Learn More About Online Learning Platforms
How to Buy an Online Learning Platform
Requirements Gathering (RFI/RFP) for an Online Learning Platform
There are an incredible amount of online learning platforms available today, which can make the buying decision stressful. Before beginning vendor conversations, schools and companies looking to purchase an online learning platform should identify what their goals and objectives are, both currently and in the future. Selecting the wrong platform could lead to a large problem down the road.
Buyers should determine what types of eLearning content they intend to deliver through an online learning platform, and how that training content supports their larger organizational goals. Compliance training may be better achieved through cheaper alternatives, for example. Companies that have a geographically scattered workforce will need to determine the mobile capabilities of each platform they consider purchasing. Additionally, companies with large workforces and large educational institutions will need to consider the pricing model for products; a flat fee will save more money as opposed to per-user priced platforms.
Scalability and adaptability are both important factors to consider as well, which is why buyers need to know their current and future needs before making a final decision. An online learning platform should be able to grow as an organization grows, without leading to a lot of surprise costs and technical difficulties to accommodate. Online learning platforms should offer the right level of customization for users to build courses that meet their specific needs.
Compare Online Learning Platform Products
Create a long list
Long lists are created by eliminating the options that do not provide critical functionality. For example, schools should seek out online learning platforms that are optimized for the education sector, rather than platforms that favor corporate eLearning. A typical long list should not include more than 10 products unless there are many options that are very similar. In this case, additional details like the geographical presence of the company or its reputation can be used to eliminate vendors.
Create a short list
Short lists are created by reviewing the RFI information received from vendors. Some vendors may decline to participate and respond to RFIs. These vendors are usually eliminated from the selection process. From there, this short list steers the buying decision closer to completion, leaving only a couple of vendors to choose between based on small, key factors that fulfill all the requirements and considerations a school or company has for implementing an online learning platform.
Conduct demos
Demos are a great opportunity for buyers to see how the online learning platform works. Only the shortlisted vendors are invited to demonstrate their solutions. Demos should be performed live, using the system, and not through slide decks and screenshots. All vendors should follow a predetermined scenario that simulates the business processes of the buyer. Buyers should request to see a walkthrough from the perspective of a course creator and a student to understand how the interface looks for both sides. Additionally, request to see a sample course created from start to finish to understand what tools can assist in developing eLearning content.
Selection of Online Learning Platform
Choose a selection team
To choose a selection team, decision makers need to involve subject matter experts from all teams that will use the system. For schools, this will likely involve the principal or dean, as well as a select number of teachers who represent the larger faculty's needs. For businesses, this may involve the HR team, CFO, and other roles related to recruiting and employee management.
Negotiation
Negotiation happens between the buyer and the short list of vendors. In some cases, there are only two vendors that make it to this stage, which means that they offer similar products. At this point, the dealbreaker is the price of the product, which can vary based on the discounts offered by each vendor. Buyers should consider upfront costs, price per user costs, and any associated content hosting costs with the online learning platform.
The final decision should be based on all the information gathered previously.
