12 Things You Should Consider Before Choosing an Online Training Platform

Choosing an online training platform or an LMS (Learning Management System) requires that we take into account a number of factors. Whether you are an entrepreneur, Study Center, an Academy, or a University, these keys are essential to help you choose the best virtual platform according to your needs for your training and education as a teacher or professor and the needs of your students.

Types of educational platforms

Currently, there are many models of educational software, however, we are going to divide them into 3.

A Software to Create Online Commercial Classes

There are several software and types of software helping educators to create courses. This software helps them develop to measure and implement on your servers. This type of online training software is usually expensive and you will have to request each new update or new development. Sometimes hired a person who is the contact between the provider and you. Its advantage is that you can order “software for course development” what you request.

Develop Your Own Virtual Platform from Scratch Using Free Software

If you have technical knowledge it is phenomenal, so you can develop it yourself, saving costs, but if you do not have the necessary knowledge, you will probably need technical assistance in this option.

Choose an Online Cloud Platform SAAS

SAAS, which stands for Software as a Service, means you pay while using it. Its main advantage is that you have it from the first moment, without worrying about support, new developments, etc and its cost is usually very low. A disadvantage that we can mention is that, since it is not developed to suit you, you will have to determine if what it offers fits you.

Before deciding on one online platform or another, you should know in detail what characteristics each one has and what needs it covers. Of course, you should make a list of the key points your LMS should have. Ask your audience which points they consider of vital importance.

We offer you below a list of keys to keep in mind when choosing an e-learning platform. These fourteen points are not just for the course creators but also for the students who are the primary focus of the e-learning platforms.

Keys to Choosing An E-Learning Platform

Usability: The educational platform should be simple to use for users who do not have the technical knowledge or are not familiar with the online world. Look for an environment that, as far as possible, resembles what users currently see online.

Adaptability: The use of the mobile is fully integrated into the field of education, so the platform must adapt to devices of this type.

Customization: If the training environment has your logo, your corporate colors, and your personal style, it is easier for your users to remember your brand and print a more professional image.

Communication: It is vital for the proper development of online training that there are different means of communication with users (forums, chats, communities, email, etc.).

Flexibility: The platform you choose must be flexible to meet your current needs and take into account future ones. For example, there are different types of online spaces, that you can upload additional documentation or content in different formats, etc.

Freedom: Many platforms, do not limit the number of online training you can create or the number of users who sign up for them.

Statistics: Some more complete and others less, but almost all e-learning platforms have a statistics service. They help you know your strengths and what options could be improved.

Payment management: There are not many platforms that have a very complete service in this regard. It seems to us of vital importance that the instructors dedicate themselves to impart their contents, in short, to teach and not to administer the payments of the training.

Reminders: It is another point in favor of the instructor to dedicate himself or herself only to teaching. Avoid as much as possible having to send reminders to students about the course start dates, for example. Give priority to your time.

Social: Choosing an LMS that has good integration with social networks increases user participation, serves as a promotional channel and modernizes your brand image.

Privacy: The law is strict in this regard. Choose an online platform that preserves the data of your users and treats them in a convenient way.

Support: Not all platforms offer you adequate support. This point is a top priority, they can help you solve any type of problem at the time it occurs. Is the support permanent, for a certain period, at the customer’s request, free, paid, in just one schedule, etc.?

The best eLearning platform?

The best virtual platform for online courses is the one that best suits your needs. Our best advice is not to be involved in something you don’t need. Do not lose your head with online platforms with many features at a high price if your training environment does not need it. Think not only about your needs but also about the needs of your students. Don’t make a virtual classroom complex that can be simple and straightforward as well as very effective for them. At the end of the day do not forget that the most important thing is the quality of the content. Be sure to thoroughly test the LMS you choose, as many of the existing platforms on the market have completely free versions or trial days.

In short, e-learning platforms have to be as friendly as possible in order to provide the easiest online learning facility. All these points are better for both the teachers and course developers and students.