First: write out all your wishes.

Do you want to be able to create the course material yourself with an authoring tool? Or do you just want an environment where your students can find information? Should participants be able to communicate with each other, for example via a chat? Do you want Dutch e-learning software with Dutch customer service? You should draw up this package of requirements at a very early stage.

Possible e-learning software requirements

  • Author tool
  • Secured environment
  • Central knowledge base
  • Certificates
  • Chat
  • Selling courses
  • Your own corporate identity
  • Schedule physical appointments
  • In-house student data
  • Try it out for free
  • Helpdesk
  • Corporate identity
  • Import users
  • In the cloud
  • Sign up for physical meetings & webinars
  • Submission orders
  • Integrations with other systems
  • Customer service
  • Learning Management System
  • Learning paths
  • Multilingualism support
  • Mobile friendly
  • Dutch system or international
  • Set up notifications
  • On-premise (installed locally)
  • Personal development plan
  • Portfolio
  • Quizzes
  • Reports
  • Collaborate with colleagues
  • Make suggestions for the further development of the platform
  • Buttons
  • Videos

2. Software priority list

Now that you know what your requirements are, it's important to rank the requirements by relevance. So you create a priority list.

Divide the requirements into 3 parts and give them the corresponding number of points:

  • Must have - 3 points - A hard requirement that the software must meet
  • Should have - 2 points - Important but not indispensable
  • Could have - 1 point - Nice side effect, but not decisive for your choice

Now, with a lot more overview, you can really research the best e-learning solution for you.

3. E-learning software search

Now comes perhaps the trickiest part. You will be looking for e-learning providers. Google is your best friend here. You can immediately start looking for things you wrote down above. Also, try to vary your searches. 'Learning management system'gives different results than'e-learning software'or'blended learning program'.

Vary the search terms and discover more and more providers!

Of course, also look at the possibilities of Pluvo, while you're on our site :-) When selecting the providers found, also include your priority list. See for each platform how many “must haves” and “should haves” the software complies with and register this. You can add up the total number of points afterwards.

4. Test the software

We have a winner! You probably have now affordable e-learning software chosen, which scores high on your priority list. We recommend that you test the software before making a final choice. Although a provider can say anything on their website, it's ultimately about how you get the online learning environment experiences.

If you're having trouble with how the program works, see if the platform's helpdesk can help you set up e-learning. They can often provide you with useful tips that you haven't thought about yourself.

Many e-learning providers provide demos, explaining how to use the software. Whether you want to make use of this depends on why you are looking for a learning environment. For example, do you want to create teaching materials? Then it's important to see how the authoring tool works. If implementing a corporate identity was high on your priority list, it's useful to see what your corporate colors will look like in the software.

In other words: test all the things you want to use the software for.

By the way, when choosing, it is best to listen to your gut feeling. You have already formulated the hard requirements. If all is well, the organisations you are currently in contact with will meet the requirements. Now all you have to do is feel a (digital) click with the organisation.

You want to offer e-learning. Now the only question is: how are you going to do that? Through beautiful e-learning software of course! But why is it so important to find the right match?

As a trainer, you have one goal in mind. You want your students to put the knowledge they have learned into practice. The way you transfer knowledge is an important predictor of success. This applies to offline lessons, but certainly also to online workouts.

The success of your e-learning depends on the effective application of digital technology. By using ICT, you can increase the engagement and motivation of your participants. But if you do this the wrong way, you'll get the opposite effect. It is therefore very important that you consider what your e-learning software should have.

Are you not making a well-founded decision? Then you will probably have to be on the blisters yourself later. You can read exactly what you need to pay attention to in this blog.

First, we'll discuss a number of important things to consider before you start with the roadmap.

5. Switching the platform?

Do you have a good feeling about a certain organisation? Then you can make a final choice. Still not satisfied? Switching from one platform to another is possible but not recommended. It often costs money and involves a lot of work. So making a well-thought-out choice is certainly not a waste of time.

Of course, try out Pluvo too, it's free :-)

Have you already chosen an e-learning platform and do you want to know how to fill it with the right content? Then read more about this writing web texts.

Good luck!

Close notification