How To Reduce Your Online Training Costs
An effective online training program is worth its weight in gold. But you shouldn't have to dig deep into your company's coffers to achieve your learning objectives. In fact, there are some budget-friendly ways to produce effective online training courses with limited resources. Here are 5 ways to reduce online training costs and improve your ROI.
1. Invest In A Rapid eLearning Authoring Tool
Rapid eLearning authoring tools are surrounded by common misconceptions. Some people may associate quick turnaround times with diminished quality. However, today's rapid eLearning platforms give you access to a broad range of online training resources. That includes eLearning templates, interactions, cut-out characters, and images. As is the case with all software solutions, different eLearning content providers offer different features. This is the reason why you should take the time to research rapid eLearning authoring tools to find the perfect match.
Cost-Cutting Tip: Many rapid eLearning authoring tools offer free trials and demos. As such, you can give the software a test-drive without having to pay anything out-of-pocket. You have the opportunity to explore the online asset library, try out the User Interface, and use their support services.
2. Develop Bite-Sized Online Training Resources
Microlearning online training resources focus on targeted topics and tasks. As such, they give you the ability to bridge specific gaps and maximize your online training resources. For example, an employee needs to improve their task performance. They access the "moment of need" online training repository, skip to the relevant category, and then watch a step-by-step online training tutorial. Each microlearning online training resource concentrates on the essentials, instead of covering every sub-task or topic. This provides a variety of benefits. Namely, you spend less time developing microlearning online training content, and your employees spend less time digesting the information.
Cost-Cutting Tip: Conduct a task and skill evaluation to develop microlearning online training materials that are more relevant and practical. For example, online training tutorials or simulations that give employees the knowledge they need to improve their work process. As a result, you're able to fill gaps without going over budget.
3. Use Versatile eLearning Templates
It's always wise to have a diverse collection of eLearning templates in your arsenal οr at least a master eLearning template that is easy to customize based on the subject matter. For example, you can quickly change the color scheme, text boxes, and image placement. There are a variety of free eLearning templates online. However, most rapid eLearning authoring tools have built-in templates that you can use for your next online training course. This is another key consideration when you're testing out the platform during the free trial period. Make sure it has a good assortment of eLearning templates that you can use now and in the future. If not, you may have to invest in another tool down the line or opt for the free options online, provided they are in a format that's compatible with the platform.
Cost-Cutting Tip: Develop your own eLearning templates using your new rapid eLearning authoring tool if there aren't any suitable options in their library. Start with a basic layout, then add your own images, graphics, text boxes, and placeholders. This also gives you the ability to add your own icons and logos, so that you can incorporate your branding.
4. Create A Game Plan And Stick To It
Organization, time management, and careful planning are essential when you're working on a tight online training budget. For this reason, it's important to create a game plan well in advance, so that you can keep your team on track. Create a timeline for the online training project and assign tasks as soon as possible. This gives your collaborators plenty of time to find the right online training resources and tools for their respective jobs. Furthermore, it allows you to monitor the work process as a whole and then make the necessary changes.
Cost-Cutting Tip: Along with the online training project schedule, you should consider a detailed budget and an eLearning storyboard. The online training budget helps you itemize your expenses, so that you can cut costs wherever possible, while an eLearning storyboard gives you the power to identify which tools you need to create each piece of online training content. As a result, you only have to invest in the tools you require for the online training course.
5. Start With Clear Learning Objectives And Desired Outcomes
Online training projects that lack a clear focus are likely to go over budget. This is due to the fact that nobody really knows what the priorities are or what they are striving towards. Therefore, you must have specific learning objectives and desired outcomes in place to serve as a guide. These online training destinations also give you the ability to develop targeted online training content that bridges organizational gaps. For example, performance issues that hinder workplace productivity and company profits. As such, you can devote your online training resources to "pain points" instead of creating a one-size-fits-all online training course.
Cost-Cutting Tip: Use your LMS metrics and employee feedback to develop more effective learning objectives and outcomes. Choose the right LMS for your company and your audience and use it wisely to its fullest. LMS reports and analytics can help you identify aspects of your online training that may need some work. For example, the majority of your employees isn’t able to complete the sales online training certification program. Thus, you can get to the root of the problem to improve the online training course, or else you can do away with it altogether. Either way, you do make the most of your online training resources and reduce online training costs.
These 5 tips and techniques can help you cut online training costs, allocate your resources more effectively and stretch your online training budget. Granted, you may have to get a bit creative when it comes to repurposing online training assets and fine-tuning your eLearning templates. However, you can pass the savings along to other areas of your organization and improve your bottom line.
Are you an eLearning professional looking to develop exceptional online training content? Request your free trial for Adobe’s stellar Captivate authoring tool, and craft content beyond imagination. Also, don’t forget to ask for the Adobe's Captivate Prime Demo to witness the experience of one of the best Learning Management Systems in the market.
