Need e-learning software? Find your perfect match in 5 steps!

Purchasing e-learning software

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

Not quite sure what an online training is yet? Then also read: what is e-learning?

As a trainer, you have one goal in mind: you want your students to put the knowledge they've gained into practice. The way you transfer that knowledge is a key predictor of success. This applies to offline lessons, but certainly to online training as well.

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 it the wrong way, you'll get the opposite effect. It is therefore of great importance that you think about what your e-learning software needs to have.

Not making an informed decision? Then you will likely have to deal with the consequences later. Read this blog to find out exactly what you should look for.

First, we will discuss a number of important matters that you should consider before you start the step-by-step plan.

What should your e-learning software include?

Blended learning software

Do you want your training to be more than 100% digital learning? Then investigate whether your software offers the possibility for blended learning. This is a mix of synchronous and asynchronous learning moments. This means that you let your students learn in their own time on one hand, while on the other, you schedule online or offline lessons where they all learn and participate at the same time. With blended learning, you can bypass the problem that not every participant is tech-savvy. This format also offers you the opportunity to present knowledge in multiple learning styles, allowing participants to receive feedback in a more personal way.

Consider for yourself whether the above benefits are important in your case. When choosing the right e-learning software, you need to carefully check whether the technology supports your blended plans.

Not quite sure how your e-learning should be set up yet? We also wrote about: creating an online course in 7 steps.

Authoring tool

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

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

It is therefore important that you clarify for yourself what your didactic model should look like. Only then should you look at which program can help you shape it.

Are you tech-savvy?

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

No? Then look at less complicated tools. For instance, the online learning environment Pluvo makes it accessible for everyone to get started with e-learning. Even if you don't know anything about technology, you can still put together a beautiful academy.

Customization

Did you know it is also possible to set up an online learning environment that is completely tailored to your needs? This is often called customization. It costs more time and money, but it is well worth it!

So, do you have a lot of requirements that differ from what most e-learning platforms offer? Then you really can't avoid customization. Does your list of requirements largely match what already exists? Then you should look for a standard solution.

There are many other things to consider as well. This is why it is useful to follow the step-by-step plan below when choosing suitable e-learning software.

5 steps to a suitable e-learning platform

1. E-learning requirements list

It is effective to work systematically when looking for a development program for online training. This way, you avoid problems and dissatisfaction in the future.

To start: write down all your requirements.

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

Possible e-learning software requirements

• Authoring tool
• Secure environment
• Central knowledge base
• Certificates
• Chat
• Selling courses
• Custom branding
• Scheduling in-person appointments
• Managing student data in-house
• Free trial
• Helpdesk
• Huisstijl
• Import gebruikers
• In de cloud
• Inschrijven voor fysieke bijeenkomsten & webinars
• Inleveropdrachten
• Integraties met andere systemen
• Klantenservice
• Learning Management System
• Leerpaden
• Meertaligheid ondersteuning
• Mobile friendly
• Nederlands systeem of internationaal
• Notificaties instellen
• On-premise  (lokaal geïnstalleerd)
• Persoonlijk ontwikkelplan
• Portfolio
• Quizzes
• Rapportages
• Samenwerken met collega’s
• Make suggestions for the further development of the platform
• Assessments
• Videos

2. Software priority list

Now that you know what your requirements are, it is important to rank them by relevance. In other words, create a priority list.

Divide the requirements into 3 parts and assign 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 essential
• Could have - 1 point - A nice-to-have, but not decisive for your choice

Now you can research the best e-learning solution for you with much more clarity.

3. E-learning software search

Now comes perhaps the most difficult part. You are going to look for e-learning providers. Google is your best friend here. You can immediately start searching for the things you wrote down above. Also, try to vary your search queries. 'Learning management system' will give different results than 'e-learning software' or 'blended learning program'.

Feel free to experiment with search terms and discover more and more providers!

Of course, also take a look at the possibilities of Pluvo, since you are already on our site :-) While selecting the providers you have found, keep your priority list handy. Check how many 'must haves' and 'should haves' each platform meets and record this. You can add up the total number of points afterwards.

4. Test the software

We have a winner! You have likely now chosen affordable e-learning software that scores highly on your priority list. We recommend testing the software before making a final decision. Although a provider can claim anything on their website, what ultimately matters is how you experience the online learning environment.

If you have trouble with how the program works, see if the platform's help desk can assist you with setting up your e-learning. They can often provide you with useful tips you hadn't thought of yourself.

Many e-learning providers offer demos, in which they explain 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 course material? Then it is important to see how the authoring tool works. If implementing your brand identity was high on your priority list, it is useful to see how your brand colors look in the software.

In other words: test everything you intend to use the software for.

By the way, it is perfectly fine to listen to your gut feeling when making your choice. You have already formulated the hard requirements. If all goes well, the organizations you are currently in contact with meet those requirements. Now you just need to feel a (digital) connection with the organization.

You want to offer e-learning. Now the only question is: how are you going to do it? With brilliant e-learning software, of course! But why is it actually 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've gained into practice. The way you transfer that knowledge is a key predictor of success. This applies to offline lessons, but certainly to online training as well.

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 it the wrong way, you'll get the opposite effect. It is therefore of great importance that you think about what your e-learning software needs to have.

Not making an informed decision? Then you will likely have to deal with the consequences later. Read this blog to find out exactly what you should look for.

First, we will discuss a number of important matters that you should consider before you start the step-by-step plan.

5. Switching platforms?

‍Do you have a good feeling about a particular organization? Then you can make a final choice. Not satisfied after all? Switching from one platform to another is possible, but not recommended. It often costs money and involves a lot of work. Making a well-considered choice is therefore certainly not a waste of time.

Try Pluvo as well, of course; it's free :-)‍

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

Good luck!