A Guide To The Hidden Essentials
Choosing the right eLearning partner is crucial—it can significantly influence the success of your organization’s online training initiatives. Many tips and tricks exist for choosing the right partner for your eLearning needs. In our 30 years in the industry, we have learned why clients seek support outside their organizations and what to consider for each need.
Organizations partner with eLearning vendors for three primary reasons: to augment their teams, to gain fresh creative insights, or to access technical expertise. This article will delve into each need and equip you with the strategies to find the perfect vendor to achieve your goals.
Team Augmentation
When your organization faces resource constraints, partnering with an eLearning vendor becomes a strategic necessity. However, the selection process is often brief, making it imperative to identify potential red flags early, as issues can compound over time.
Experience And Staffing
The success of your project depends heavily on the vendor’s team maturity. Assess whether they have the capacity and expertise to handle your upcoming projects without bringing in new hires, which could impact delivery timelines and quality.
Collaboration
Success depends on smooth teamwork with the vendor. Regular meetings are critical, ideally once or twice a week.
Timelines And Project Management
Your project’s success depends on skilled project managers who can communicate frequently and transparently. Evaluate their experience and ask for references to verify their track record.
Communication
Effective communication is the backbone of any successful partnership.
Creative Insights
The creative prowess of an eLearning provider is best judged by examining their past projects.
In-The-Moment Ideation
An innovative partner involves their creative lead early in discussions to offer insightful strategies.
Engagement
Interactivity is crucial to engagement. Evaluate how the vendor integrates interactive elements into their projects.
User Experience
Superior User Interface, intuitive navigation, and reliable features are crucial for a positive learner experience.
Custom Vs. Templates
Determine the level of uniqueness you desire for your course and prioritize vendors who can offer bespoke solutions.
Technical Expertise
Mastery of both the artistic and scientific aspects of learning sets exceptional eLearning vendors apart.
Advanced Programming Skills
Evaluate your vendor’s proficiency in programming to elevate your learning experience.
Graphic Design
Ensure that the creative solutions align with your brand’s identity and are visually compelling.
Video Production
Compelling videos engage the audience through storytelling and immersive experiences.
Animation
Animation offers impactful learning moments and can be customized to fit your brand’s unique needs.
Conclusion: Choose The Right eLearning Partner
By carefully assessing potential partners, you can grow your team, bring new creative ideas, and offer specialized technical skills. Prioritize effective communication, seamless collaboration, and engaging learning experiences to boost learner engagement and meet your development goals.