How do you choose your e-learning solution?

In recent years, new technologies have changed the apprenticeship sector, and more particularly that of vocational training. Now, employees can train remotely via platforms elearning.

More and more companies now want to use this type of platform for the training of their employees. How to find your way around all the offers offered? What are the criteria for choosing an effective e-learning solution? What are the technical aspects to take into account in order to choose a solution adapted not only to the needs of employees but also to training plan of the company?

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Step 1: Identify the needs of employees

Choosing an e-learning solution that meets the needs of employees requires early consideration. What do they expect from this platform and the training included in it: to improve their productivity compared to their current job? Increase your skills in order to evolve in the hierarchy? Are they going to train during their working hours or rather on the weekend at home? Questioning employees about their expectations in terms of training makes it possible to refine the selection of the various solutions. Distance learning offers many advantages, such as working independently and organizing your training schedule according to your availability. It is therefore important to know what are the preferred times for employees to train. Finally, e-learning platforms can host several types of tools dedicated to training such as videos, interactive content (quizzes, online tests), discussion spaces or even PDFs to download so that employees can achieve their goals.

-> What actions should be put in place?

1. Ask employees about their expectations in terms of training;
2. Know how much time they are going to spend on training;
3. Identify if the ideal time for training is during work hours or in the evening or weekend at home.

Step 2: Customized or ready-to-learn?

There are several types of e-learning solutions: “on shelves”, tailor-made or internal.

The first solutions are generally dedicated to training in office automation, foreign languages or IT. This type of standardized solutions is suitable for more general training courses. and employees can use them alone or with the help of a trainer, in person or remotely. Customized e-learning solutions are developed by service providers according to the company's specifications. Finally, it is also possible to develop an e-learning solution internally by mobilizing developers and designers from the technical department.

-> What actions should be put in place?

1. Identify whether employees have “standard” expectations in terms of training (office automation, languages, etc.) or personalized needs;
2. Make an inventory of technical resources within the company;
3. Determine the most appropriate solution.

Step 3: Choose the type of accommodation

Accommodation generally depends on the type of solution chosen. There are two types: outsourced hosting at the service provider or at a hosting provider, or hosting internally on the company's intranet network. The selection of accommodation is generally guided by availability needs: should the solution be accessible only on company premises or also among employees? Finally, the choice of hosting will be determined by the technical skills that the company has internally: will there be the human resources necessary to maintain and update the solution?

-> What actions should be put in place?

1. Identify the needs of employees in terms of access to the platform: at the workplace or at home;
2. Determine if the internal technical skills are sufficient to maintain the e-learning solution;
3. Choose between outsourced hosting or in-house hosting.

Step 4: Ensure the attractiveness of the solution

The user experience has a great influence on the motivation of employees in terms of training. Whatever their goals, it is important to opt for an attractive platform. The quality of the platform, the ease of use and the clarity of the content will have a direct impact on learners' success. Offering a variety of materials and practical exercises is also necessary for employees to stay motivated, and to raise the Learners' barriers in the face of e-learning. Finally, choosing an ergonomic platform is a good way to encourage learners to regularly use the e-learning solution available to them.

-> What actions should be put in place?

1. Suggest to employees to test one or more solutions before making a final choice;
2. In case of internal development, have the models or prototypes tested before the development of the solution.

Step 5: Define your budget

The last step before choosing the e-learning platform is to check whether the solution found meets all the criteria determined beforehand. If this is the case, the acquisition cost will quickly pay for itself and the price should not be a hindrance., especially since online training is generally more economical than face-to-face training. The Return on investment of an e-learning course can be very interesting. If all the criteria are not met, it is better to try to negotiate the price downwards... or continue the research until you find the e-learning platform that best suits the needs of the company and employees.

-> What actions should be put in place?

1. Estimate the price/use ratio of the solution by verifying that it meets the needs of employees;
2. Postpone the acquisition of the solution if it does not meet all the criteria.