9 Features To Look For In Your Next eLearning Project Management Tool

9 Features To Look For In Your Next eLearning Project Management Tool
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Summary: Does your eLearning team need an online platform to collaborate more effectively and share feedback beyond geographical boundaries? In this article, I’ll discuss 9 must-have features to look for in your next eLearning Project Management tool.

9 Essential Features Your eLearning Project Management Tool Should Have

If your eLearning team’s scattered around the globe and communication is a constant struggle, an eLearning Project Management tool may be what’s missing from your toolbox. eLearning Project Management software allows you to delegate tasks, keep a collaborative calendar, and keep track of your timesheets. However, you need to know which functions to look for when selecting an eLearning Project Management tool to get the best returns. Does your prospective eLearning Project Management tool offer all these essential features?

1. Task Assignments

This function allows leaders to delegate tasks to individual eLearning team members quickly so that everyone knows their roles and responsibilities. They’re able to include deadlines, resource links, and personal notes to streamline the process, as well as add additional team members to the same task when required. For example, the content creator, Subject Matter Expert, and graphic designer must collaborate on the latest COI compliance module.

2. Time Tracking

Keep track of how long eLearning team members have been working on a specific assignment and the eLearning project, as a whole. This is ideal for payroll purposes since you can maintain an accurate record of their work hours. However, it’s also great for resource allocation given that you’re able to intervene when necessary and offer collaborators additional support. For instance, a group is taking longer than expected to complete a particular milestone.

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3. eLearning Project Tracking

Get a more holistic view of the eLearning project and whether you are on track or need to re-evaluate your current strategy. This often includes a general overview of who is working on what, if they are meeting deadlines, and how much you’ve allocated to each task. It also outlines every step or phase of the eLearning project so that you can break it down into more manageable milestones and assignments.

4. Scheduling Tools

A must-have feature for geographically dispersed teams who need to coordinate meetings and group itineraries. Your eLearning team can use the eLearning Project Management tool to arrange weekly or monthly video conferencing meetings to provide regular updates and progress checks, or even host brainstorming sessions at crucial stages of the eLearning development process. This function usually includes a group calendar that allows eLearning team members to add events and send invites to collaborators.

5. Built-In Collaboration Support

Every member of the group must be able to communicate with each other, exchange feedback, and upload files. Thus, the eLearning Project Management tool needs to have built-in collaboration support features that are intuitive and easily accessible. For instance, users can quickly add notes to a document or update the shared task list to avoid redundancies.

6. Workload Management

An invaluable feature for larger eLearning teams who’re working on an eLearning project with multiple facets, as you have the ability to see which tasks every collaborator is working on and what’s up next. This makes it easier to assign tasks and balance the workload. If three members of the eLearning team have similar skill sets, you can simply delegate the task to the person with the shortest assignment list, or hire an additional eLearning team member if you notice that everyone is at full capacity.

7. Customizable Dashboards

It gives you the power to customize user dashboards so that everyone can focus on relevant tasks and eLearning project timelines. This also includes KPI overviews, progress bars, and urgent requests, such as tasks that are a top priority or revision notes that need to be addressed immediately. Another important tie-in feature is the ability to restrict access based on the collaborator’s role or responsibilities. For example, only certain admins can view everyone’s time logs and personal notes.

8. Reporting

Your LMS has built-in reporting that allows you to monitor learner performance and the effectiveness of your online training strategy. The same goes for your eLearning Project Management tool. Instead of online learners and L&D efficiency, you’re evaluating eLearning team performance and project goals. This should include data visualization to help you identify patterns and areas for improvement.

9. Budgeting Tools

Budgeting features cover a broad range of accounting tasks, from assigning costs to certain assignments to tracking and approving individual timesheets. You can also monitor the expense sheet for the entire eLearning project to improve resource allocation, as well as set the pay rate for every eLearning team member or position.

Tips To Choose An eLearning Project Management Platform With The Right Features

1. Get Your eLearning Team Involved In The Selection Process

Your eLearning team may not require every feature on this list. Thus, you should get their feedback to determine which functionalities they need to streamline their workflow. For example, your eLearning Project Manager values the task assignment feature because it can help them delegate and monitor progress more efficiently. You can also ask for recommendations, as they might be able to disclose the pros and cons of tools they’ve used in the past.

2. Try Before You Buy

Many eLearning Project Management platforms feature limited trials that give you the opportunity to explore the features firsthand. You may have a general idea of which functions you’re looking for, but a trial might reveal that certain add-ons or upgrades will offer better ROI. As an example, you already have a separate accounting software, but it may be more beneficial to have an integrated budgeting tool to ensure greater accuracy. eLearning team members can log their time and you can dedicate sufficient resources to each task.

eLearning Project Management tools are indispensable for remote eLearning teams who don’t have the luxury of on-site meetings or shared workspaces. However, they’re also a worthwhile investment for in-house teams who want greater flexibility and need to manage their time more effectively. They’re able to log in from anywhere in the world and collaborate with peers, share files, and receive task updates.

To get insights on how to make the eLearning development process run smoothly using Project Management online platforms, read the article 6 Project Management Platforms For Remote eLearning Teams to find out which are the best Project Management online platforms that you may want to consider for your next eLearning project.