Online Training Software: Ranked & Compared.

What is Online Training Software?

Online Training Software, often referred to as Learning Management Systems (LMS), is a digital platform used to deliver, track, and manage training courses and programs. It streamlines the elearning process for both instructors and learners, making content creation, distribution, and tracking more efficient. This software is vital for corporate training initiatives, ensuring employee onboarding, compliance training, and continuous learning experiences are both effective and engaging.

Top Use Cases for Online Training Software:

1. Employee Onboarding
   • When new hires join a company, online training software like TalentLMS or Docebo can streamline the onboarding process. These platforms offer training programs with a variety of training modules that introduce new employees to company policies, workflow, and culture. The interactive functionality, often featuring quizzes and assessments, enhances the learning experience and helps with retention of essential knowledge.
2. Compliance Training
   • Businesses can use learning management systems (LMS) such as Absorb LMS for mandatory compliance training. Providers often offer a content library that’s tailored for regulatory requirements, allowing businesses to ensure they meet industry standards. Real-time metrics let employers assess the effectiveness of these training programs.
3. Corporate Training Initiatives
   • Companies can leverage employee training software to train employees on new software tools, management techniques, or customer service practices. Online courses, often in SCORM formats, can be created using authoring tools, making the training content engaging and user-friendly.
4. Sales Training
   • Elearning platforms offer specialized training courses that focus on improving sales techniques and customer engagement strategies. Interactive quizzes and real-time assessments can be easily integrated, allowing for an engaging learning experience that directly impacts the bottom line.
5. Customer Support Training
   • Training management software can help customer service reps enhance their skills in real-time problem-solving and communication. Mobile learning through a mobile app ensures that reps can access training materials anytime, anywhere, which is crucial for remote or global teams.
6. Small Business Training
   • Small businesses can benefit from cost-effective training solutions with flexible pricing. Platforms like iSpring Learn offer intuitive interfaces, drag-and-drop course creation, and templates, making it easier for businesses with fewer resources to create quality training programs.
7. Social Learning and Collaboration
   • Online training platforms often come with forums and social learning features. These allow learners to interact with peers and instructors, sharing insights and fostering a collaborative learning environment. This type of training can be beneficial for team-building and the development of soft skills.
8. Technical Skill Development
   • Online training software with specialized training courses in coding, data science, or Microsoft suite can help employees upskill. The best online training software often offers a variety of integrations, such as API functionality to link with other tools and databases, enhancing the training experience.
9. Blended Learning Programs
   • For more comprehensive learning and development initiatives, blended learning combines online courses, virtual classrooms, and traditional classroom sessions. Tools like gamification and interactive quizzes can be integrated into the learning paths, and learning programs can be accessed via mobile devices for on-the-go training.

Each of these use-cases often comes with key features such as a user-friendly user interface, different formats for content creation, and robust customer support to address any training needs effectively.

What are the most popular courses and content?

The most popular courses on most training program websites often revolve around corporate training, including onboarding for new hires, compliance training, software integrations, and leadership skills. Additionally, courses related to skill development in areas like Microsoft tools, programming, and project management are also in demand. Content formats vary from video lectures and interactive quizzes to forums for social learning.

Can Online Training Software host live webinars or virtual classes?

Yes, many online training software platforms offer functionality for live webinars or virtual classrooms. These real-time training sessions provide an interactive and engaging learning experience, bridging the gap between traditional and online learning.

Does Online Training allow for asynchronous and synchronous learning?

Certainly. Online Training Software supports both asynchronous learning, where learners can go through training modules at their own pace, and synchronous learning, which occurs in real-time, like live webinars or scheduled training sessions.

Are online training software web based or are there mobile apps?

Most online training software is cloud-based, allowing access from any device with an internet connection. Moreover, many providers offer mobile apps for both Android and iOS, supporting mobile learning. The user interface of modern LMS is generally intuitive, ensuring a user-friendly learning experience.

Can one create custom learning paths for different roles or learners?

Absolutely. With course authoring tools, trainers can create custom learning paths tailored for specific roles or learners, ensuring the training content aligns with individual training needs.

Can learners share their achievements or feedback on the platform?

Yes. Many platforms incorporate social learning features, allowing learners to share achievements, feedback, or participate in forums.

Does Online Training Software provide detailed analytics and reporting capabilities?

Certainly. Detailed metrics and analytics allow trainers to measure the effectiveness of training modules, track learner progress, and make informed decisions about future training initiatives.

Does Online Training support multiple languages?

Most top-tier online training software supports multiple languages, making it suitable for global organizations and diverse learner groups.

Are there a library of pre-made content or courses?

Many online training software platforms offer a content library filled with pre-made courses, templates, and training materials. These can be used as-is or customized using drag-and-drop authoring tools.

Top 9 Online Training Software:

1. TalentLMS:
   • Features: Cloud-based, SCORM compliant, gamification, integrations with tools like Microsoft, customizable learning paths.
   • Pricing: Starts at $59/month.
2. Docebo:
   • Features: AI-powered recommendations, social learning, course marketplace, compliance training, mobile app.
   • Pricing: Contact provider for details.
3. Absorb LMS:
   • Features: Intuitive interface, blended learning support, ecommerce, course creation tools, mobile learning.
   • Pricing: Contact provider for details.
4. iSpring Learn:
   • Features: Integration with iSpring authoring tools, quizzes and assessments, forums for learner interaction, API integrations, mobile app.
   • Pricing: Starts at $3.66/user/month.
5. Litmos:
   • Features: Mobile app, gamification, SCORM compliant, ecommerce, course marketplace.
   • Pricing: Starts at $4/user/month.
6. Moodle:
   • Features: Open-source, community support, plugins, SCORM compliant, mobile app.
   • Pricing: Free (self-hosted).
7. Kajabi:
   • Features: Course creation, marketing tools, email campaigns, mobile app, integrations.
   • Pricing: Starts at $119/month.
8. Teachable:
   • Features: Drag-and-drop course authoring, ecommerce, affiliate marketing, student insights.
   • Pricing: Starts at $29/month.
9. Thinkific:
   • Features: Course creation tools, membership sites, quizzes and exams, student reporting.
   • Pricing: Free plan available.

FAQs:

Which software is best for online training?

The best software depends on specific needs. For versatility and integrations, TalentLMS is recommended. For AI capabilities, Docebo shines.

How do I create an online training website?

Using platforms like Thinkific or Teachable, you can create an online training platform with their intuitive drag-and-drop functionality.

How can I create a free online training?

Moodle offers a free, open-source LMS. Thinkific also provides a free plan to create and sell online courses.

How do I set up an online training for employees?

Opt for corporate training platforms like TalentLMS or Absorb LMS, which cater specifically to employee training needs.

What is the best way to create an online training course?

Utilize course authoring tools provided by LMS platforms, incorporate interactive elements, quizzes, and ensure content is SCORM compliant.

What are the benefits of online training?

Benefits include flexibility, cost-effectiveness, accessibility, real-time tracking, and the ability to offer blended learning experiences.

What is the difference between an online training and a live training?

Online training is often asynchronous, allowing learners to complete at their pace, while live training occurs in real-time, either in-person or virtually.

What is the cheapest online training software?

Moodle is open-source and free, though you bear hosting costs. Thinkific offers a free basic plan.

How can I make an online training interactive?

Incorporate gamification, quizzes, forums, and interactive videos using platforms like iSpring Learn.