If you’re getting ready to purchase an eLearning tool for your company, make sure you weigh all your options. We outline the four features your next eLearning tool must have.
Who remembers sitting in a classroom with bright fluorescent lights, frigid temperatures, and a PowerPoint that felt like it would never end? I certainly do, but that culture of learning is quickly changing. Today’s learners want an educational experience that fits best with their needs and their learning style. That’s why companies and academic institutions alike are moving toward adopting eLearning software. The eLearning market is constantly growing with fierce competitors looking to capture the dollars your organization has dedicated to training and development.
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global eLearning Market accounted for $165.21 billion in 2015 and is expected to reach $275.10 billion by 2022. The question is not when you’re going to adopt this new way of learning, but rather, what eLearning tool will fit the needs of your organization and your learners.
Let’s check out some of the features you should expect from eLearning software to get the most out of your digital learning experience.
Online, cloud-based eLearning software allows users to learn any time, anywhere
The days of downloading software, patching bug fixes, and chasing your IT guy are over. When looking for eLearning tools, make sure to focus on tools that are online and cloud-based. This will give your company’s learners the flexibility to learn at home, on the commute to work, or even in the air. With a cloud-based learning solution, all you need is WiFi. You can avoid calling up your IT team to deploy your new eLearning software. Instead, your learners can get started immediately with a quick URL input.
Work from any device with a mobile-compatible eLearning tool
We live in a world of devices. On one hand, we have a smartwatch and in the other, we have a smartphone. The number of devices we own to help us capture information is only increasing, which is why it’s important to choose eLearning software that will work on any of them. As organizations grow and give employees more freedom, many companies promote a BYOD (bring your own device) culture. It gives employees the option to use a device they are comfortable with and can be most productive on. So, why limit the way your team learns? Focus on eLearning tools that employees can access on their phone, tablet, or personal laptop. Give them as many options as possible!
Easy-to-use eLearning software allows your users to focus on learning
If you can’t navigate your eLearning tool with ease – don’t buy it! An article published in eLearn Magazine notes: “Courseware that is not designed for usability can create challenges for the learners that have nothing to do with the difficulty of the content. They can be distracted from learning the critical subject matter of the course by having to learn how to use the courseware. Poor usability can have a measurable impact on course completion rates and post-test scores.” Learning shouldn’t feel like a burden for your company or users. Find eLearning software that tech novices can figure out in minutes.
Find eLearning software that you can customize for your organization’s unique needs
Having eLearning software that allows you to customize reporting, content, and user preferences should be non-negotiable! Today’s professional landscape typically involves multiple managers, stakeholders, and departments – each one with a different goal. Buying an eLearning tool that not only allows you to customize the look and feel–but also the functionality and administration–gives training officers and learners the options they need to have a successful learning experience. In today’s world, the only constant is change. Having customizable eLearning software can help you prepare for any changes that come your way.
Do you feel like an eLearning expert yet? Although there are hundreds of eLearning tools out there, make sure to do your research and find the one that has the features you and your learners need.
Since I started working as a success manager at SolidProfessor, I’ve had the opportunity to train hundreds of people on our eLearning tool that is on-demand, mobile-compatible, easy-to-use, and customizable. Contact us to learn more about eLearning software and how you can give your team the best learning experience!
