eLearning Content Development Partner: Everything To Know

Does your eLearning content provider support you?

Managing a successful training program as a Learning and Development (L&D) professional comes with a multitude of challenges. From tight budgets and limited resources to overcoming resistance to change, the road to effective learning can be bumpy. The good news, however, is that you don’t have to face these challenges alone. Having a trusted eLearning content development partner who can help you navigate the obstacles and find practical solutions can make all the difference. In fact, having the right partner by your side can put you in the best possible position to tackle L&O challenges and achieve your learning goals.

6 Challenges eLearning Content Development Partners Need to Address

1. Turn dry subject matter into engaging e-learning experiences

Dry and dull topics are the bane of every L&D professional’s existence. Turning content into something engaging and exciting requires a healthy dose of innovation, creativity and ingenuity. But sometimes it’s not so much the topic that’s tricky, but rather where the information you use to build it comes from. With social learning tools, learners can ask questions and receive answers from other users and internal subject matter experts, and then share that knowledge throughout the organization.

Solution

By creating a narrative that is relatable and engaging, learners are more likely to stay invested and retain the information presented. The story can be based on real scenarios or fictional characters, as long as it is related to the topic being taught. In fact, a large pharmaceutical company used this method to increase learner satisfaction because learners found the content to be more relevant, authentic and applicable to their work.

2. Struggling with learner engagement and motivation

Unfortunately, not every online learner will be fully invested in the e-learning experience. Distractions, busy schedules or lack of motivation can make it difficult for learners to actively engage in online learning programs. In today’s fast-paced world, where attention spans are scarce, learners have access to an overwhelming amount of information.

Solution

To overcome this challenge, Instructional Designers can significantly influence eLearning engagement by designing interactive, enjoyable content that meets the learners’ interests and goals. Try to keep modules short, at 10-15 minutes, and incorporate gamification into the learning experience to increase participant engagement. In this way, the learners will see the value in the program and be more likely to participate actively.

3. Make sure that learners put their knowledge into practice

When it comes to in-person instructor-led training (ILT), instructors can monitor and provide real-time feedback to learners to make sure they’re implementing what they’ve learned correctly. However, in the case of e-learning, since learners can complete modules from anywhere without an instructor being present, it becomes difficult to monitor their application of new knowledge to their work.

Solution

To tackle this challenge, it is crucial to consider ways to hold learners accountable for implementing what they have learned through e-learning. One way is to include real-life scenarios or simulations in the eLearning course. This enables learners to apply their knowledge in a practical context and gives them a sense of what it would be like to use the information in a real situation. In addition, providing opportunities for learners to practice what they have learned through activities, exercises or assessments can strengthen their understanding of the material and help ensure that they can retain and apply it in the future.

4. Adhere to strict eLearning budgets

E-learning projects often come with limitations in terms of budget, and it takes creativity and careful planning to make the most of the available resources.

Solution

To ensure success, prepare a comprehensive budget that takes into account all expenses before informing a solution provider. Ask them if they will be able to achieve your goals within the budget. This will prevent you from having to dip into your profit margin to deliver the desired outcome.

5. Offer learning for different generations

Learning content cannot be created in a one-size-fits-all approach. Today’s audience is made up of four generations—baby boomers, Gen X, millennials, and Gen Z—each with their own unique characteristics and needs.

Solution

To address this challenge, gather as much information as possible about your learners’ goals, preferences, and backgrounds through surveys or by using a learning solution that collects data about their behavior. This information can then be used to create learner personas, so you can tailor the learning experience based on the experience level and technology skills of each group.

6. Keep e-learning up to date

E-learning tends to become outdated due to changes in information, processes and interactions within modules. This constant need for updates and re-creation can be an expensive undertaking, as eLearning content production costs an estimated $200-$900 per minute. Furthermore, if organizations fail to refresh their e-learning content, learners may end up being exposed to outdated information and interactions.

Solution

Schedule regular updates to your eLearning content, on average every 2-3 years. Explore maintenance contracts with your eLearning content provider. To minimize costs and stay current, consider including cost-effective microlearning tools like short videos and FAQ pages.

6 great solutions from a great eLearning partner

How do you choose your eLearning content development partner?

E-learning has become an integral part of modern learning and has changed the way we learn and acquire knowledge. With the increasing demand for eLearning content, choosing the right eLearning content development partner is critical to the success of your eLearning program. However, as your organization develops and grows, the needs and expectations of your eLearning content may change, and it may be time to reevaluate your current eLearning solution provider. Before making a decision to change your eLearning content development partner, it’s important to evaluate your current situation and determine what you need from a new partner. Below are some key factors to consider when choosing a new partner.

• Expertise
  Make sure they have the experience and knowledge needed to achieve your goals. Ask about previous projects and their familiarity with work-related tasks, compliance and skill gaps.
• Contract details
  Explain the payment structure, expenses and deliverables, including timeframes and milestones.
• Team members
  Know who will be working on the project, including your point of contact. Consider hosting a pre-project meeting.
• Support Services
  Ask about ongoing support services and their costs, including email or phone support.
• Communication guidelines
  Establish clear communication expectations and include them in the contract.
• Additional resources
  Determine if additional resources, such as eLearning software, are required and how this will affect the project timeline and cost.
• Investigation
  Verify that the eLearning provider has the necessary tools and experience to deliver the project.

A checklist for choosing your e-learning solutions provider

When is it time to change your eLearning content development partner?

Now that we’ve identified the common challenges that Learning and Development professionals face and what to look for in an eLearning service provider, you may be wondering what to do if you’re already working with a provider that doesn’t meet your needs does not comply. While finding the right partner is essential, even the best partnerships can sometimes turn sour. We’re at that part of the article where we’ll explore the signs that it’s time to reevaluate your current eLearning partner and how to go about finding a new one that can better meet your needs.

1. Insufficient quality of work

If the quality of work provided by your eLearning content development partner has been consistently poor, it may be time to switch to a new partner. Poor quality work can lead to frustration among learners and negatively affect the success of your e-learning program.

2. Inability to meet deadlines

If your eLearning content development partner has a history of missing deadlines, it can lead to delays in your eLearning program and negatively impact your organization’s reputation.

3. Lack of innovation

If your eLearning content development partner is unable to keep up with the latest trends and innovations in the eLearning industry, it may be time to switch to a partner that is more proactive in keeping up with the latest technology and pedagogical methods. incorporate into their work.

4. Communication breakdown

Effective communication is key to the success of any partnership, and if your eLearning content development partner can’t communicate effectively with you and your team, it may be time to switch to a new partner.

5. Cost Overrun

If the cost of your eLearning content development has consistently exceeded your budget, it may be time to consider a new partner who can provide cost-effective solutions that meet your needs and budget.

Final Thoughts

Finally, changing your eLearning content development partner can be a difficult decision, but it is often necessary to ensure the success of your eLearning program. When evaluating your current eLearning content development partner, consider factors such as quality of work, ability to meet deadlines, innovation, effective communication, and cost. By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether it’s time to change your eLearning content development partner and find one that can better meet your organization’s needs. If you want to develop a customized e-learning course for your employees, contact specialized e-learning agencies now and discover the wide range of e-learning possibilities.

Image credits:

• The infographic in the body of the article was created/provided by the author.