What is the Best Tool for Online Training?

What is Online Training?Online training, also known as elearning, is a learning experience delivered through a computer or mobile device. It can encompass...

What is Online Training?

Online training, also known as elearning, is a learning experience delivered through a computer or mobile device. It can encompass a wide variety of learning formats, from video content and webinars to quizzes and simulations, and is typically managed through a learning management system (LMS).

Benefits of Online Training

Online training courses offer numerous benefits:

1. Flexibility: Learners can access content anytime, anywhere, fostering a more personalized learning experience.
2. Cost-effective: Reduces the need for physical resources, thereby saving money.
3. Real-time feedback: With quizzes, assessments, and interactive courses, users receive immediate feedback, enhancing retention.
4. Scalability: Training materials can be disseminated to countless learners across the globe.
5. Variety: A blend of multimedia, such as animations, tutorials, and simulations, provides a rich learning environment.

Online Training Tools

Online training tools, like elearning authoring tools and LMSs, aid in the creation, delivery, and management of online courses. They can range from simple PowerPoint templates to complex cloud-based platforms with high-quality video content, gamification, and social media integrations.

Benefits of Online Training Courses

These courses allow:

1. Wider reach: Available to a global audience.
2. Consistency: Provides a standard learning experience to all.
3. Trackable progress: Providers can monitor learner's progress using assessments and quizzes.
4. Interactive learning: Through forums, messaging, and real-time discussions, enhancing engagement.
5. Microlearning: Breaks down course content into smaller modules, which are easier to digest.

How to Create Online Training Courses

1. Content Creation:
• Time: 1-4 weeks
• Cost: Free to $1,000
• Resources: Microsoft Office, Canva, Adobe tools
2. Choose an LMS:
• Time: 1 week
• Cost: Free to $10,000/year
• Resources: Docebo, iSpring, LinkedIn LMS
3. Course Design:
• Time: 2-5 weeks
• Cost: Free using built-in templates, up to $5,000 for custom design
• Resources: elearning authoring tools, drag-and-drop functionalities, course platforms.
4. Integrate Multimedia:
• Time: 1-3 weeks
• Cost: $50 to $3,000 (depending on quality and type)
• Resources: Zoom for webinars, Canva for graphics, Adobe for animations.
5. Test & Launch:
• Time: 1-2 weeks
• Cost: Free to $500 (for in-depth testing tools)
• Resources: Beta testers, feedback tools, online forums.

Key Features to Look for in an Online Training Tool

1. User-Friendly Interface: Easy navigation and intuitive design.
2. Mobile Learning: Should support iOS, Android, and Windows.
3. SCORM Compliance: Ensures content compatibility across platforms.
4. Automated Notifications: Keeps learners updated.
5. E-commerce Capabilities: Enables selling of courses.

Can Online Training Courses Be Created for Free?

Absolutely. Tools like Canva offer free templates for content creation, while open-source LMSs allow for course management without any costs. However, investing can bring added features and better quality.

Top 9 Online Training Tools

Note: Pricing and features constantly change so please check each tool’s website for the latest and most accurate information.

1. Docebo

Docebo is a powerful cloud-based learning management system (LMS) focused on corporate training. It offers a comprehensive set of features for course creation, learning paths, and assessments. Docebo's platform integrates seamlessly with various formats and providers, from SCORM-based content to third-party resources. Its drag-and-drop functionality makes it easy for content creation, and it also offers social learning capabilities like forums and messaging to enrich the learning experience.

Top 5 Features

- Drag-and-drop content creation

- Learning paths and assessments

- Real-time messaging and forums

- SCORM support

- Social learning capabilities

Pricing: Starting at $800/month

2. Adobe Captivate Prime

Adobe Captivate Prime focuses on enterprise-level elearning. Its high-quality training materials include simulations, tutorials, and real-time assessments. Adobe’s LMS is particularly useful for large corporate training programs where employee training, learning and development, and onboarding are done on a massive scale. It supports various types of content including PowerPoint presentations, videos, and Adobe's own elearning authoring tools.

Top 5 Features

- High-quality simulations and tutorials

- PowerPoint integration

- Real-time assessments

- Employee training modules

- Adobe elearning authoring tools support

Pricing: $4 per registered user/month

3. iSpring

iSpring is a user-friendly learning platform that allows you to create interactive courses, quizzes, and simulations. The software has a simple PowerPoint add-on for Windows that allows you to turn presentations into elearning courses. iSpring is suitable for any industry and offers mobile learning through its Android and iOS apps.

Top 5 Features

- PowerPoint Add-on

- Interactive courses and quizzes

- Mobile learning on Android and iOS

- Templates for course content

- SCORM Support

Pricing: Starts at $770 per user/year

4. TalentLMS

TalentLMS focuses on ease of use and offers a mobile-friendly platform for training management. Its content management system enables you to upload learning materials in various formats, including videos and documents. TalentLMS offers in-depth analytics to help assess the effectiveness of your training programs. Gamification and microlearning are also key features that enhance retention and learner engagement.

Top 5 Features

- Content management

- Mobile app for Android and iOS

- Gamification and microlearning

- In-depth analytics

- Multiple format support (PDF, Video, etc.)

Pricing: Starts at $59/month

5. LearnDash

Designed primarily for WordPress, LearnDash is a course creation and management software that is both affordable and robust. It allows you to create elearning courses with interactive materials, quizzes, and forums. It supports SCORM and offers multiple options for monetizing your courses, such as e-commerce features and a variety of payment gateways.

Top 5 Features

- WordPress integration

- SCORM support

- Interactive courses and quizzes

- Forums and social learning

- E-commerce features

Pricing: Starts at $199/year

6. Moodle

Moodle is a free, open-source learning platform designed to provide educators, administrators, and learners with a single robust, secure, and integrated system to create personalized learning environments. The platform is flexible and features a multitude of plugins that extend its capabilities. Moodle is good for blended learning, supporting both online and offline training materials.

Top 5 Features

- Highly customizable

- Supports blended learning

- Robust security

- Free, with paid hosting options

- Wide range of plugins

Pricing: Free, hosting and support plans vary

7. LinkedIn Learning

Formerly known as Lynda.com, LinkedIn Learning offers a vast library of courses on a myriad of subjects. While not traditionally an LMS, it provides high-quality, professionally produced video content for employee training and upskilling. It’s also well-integrated with LinkedIn, making it convenient for professional development.

Top 5 Features

- High-quality video content

- Well-integrated with LinkedIn

- Offers certificates upon course completion

- Mobile-friendly

- Curated learning paths

Pricing: $29.99/month

8. Kajabi

Kajabi is an all-in-one platform that lets you create online courses, landing pages, and websites. It includes features for email marketing, analytics, and payment integrations. While not a traditional LMS, it’s a strong choice for entrepreneurs and businesses looking to sell courses online.

Top 5 Features

- All-in-one platform

- Email marketing tools

- Payment integrations

- Custom branding

- Course creation capabilities

Pricing: Starts at $149/month

9. Zoom

While Zoom is primarily known as a video conferencing tool, it's widely used for online training sessions, webinars, and tutorials. Zoom offers functionalities like breakout rooms, whiteboarding, and in-meeting chat, making it a strong tool for interactive and engaging training programs.

Top 5 Features

- High-quality video conferencing

- Breakout rooms for group activities

- Whiteboarding and annotations

- In-meeting chat and reactions

- Recording and transcripts

Pricing: Free plan available, Pro starts at $14.99/month/host

Each of these tools brings unique features to the table, ensuring that you can create high-quality, engaging, and effective training programs. Whether you're an educational institution, a large corporation, or an individual trainer, you're sure to find a tool that suits your needs.

FAQ:

• What tools are most effective in training management? LMSs, like Docebo and iSpring, are essential for training management, allowing course creation, content management, and learner tracking.
• How to create an online training course? Begin with content creation, select an LMS, design the course, integrate multimedia, and then test & launch.
• How can I create a free online training? Use free resources like Canva for content and open-source LMSs for course management.
• What is the best tool for online training? It varies based on needs, but Docebo and iSpring are among the top choices for many businesses.
• What are the major types of online training tools? They include LMSs, elearning authoring tools, content creation platforms, and video hosting sites.
• How can I make an online course? Start with defining your objectives, create or source content, design the course using platforms, and then promote and deliver through an LMS.