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Top Thinkific Alternatives and Competitors for Creators

by Anastasiia Dyshkant
7 January, 2024
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When it comes to crafting and marketing online courses, Thinkific stands out as a popular choice. Nevertheless, it's essential to recognize that Thinkific isn't the sole option available. While it enjoys widespread use in the realm of e-learning platforms, its compatibility with individual needs or budgets may not be universal.

In this post, we've scoured the internet to present you with the finest substitutes and rivals to Thinkific, each offering distinctive features and functionalities that can elevate the quality of your online courses.

Whether you're in search of a platform that allows for greater customization, improved marketing tools, or a more user-friendly interface, we have you covered.

Prepare to delve into some compelling Thinkific alternatives that can propel your online courses to new heights!

What is Thinkific: Getting to Know

To begin, let's delve into an evaluation of Thinkific. Thinkific stands out as an exceptional platform for crafting courses, providing you with the means to transform your expertise into a viable business.

Thinkific empowers you to swiftly and effectively create a professional website for your e-learning enterprise, facilitating the seamless publication of courses and enabling prompt initiation of sales.

Main features

  • Course authoring tool
  • Interactive multimedia modules
  • Completion certificates
  • Flexible learning paths: self-paced and scheduled Classes
  • Integrated course and community of students features
  • User profiles and mentions
  • Interactive reactions and discussion threads
  • White-label customization options
  • Unified single sign-on
  • Limitless administrator access
  • Bulk course sales capability

Rating

Furthermore, various third-party review platforms host evaluations of Thinkific submitted and rated by diverse users. The ensuing ratings are detailed below.

G2, a reliable platform featuring reviews from genuine users across different products, awards Thinkific an impressive rating of 4.5 stars, indicating a favorable outcome.

Trustpilot, another review site capturing authentic user opinions, assigns Thinkific a rating of approximately 4.7 stars. A significant majority, 78%, categorize it as Excellent, while 16% deem it Great. A mere 3% rate it as poor, and 2% as bad.

Capterra, a reputable review platform, also attributes a rating of 4.5 stars to Thinkific.

In summary, the ratings from these user-driven platforms like Thinkific as a promising and commendable course creation platform. Nevertheless, it is important to note that certain limitations exist, and the platform is considered relatively expensive.

Pros & Cons

Thinkific Benefits:

  • Robust features facilitating the swift and efficient delivery of new content, encompassing entire courses.
  • Exceptional support characterized by its speed and consistently accurate assistance.
  • A user-friendly interface, making navigation and utilization of most sections straightforward.

Thinkific Drawbacks:

  • The website builder's user interface could be more accommodating to beginners.
  • Pricing plans are relatively expensive, especially considering that many alternatives to Thinkific provide comparable or even more features at a more cost-effective rate.
  • Uploading speed tends to be sluggish when handling substantial documents, indicating room for improvement in this aspect compared to platforms with superior speed performance.

Pricing

Thinkific provides a range of primary plans, namely Basic, Start, Grow, and Expand. Unlike some competitors that offer free trials, Thinkific introduces a Free Plan with specific limitations on functionality.

Entrepreneurs typically commence their journey with the Basic plan and progress to more advanced options as their business expands.

Here's a breakdown of Thinkific's pricing tiers:

  • Free Plan – $0
  • Basic – $49
  • Start – $99
  • Grow – $195
  • Expand – $499
  • Thinkific Plus – Tailored pricing based on individual needs.

Why Consider Other Platforms Instead of Thinkific?

Although Thinkific is a comprehensive platform with abundant features for online course creation and sales, certain limitations might prompt users to consider other Thinkific  alternatives. These drawbacks encompass:

Restricted customization capabilities.

  • Essential features are lacking in the free and basic plans.
  • Requirement for additional third-party integrations.
  • Not the ideal choice for those aiming to sell digital goods, memberships, or live streams.

Furthermore, users seeking platforms like Thinkific with more advanced analytics, reporting features, and enhanced flexibility in course delivery options may find Thinkific alternatives more appealing. Exploring other platforms allows individuals to discover solutions better suited to their specific needs and objectives for creating and selling online courses.

8 Thinkific Alternatives for Creators

1. DrivEd LMS

Overview

DrivEd stands as a successful learning management system (LMS) crafted to assist both educational institutions and corporate entities in crafting courses, overseeing curricula, and monitoring the progress of students or staff members. This platform empowers professionals to seamlessly integrate numerous courses, facilitating efficient searches for specific client training programs based on criteria such as course name, category, creation date, and status.

Adaptable to organizations of varying sizes, purposes, and financial capacities, DrivEd educational platform caters to startups, online schools, educational institutions, large enterprises, small businesses, and beyond. With its versatile features, this platform emerges as a valuable asset for any entity seeking to enhance learning experiences and drive continuous improvement.

Main features

DrivEd comprises a comprehensive learning management system along with individual student accounts. Within this  simple learning management system, you have the capability to:

  • Grant each student personalized access to their individual account.
  • Develop courses and coaching programs, enriching them with video content, tests, and assignments.
  • Review and assess homework submissions.
  • Monitor and evaluate each student's ongoing progress.
  • Establish a group chat for collaborative communication.
  • Keep students informed about crucial events through notifications.

Within the student account, individuals can:

  • Fulfill tasks and successfully complete assessments.
  • Engage in group discussions through the chat feature.
  • Track personal progress over time.
  • Review homework submitted by fellow group members.
  • Access a calendar highlighting upcoming events.
  • Retrieve study materials conveniently at any time.

This multifaceted approach ensures a dynamic and interactive learning experience for both educators and students alike.

Rating

DrivEd full-on learning management system has garnered exceptional acclaim with a stellar 5-star rating on prominent platforms such as Capterra, G2 Crowd, and eLearning Industry. This impressive recognition highlights the platform's positive reception and user satisfaction across various user reviews and industry evaluations.

Pros:

  • Enhancing the caliber of educational services
  • Cutting-edge content authoring tool
  • Collaborative learning processes
  • Effortless certificate generation
  • Optimized time and resource utilization
  • Streamlining business processes through digitization
  • Automated student-teacher interactions
  • Revenue boost and seamless scalability
  • User-friendly accounts with an intuitive interface
  • Efficient tracking of grades
  • Seamless integration with WordPress via our API
  • Incorporation of gamification elements
  • Structured organization of content and curriculum libraries
  • Flexible creation of grades and question blocks
  • Designing personalized learning paths
  • Efficient certificate generation process

Cons:

  • No email marketing tool
  • Limited live chat support
  • Limited CRM functionalities
  • No free version

Pricing

DrivEd offers four distinctive pricing plans, complemented by a 14-days free trial option. Explore the various editions outlined below to identify the one that aligns with both your budget and requirements.

  • Starter - $59.00 per month, for people who want to establish their business
  • Pro - $179.00 per month, for people who want to grow their business
  • Business - $419.00 per month, for businesses who want to scale and optimize
  • Enterprise - pay as you go (custom pricing), for large companies with specific requirements. Unlimited possibilities.

2. TalentLMS

Overview

Yet another platform, renowned and cherished by numerous course creators, is TalentLMS. This robust software provides a comprehensive array of essential features and tools, enabling the effective creation, sale, and management of courses. Many organizations opt for this platform, successfully deploying it for remote workforce training initiatives.

Main features

  • Incorporating native video conferencing for seamless hosting of instructor-led training sessions.
  • Utilizing gamification tools and features enriching learning experience, fostering interactivity and engagement.
  • Accessing a library of pre-designed courses for added convenience for students.
  • Utilizing content creation tools and a user-friendly drag-and-drop content management system.
  • Leveraging Course Management tools encompassing builders, libraries, categorization, prerequisites, time limits, and more.
  • Managing users efficiently with unlimited administrative capabilities.
  • Experiencing exceptional customization with TalentLMS, allowing for personalized branding, theme selection, and certificate creation. Additionally, the platform enables the creation of a fully white-labeled mobile app.
  • Creating assessments and effortlessly tracking results to enhance the evaluation process.

Rating

TalentLMS boasts a commendable rating of 4.6 stars on G2. On Trustpilot, TalentLMS maintains a solid rating, achieving 4.1 stars. Capterra also reflects positively on the platform, with an impressive 4.7-star rating. While the platform receives favorable ratings and users express satisfaction, it's worth noting that despite the flexibility in pricing plans, they are perceived as relatively high.

Pros:

The platform excels in its ease of use, presenting a straightforward interface. Additionally, it offers impressive gamification features, customizable branding, automation options, and seamless integration with a multitude of popular tools.

  • User-friendly interface
  • Multiple types of content
  • Off-the-shelf content
  • Mobile app
  • Rich gamification
  • Free plan

Cons:

Surprisingly, the platform's capabilities in terms of customization and reporting are not as robust, especially considering its primary focus on businesses and enterprises with diverse needs.

  • Limited design customization
  • Basic reporting
  • Complicated course layout
  • TalentLibrary can be expensive

Pricing

  • Starter - $ 69 /month, billed yearly, up to 40 users
  • Basic - $ 149 /month, billed yearly, up to 100 users
  • Plus - $ 279 /month, billed yearly, up to 500 users
  • Premium - $ 459 /month, billed yearly, up to 1000 users
  • Enterprise - need to contact team, flexible user limit

3. LearnDash

Overview

LearnDash is most suitable for beginners or individuals who do not intend to establish a continuously expanding educational enterprise. It serves as a proficient platform for developing a limited number of courses and is exclusively compatible with WordPress.

Ideal for powering online educational content within academic institutions like coaching schools or colleges, LearnDash proves advantageous when there's an existing audience, eliminating the need for extensive marketing efforts. Leveraging LearnDash's uncomplicated course builder, you can promptly create courses.

Main features

  • Blended learning
  • Integrated course authoring
  • Certification and licensing support
  • Library of content
  • Management of content
  • Corporate and business creative solutions
  • Authoring of courses
  • Management of courses
  • Publishing of courses
  • Tracking of course progress
  • Branding customization options
  • Customizable question formats
  • Enrollment and onboarding facilities
  • Designed for educational institutions
  • Incorporation of gamification

Rating

LearnDash boasts an impressive rating of 4.6 on Capterra and a commendable 4.3 on G2 Crowd, attesting to its positive reception and user satisfaction on these prominent review platforms.

Pros:

Individuals who opt for LearnDash appreciate its affordability and adaptability, as it enables them to integrate seamlessly with various WordPress plugins, unlocking additional functionalities.

  • Affordable for a course platform
  • Straightforward and user-friendly course authoring
  • Compatible with numerous plugins such as BuddyPress, MemberPress, and WooCommerce
  • White-label solution
  • Adaptable and customizable

Cons:

The drawbacks associated with LearnDash stem from its non-standalone nature. Users are required to handle server payments and setup, integrate additional plugins for payment options or community features, and many extra functionalities are available as separate add-ons.

LearnDash may pose challenges for users lacking technical expertise, particularly those who require additional assistance in website maintenance.

  • Lacks a free trial, offering only a 15-day refund window
  • Incurs hidden costs for server hosting and maintenance
  • Dependent on additional plugins for payment processing, lacking a comprehensive standalone solution
  • Incorporating supplementary plugins and add-ons can lead to considerable expenses, as seen in the case of features like Gamification
  • Necessitates an independent hosting provider
  • Demands self-management of WordPress maintenance

Pricing

LearnDash operates on an annual pricing model, offering the flexibility to make payments through either credit card or PayPal, accompanied by a 15-day money-back guarantee.

Every subscription tier includes multiple site licenses, determining the number of websites you can leverage the service for. Notably, the Plus and Pro plans grant complimentary access to the ProPanel add-on.

Here are the pricing details:

  • Single Site: $199 per year
  • 10 Sites: $399 per year
  • Unlimited Sites: $799 per year

4. LearnWorlds

Overview

LearnWorlds stands out as an excellent Thinkific alternative. It serves as a reliable online course platform, providing a suitable and dependable option for a diverse range of course creators. Now, let's delve deeper into the features and offerings of this platform.

Main features

Thus, the primary functionalities of this platform, facilitating the monetization of your expertise, include:

  • A course builder featuring synchronized transcripts, interactions, and interaction statistics.
  • Marketing and sales tools encompassing coupons, promotions, sellable memberships and subscriptions, as well as affiliate marketing tools.
  • White labeling and custom domain options for brand personalization.
  • A website builder offering templates and customization features.
  • A fully white-labeled mobile app builder tailored to your brand.
  • Marketing tools and affiliate programs to enhance promotional activities.
  • The opportunity to incorporate gamification elements and create interactive videos.
  • Assessment and survey builder tools for comprehensive learning evaluation.

Rating

Let's now turn our attention to the platform's ratings. On G2, LearnWorlds boasts a commendable 4.5-star rating. Over on Trustpilot, LearnWorlds maintains a solid rating, hovering around 4.1 stars. Capterra also reflects positively on the platform, with an impressive 4.7-star rating.

While the overall ratings signify the platform's reliability, a closer look at Trustpilot's reviews reveals some dissatisfaction, particularly regarding the support team's responses.

Pros:

  • Outstanding course authoring tools that set the standard
  • A powerful assessment builder for advanced assessments
  • AI-driven course creation
  • Interactive video editor for content creation
  • Support for SCORM files
  • Comprehensive reporting and analytics for enhanced learning insights
  • Issuance of certificates
  • Integration with Zoom and Webex for seamless collaboration
  • Fully white-label native mobile apps available on iOS and Android platforms

Cons:

  • Navigating the platform may pose a challenge due to its intricate features
  • The absence of an integrated email marketing tool is a notable drawback
  • Additionally, the platform lacks a dedicated marketplace for courses

Pricing

You can explore LearnWorlds with a free 30-day trial and choose from three primary plans:

  • Starter – $29 per month
  • Pro – $99 per month
  • Learning Center – $299 per month
  • For Enterprise plans, personalized discussions with the sales team are recommended.

5. Teachable

Overview

Boasting an intuitive and well-crafted interface, Teachable provides tools for course design, management, and student engagement. It serves as a straightforward Thinkific alternative, particularly user-friendly for novice creators, although it may not offer an extensive range of course authoring capabilities.

Teachable is particularly well-suited for those in the early stages of their journey, catering to less experienced users. However, more seasoned creators might find it somewhat lacking in educational solution functionalities. Notably, Teachable places a strong emphasis on marketing aspects and seamlessly integrates with numerous popular tools. In a recent shift, Teachable has realigned its focus to provide enhanced support and features for online coaching product, marking a strategic shift from its initial emphasis on course creation.

Main features

Teachable stands out as an exceptional and, above all, valuable platform due to its key features:

  • A course and website builder for delivering top-notch products with an appealing interface. It provides all essential tools to construct an aesthetically pleasing website and craft well-structured courses for your students.
  • Tools for creating certificates.
  • Robust insights to inform future development plans.
  • Custom user roles and automated payouts, enhancing workforce management efficiency.
  • Remarkable tools for tax management.

Rating

To establish the credibility and reliability of the platform, we conducted research on various rating platforms. The ratings for Teachable on different platforms are outlined below. 

G2: On the G2 review website, Teachable received a score of 4 out of 5 stars. While this is a commendable result, it falls short of being the highest. Trustpilot awarded Teachable a rating of 2.9 out of 5 stars, indicating a somewhat less satisfying outcome. On Capterra, Teachable is well-regarded with a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

In essence, Teachable is a commendable platform offering numerous useful features. However, examining diverse ratings reveals that for some users, these features might not be sufficient.

Pros:

Teachable stands out as an instinctive platform featuring drag-and-drop functionality, enabling you to effortlessly rearrange and reorganize elements with ease.

  • Complimentary plan
  • User-friendly interface
  • Sophisticated pricing choices
  • Marketing features such as order bumps and affiliate programs
  • Incorporated email broadcasts
  • Mobile App (non-white-labeled)

Cons:

Teachable presents several drawbacks attributable to its user-friendly orientation, lacking support for expanding businesses or incorporating advanced features such as interactivity, assessments, and community functionalities.

  • Lack of white-labeling capability
  • Absence of advanced learning and assessment tools
  • No support for SCORM or XAPI/TinCan standards
  • Instances of downtime and technical issues
  • Limited template selection
  • Subpar customer support

Pricing

Teachable provides a range of five plan tiers, with certain plans incurring additional fees:

  • Free plan: 10% transaction fees + $1
  • Basic plan: 5% transaction fees – $59/month
  • Pro plan: No transaction fees – $159/month
  • Pro+ plan: No transaction fees – $249/month
  • Business: $665/month

6. Kajabi

Overview

Kajabi stands out as a highly popular course platform in the current market. This comprehensive platform allows you to establish and manage your online business seamlessly, providing essential features for your website, course sales pages, course development, membership sites, email marketing, sales funnels, and more.

In comparison to other platforms featured in this list, Kajabi places a greater emphasis on marketing functionalities rather than learning management. This makes it particularly appealing to solopreneurs and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who value it as an all-encompassing solution, primarily for its capabilities in sending email blasts and automations to their user base.

Main features

  • A user-friendly drag-and-drop website builder, streamlining the entire construction process and saving time.
  • Generation of marketing sequence templates.
  • SEO-friendly design, ensuring easy crawlability by search engines upon website creation and publication.
  • Quizzes and course insights to enhance the engagement and meaningfulness of the learning process.
  • Email broadcasts and sequences.
  • Unlimited storage space, a critical feature for professional creators who need to upload numerous courses and supplementary materials.

Rating

As per the G2 review platform, Kajabi boasts a 4.5 out of 5-star rating. Trustpilot assigns a high 4.6-star rating to Kajabi. Additionally, on Capterra, Kajabi holds a strong rating of 4.4 stars. These promising ratings collectively affirm the platform's reliability and user satisfaction. In all honesty, Kajabi stands out as a potentially excellent alternative to Thinkific.

Pros:

Kajabi serves as a comprehensive platform where creators can monetize their content, offering an integrated solution for both content creation and marketing within a single platform.

  • The ultimate solution for marketing digital products
  • Templates for course authoring
  • Marketing and email automation (funnels)
  • Mobile apps compatible with iOS and Android
  • Support for up to 3 custom domains/websites
  • Responsive and helpful customer support

Cons:

Conversely, Kajabi comes with a substantial cost, particularly for beginners, and it lacks sufficient user management, reporting, and learning tools necessary for scaling businesses.

  • Highest cost among platforms
  • No available free plan – only a 14-day trial
  • Lacks robust learning features
  • Limited discussions/social features
  • Basic website builder
  • No option for unlimited courses, unlike other platforms (restricted to 100 products on the highest plan)

Pricing

Kajabi's entry-level plan commences at a rate higher than the mid-tier plans of many other platforms, yet it provides additional marketing features. However, there are constraints on the number of products, pipelines or funnels, administrators, contacts, and active members.

  • Basic plan: $149/month
  • Growth plan: $199/month
  • Pro plan: $399/month

7. Udemy

Overview

Udemy stands out as one of the premier online course marketplaces, providing subject matter experts with a straightforward method to organize course content into a cohesive learning experience. This content can then be published on the marketplace, utilizing various marketing tools to enhance course visibility.

Although it may appear that Udemy handles the marketing aspect, the reality is different. Given the intense competition on the platform, significant effort is still required to promote your courses and achieve visibility in organic search results.

Udemy operates primarily as a marketplace rather than a dedicated course platform. Consequently, it can be effectively utilized in tandem with a hosted platform. In this dual approach, Udemy serves as a means to reach a broader audience, introducing learners to your courses and potentially leading to upselling of more advanced or expensive courses hosted elsewhere.

Main features

  • Course marketing functionalities encompass external partner promotion, targeted and retargeted ads, email campaigns, and discovery.
  • Tools for compliance management.
  • Diverse lecture formats, including automated, video, audio, and text lectures.
  • Inclusion of subtitles.
  • Quizzes and assessments.
  • Review capabilities.
  • Direct messaging options.

Rating

On G2, Udemy boasts an impressive rating of 4.5 stars out of 5. However, on Trustpilot, the rating is rather low, standing at just 2.1 out of 5 stars. Conversely, on Capterra, Udemy receives a commendable rating of 4.6 stars. In essence, if you are comfortable with fees and prioritize a swift starting point, Udemy emerges as the optimal Thinkific alternative for your needs.

Pros:

Getting started with Udemy is a breeze. There's no need for technical expertise, setting up a website, or dealing with technical maintenance and landing pages. This platform is perfect if your primary focus is teaching and you'd rather not delve into the technical intricacies of the process. However, it's important to note that promoting yourself as an instructor is still a crucial aspect of utilizing Udemy effectively.

  • User-friendly
  • Cost-free
  • No technical or design prerequisites
  • Large audience actively seeking courses
  • Assists in marketing the top courses

Cons:

While Udemy is a free platform, it comes with several drawbacks. It poses challenges in sustaining a full-time income because you lack control over your course's pricing. Additionally, it doesn't support white-labeling, and you have no ownership of the data. Consequently, you might be directing numerous students to Udemy, only for the platform to potentially redirect them towards a competitor's offerings.

  • Udemy claims a substantial portion of the profits.
  • Continuous course discounts are imposed, limiting the ability to offer premium courses.
  • You lack ownership of your students' data.
  • Promotional efforts are essential on the all-in-one platform.
  • Your course contends with numerous competitors.
  • Adherence to instructor requirements and standards is mandatory.

Pricing

For course creators, Udemy is entirely free of charge. All you have to do is register and commence posting the courses you provide.

8. Podia

Overview

Podia serves as a comprehensive platform designed for the sale of digital products, including courses, memberships, and downloads. Positioned as a more budget-friendly Thinkific alternative to Kajabi, Podia offers essential functionalities and features, albeit with a more straightforward approach compared to other Thinkific similar.

Podia is well-suited for those seeking to market and sell uncomplicated digital learning content through digital marketing efforts. However, it may not be the ideal choice for users requiring the educational features and sophistication found in more advanced online course platforms.

Main features

  • Robust website builder offering extensive customization options
  • Course builder enabling the publication of courses in bundles, single or drip formats, and supporting pre-sales
  • Digital downloads feature facilitating the sale of various digital products, not just courses
  • Capability to organize webinars and workshops
  • Incorporated affiliate and email marketing tools
  • Community features
  • Simple setup for coaching sessions and consultations
  • Diverse integration options

Rating

On G2, Podia boasts an impressive 4.5-star rating out of 5 stars, indicating a positive response within the highly competitive market. Users express satisfaction with the user interface and content creation processes.

On Trustpilot, Podia holds a 4 out of 5-star rating. Some users share negative experiences, particularly highlighting challenges with SEO-friendliness, which allegedly hampers the ranking of websites created with Podia on Google. Checking Capterra, Podia maintains a strong rating of 4.6 stars out of 5.

Considering assessment management tools from multiple review platforms and diverse reviews, while individual cases may have encountered inconveniences, overall, the majority of users express contentment with the platform.

Pros:

Podia encompasses a comprehensive range of features, incorporating an email marketing tool, and is notably more cost-effective compared to alternative platforms. Nevertheless, the lower price is associated with reduced quality and fewer capabilities.

  • Complimentary plan
  • Affordable pricing
  • Integrated email marketing
  • User-friendly interface
  • Discussion and community features

Cons:

Podia solely provides a free plan, lacking several educational and reporting features and offering no options for white-labeling the platform. Moreover, for those aiming to scale their business, any form of advanced features is noticeably absent.

  • Absence of white-labeling
  • Lack of educational features
  • No reporting or analytics
  • Missing advanced features such as SSO, API, Website builder, Automations, etc.
  • Additional users incur an extra cost of $20

Pricing

Podia provides a free plan along with two subscription-based options. These plans differ in terms of transaction fees, the quantity of products you can generate, and the level of support offered.

  • Free plan: $0 (with 8% transaction fees)
  • Mover: $39/mo (no transaction fees)
  • Shaker: $89/mo (no transaction fees)

Customizing Your LMS Experience: Beyond Thinkific Solutions

If you seek more than just an LMS, consider exploring DrivEd LMS. Our versatile eLearning platform caters to various forms of eLearning, ranging from corporate training to language learning courses.

Furthermore, you gain access to an award-winning content builder, a comprehensive assessment , a gamification, and numerous other features. Create your free account now and experience it for yourself!

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Tailoring learning content and traditional training methods to accommodate different learning preferences contributes to a more effective and equitable training experience.Optimal Training StrategiesCrafting an Efficient ScheduleEstablishing a clear and predictable training schedule encourages individuals to prioritize their participation, resulting in consistently higher attendance rates in the way on how to train employees remotely.A meticulously planned training schedule guarantees that individuals requiring access to the learning materials can do so at a time and date that suits them best. Streamlining the management of all training activities, the Learning Management System (LMS) calendar offers a user-friendly solution. Instead of scattering training attendance reports and crucial information across various files, spreadsheets, and to-do lists, an integrated calendar consolidates everything within a single, organized tab.Developing Learning ResourcesEnhance the training effectiveness of your remote employee training initiative by incorporating additional valuable resources that contribute to an enriched learning experience. Embed links to product wikis and documentation within your training materials, allowing employees to access relevant information seamlessly during or between lessons.Consider supplementing your program with external resources that employees can explore. If your company possesses exclusive access to journals, papers, or case studies, sharing them when applicable can provide valuable insights.Include clear instructions on how employees can seek support from managers or training directors. Specify office hours or designate the contact person for any inquiries that may arise during the program.Extend this thoughtful approach to post-program implementation. Anticipate the needs of your employees after formal training concludes. What resources do they require to effectively apply what they've learned? Ensuring ongoing support and access to relevant materials will contribute to the successful implementation of their acquired knowledge.Streamlining AccessibilityRecognize the significance of communication in the virtual realm and dispel any concerns about "over-communicating." Unlike a traditional office environment, the conventional wisdom of avoiding 'too many emails' does not apply here; instead, prioritize ensuring that your training session is communicated clearly and is easily accessible.Initiate communication several days prior by sending an email containing the virtual session link, accompanied by relevant screen captures of the virtual classroom. Offering a preview of what the virtual classroom entails, including a 'cheat sheet' on basic functions like muting the microphone, raising a hand, or using the chat feature, can help set expectations for participants. Additionally, dispatch a reminder the night before the online class and a few minutes prior to its commencement, reiterating the URL.Test all platforms and systems at least one hour before the training commences to ensure seamless access. The login process should be straightforward, establishing a positive tone for the session rather than presenting a hurdle to overcome. Having a facilitator available online before the training starts is imperative; they can address sign-on and connectivity issues promptly, providing assistance to learners who may be struggling to keep pace with the session.Establishing SupportIn times of inability to access the training instance or unexpected VPN connection drops, it becomes crucial to identify the support mechanism, especially when dealing with a class of twenty students.Preparedness is paramount, and a key element is determining the support system in place for your session. As a minimum requirement, ensure that a designated member of your IT support team is well-prepared, available, and on standby. It is essential to engage in proactive discussions beforehand to establish a clear plan of action in the event of significant issues.Monitoring the Learning DynamicsAs you conclude the session, communicate to the students that you will remain online to facilitate an open forum for questions, address any concerns, review key points, assign tasks, and more. This post-session availability aims to provide additional support and engagement beyond the formal class time. Additionally, consider scheduling dedicated check-in times to discuss any lingering topics or clarifications, making yourself accessible online for any students who wish to connect at their convenience. This commitment to ongoing availability fosters a collaborative and supportive learning environment, ensuring that students have ample opportunities for guidance and interaction even outside the standard session duration.Create Orientation SessionCommence your remote training tools with an orientation session, akin to the introductory phase of an instructor-led training (ILT) session. It is imperative to establish essential ground rules and elucidate the expectations for participants to ensure their active engagement and the overall effectiveness of the training.Here are some housekeeping suggestions to guide the orientation:Connectivity Solutions: Outline procedures for addressing connectivity issues. For instance, encourage learners to utilize the chat feature to communicate with a secondary instructor or facilitator if access to the remote working course is lost.Microphone Etiquette: Emphasize the importance of muting microphones when not speaking. This practice minimizes background noise and ensures a conducive learning environment.Interactive Participation: Instruct participants to utilize the raise hand feature when they have a question, require clarification, or wish to make a comment. This structured approach ensures orderly interaction and facilitates efficient response times.Mobile Phone Protocol: Advise participants to mute their mobile phones to avoid disruptions during the training session.Minimize Distractions: Encourage participants to close email and other unnecessary windows to maintain focus and optimize the learning experience.Introduction through Slides: At the commencement of each virtual session, provide opening slides that comprehensively describe the available functions accessible to the students. This proactive measure helps familiarize participants with the virtual environment, setting the stage for a smooth and productive learning experience.Engage LearnersBeyond the traditional methods, consider incorporating additional strategies to foster heightened participation and motivation among learners. A noteworthy approach is to implement an employee training app of rewards for your employees' dedicated training efforts.One effective avenue for recognizing and incentivizing learning accomplishments is through the utilization of built-in certification functions found in many online learning platforms. These features seamlessly automate the process of awarding certificates of completion to learners who successfully conclude their training modules. The intrinsic value of these certificates extends beyond a mere acknowledgment of completion; they serve as tangible markers of achievement, instilling a sense of accomplishment and pride among learners.The act of rewarding employees for their training endeavors contributes not only to their motivation but also to the overall engagement levels during the remote trainings sessions. By leveraging these built-in certification functions, you create a structured and tangible framework for recognizing and celebrating the progress and commitment of your learners, thereby fostering a positive and goal-oriented learning environment.In ConclusionNow you know  how to train employees effectively. Concluding this in-depth exploration of remote employee training, we delved into various aspects of this contemporary subject. Our aim was to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic, offering valuable insights to enhance your remote sessions.We are keen to learn about your strategies for training remote employees and welcome any additional tips you may have that weren't covered in this article. Your input is invaluable, and sharing your experiences can contribute to the collective knowledge and improvement of remote training best practices. Please feel free to share your thoughts and insights with us.

by Anastasiia Dyshkant
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What is Virtual Instructor Led Training? Benefits and Best Practices

Virtual instructor-led training and traditional in-person training share a commonality: the presence of an instructor delivering live sessions to a group of participants. However, the optimal session duration, engagement methods, and the necessary software and technology for a successful course vary significantly between the two.In recent years, virtual instructor-led training (VILT) has gained considerable traction, amalgamating the advantages of instructor-led training with the flexibility inherent in remote, online learning. Yet, for conventional training providers accustomed to face-to-face, classroom-centric approaches, transitioning to a virtual setting presents unique challenges.This discussion delves into the essence of virtual instructor-led training best practices, its merits, strategies for ensuring the success of your virtual training, and the essential software required for its effective delivery.What is Virtual Instructor Led Training?What is virtual instructor led training? Virtual instructor-led training (VILT) involves an instructor leading a training session for either a group of learners or an individual within a virtual environment. It seamlessly transposes all the components of instructor-led training (ILT) into the realm of remote learning, catering to the needs of learners engaged in distant locations through real-time, remote guidance.VILT exhibits the following defining characteristics:Synchronous Nature: Despite the geographical dispersion of participants, VILT ensures that learners engage in their training simultaneously with live instruction and immediate feedback from the instructor.Collaborative Environment: Learners actively collaborate with both their facilitator and peers on their chosen remote learning platform, leveraging various interactive features such as breakout rooms and chat functions.Real-time Interaction: VILT unfolds in real-time, meaning that participants partake in live sessions alongside their peers and instructor.VILT can manifest in diverse formats, ranging from webinars and one-on-one sessions to small group interactions and lectures. Regardless of the format, it is imperative for facilitators to sustain learner engagement through a repertoire of techniques, including polls, breakout sessions, and question-and-answer sessions.In line with effective training strategies, we advocate incorporating VILT as a component of a comprehensive blended learning initiative that integrates various learning modalities into a cohesive program. When employed as a reinforcement tool within a blended program, VILT effectively introduces topics, stimulates discussion, and reinforces crucial learning concepts.How is VILT (Virtual Instructor Led Training) Used?Numerous businesses and organizations leverage Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) to furnish educational resources to their employees, partners, and customers. This versatile approach proves beneficial in diverse scenarios, including new employee onboarding and on-demand training for existing staff. Additionally, VILT serves as an effective tool for customer education, offering flexibility through formats like webinars, one-on-one sessions, and video conferencing.VILT emerges as a valuable strategy for companies aiming to disseminate information and resources for training and development to employees and customers dispersed across different locations. Moreover, it facilitates meaningful interaction between instructors and learners, ensuring guidance is readily available throughout the learning process.Benefits of Virtual Instructor-Led TrainingFlexibility and AccessibilityVirtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) offers unparalleled flexibility and accessibility, breaking down geographical barriers. It is one of benefits of instructor led training. Learners can engage in virtual sessions from any location, promoting convenience and accommodating diverse schedules. This accessibility enhances the reach and impact of training initiatives. Related article: Self-paced Learning vs Instructor Led: Which Is Better?Cost-EfficiencyOne of the key advantages of digital training transformation is its cost-efficiency. By eliminating the need for travel, accommodation, and physical training materials, organizations can significantly reduce training expenses. VILT enables effective training delivery while minimizing associated costs, making it an economical choice for businesses.Improved Engagement and InteractivityVirtual Instructor-Led Training fosters improved engagement and interactivity among participants. Through features like real-time discussions, interactive exercises, and collaborative tools, VILT creates an immersive learning experience. This heightened engagement contributes to better knowledge retention and a more dynamic training environment.Personalized LearningVILT empowers personalized learning experiences tailored to individual needs. Instructors can adapt content, pace, and interaction based on participants' requirements, ensuring a more effective and personalized learning journey. This customization enhances the overall learning outcomes and addresses diverse learning styles within the virtual training environment. Related article: How to Personalize Learning with LMS. Tips for Effective Virtual TrainingEstablish an Engaging Virtual EnvironmentCreate a captivating virtual space by utilizing robust and secure video conferencing software while ensuring a reliable internet connection. Eliminate or minimize distractions in your surroundings, such as pets, background posters, and photos (opt for a virtual backdrop or blurred background if needed), as well as minimize disruptive noises. Turn off your mobile phone and mute desktop notifications like emails and calendar reminders. Present yourself in a professional manner, centered and focused on the camera.Refine Learning Design PracticesIn contrast to traditional face-to-face courses delivered in extended time increments, virtual training requires a different approach to maintain attention and engagement. Capitalize on one of the primary advantages of delivery of training: the ability to deliver content in short, incremental modules. This format accommodates busy schedules, mitigates information overload, and enhances learning outcomes. Adapting face-to-face courses to VILT involves breaking down larger courses into cohesive, shorter modules, suitable for online delivery. A learning designer can play a pivotal role in this process, ensuring seamless module integration and the creation of engaging, collaborative VILT courses.Encourage CollaborationFacilitate active participation and connection among learners by hosting Q&A sessions, utilizing polls and breakout rooms, and establishing online forums and resource libraries. These strategies enhance engagement with the subject matter and contribute to improved knowledge retention.Select Appropriate TechnologyBeyond software considerations, ensure you have the right technology infrastructure, including a reliable internet connection, quality audio input and speakers, and an effective camera with adequate lighting. Additional technical tips for hosting a webinar can be explored to optimize the virtual learning experience.Gather Comprehensive FeedbackSeek feedback from learners to not only enhance the current course but also to align future courses with their expectations. Conduct a pre-course survey to gauge their understanding of specific topics and identify their learning preferences. Post-course surveys offer valuable insights for continual improvement, helping to tailor future courses to the specific needs and expectations of your audience.Software for Virtual Instructor Led TrainingVideo Conferencing ToolsEssential for delivering Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT), video conferencing software plays a crucial role in facilitating seamless virtual connections. Zoom, a prominent tool in the market, stands out for its ability to enable virtual connectivity across various devices and locations. Ideal for webinars and online training program, Zoom offers a user-friendly interface that allows quick setup in minutes.Moreover, Zoom boasts an array of features designed to enhance collaboration and engagement. Conduct real-time polls for simple yes/no responses or post surveys to gauge participant feedback live. Emulate virtual classroom breakout sessions within the online environment, enabling small groups to collaborate on specific topics before reconvening to share results.Incorporate Interactive WhiteboardsInteractive whiteboards are gaining popularity in virtual training session due to their ability to foster collaboration and active participation, addressing a significant challenge in VILT. Tools like Miro serve various purposes, from basic note-taking to annotating training content, sharing ideas, brainstorming, and collaborative design during group discussions or assignments.Implement Learning Management Systems (LMS)Enhance your virtual training by incorporating eLearning modules through a Learning Management System (LMS). An LMS allows the creation of modules that participants can complete at their own pace, online, from any location. These modules encompass quizzes, on-demand videos, SCORM modules, forums, and online activities. With features to record scores, view results, and track completion rates, an LMS complements environments for training by extending it into a blended learning course. Related article: 15 Steps to Successful LMS Implementation. Integrate Training Management Systems (TMS)For businesses managing a multitude of courses with diverse characteristics, a Training Management System (TMS) becomes indispensable. Particularly beneficial for handling large volumes of registrations, multi-session courses, public and private events—whether virtual, face-to-face, or a combination—a TMS simplifies business operations. By automating processes and eliminating the need for disparate manual systems, a TMS streamlines course management. A quality TMS, such as Arlo, seamlessly integrates with other software like an LMS or video conferencing training platform, ensuring a unified system for training delivery. Future Trends in VILTAs Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) continues to evolve, several key trends are shaping the future landscape of virtual learning. Embracing these trends is essential for staying ahead in the dynamic realm of online education. Let's explore some anticipated developments that are set to redefine the future of VILT:Enhanced Interactivity through Immersive TechnologiesExpect to witness a surge in the integration of immersive technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in VILT. These technologies will elevate the level of engagement, providing learners with interactive and realistic training experiences.AI-Powered PersonalizationArtificial Intelligence (AI) is set to play a pivotal role in tailoring VILT experiences to individual learners. AI algorithms will analyze learner behavior, preferences, and performance data to deliver personalized content and recommendations, ensuring a more adaptive and effective learning journey.Microlearning and Bite-Sized ContentThe shift towards shorter, focused learning modules will continue to gain momentum. Microlearning and bite-sized content delivery methods will prevail, catering to the modern learner's preference for quick, digestible information that can be easily consumed and retained.Virtual Collaboration SpacesWith the growing emphasis on collaboration, VILT platforms will evolve to incorporate dedicated virtual spaces for group activities, discussions, and project collaboration. These collaborative spaces will simulate the in-person learning experience, fostering teamwork and engagement.Data-Driven Analytics for Continuous ImprovementAdvanced analytics and reporting tools will become integral to VILT platforms, providing educators and organizations with detailed insights into learner performance, participation, and course effectiveness. This data-driven approach will enable continuous improvement and optimization of virtual training programs.Flexible Learning Paths and Adaptive AssessmentsFuture VILT programs will offer flexible learning paths, allowing learners to choose routes that align with their individual goals and proficiency levels. Additionally, adaptive assessments will dynamically adjust based on the learner's progress, ensuring a tailored and challenging learning experience.ConclusionIn the ever-evolving landscape of education, Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) emerges as a transformative force. Expanding beyond geographical constraints, VILT offers flexibility, cost-efficiency, and personalized learning experiences. The outlined virtual instructor led training best practices, from creating interactive virtual environments to integrating cutting-edge technologies, serve as a guide for optimizing VILT effectiveness.As we embrace the future of education, VILT proves to be more than a trend—it's a dynamic, learner-centric approach. The integration of immersive technologies, collaborative online learning elements, and data-driven insights signifies a new era in accessible and tailored knowledge acquisition. In essence, VILT is not just a shift in methodology but a commitment to innovation, empowering both learners and educators on the journey of continuous learning.

by Sergey Pantileev
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LMS Migration Guide: Your Complete Roadmap for 2024

It all commenced on a positive note. The anticipation surrounding the potential of the new learning management system (LMS) fueled your excitement. However, when reality set in, the LMS turned out to be more of a hindrance than a benefit. It felt akin to being trapped in an unsatisfactory relationship, marked by breakdowns in communication and unfulfilled expectations.But worry not! If you're ready to move forward, it's time to part ways with your existing LMS and embark on the quest for a new, more compatible match. Let's face it; seeking out a new LMS vendor partner can be just as anxiety-inducing as the dating scene. That's why having a Pre-Migration Checklist is crucial to ensure a seamless transition.In this article, we'll provide insights on preparing for an LMS migration, aiming to make the process as smooth as possible. Additionally, we'll share some insider tips to simplify the selection and migration procedures. So, let's begin the search for a superior LMS match and streamline the entire process!What Is An LMS Migration?The LMS data migration denotes the transition from your existing LMS to a fresh one, encompassing the transfer of essential data like user information, learner progress, and the migration of course content.Shifting from your current LMS to a novel solution can prove to be a complex and costly undertaking. Nevertheless, it becomes imperative when organizations recognize the need to modernize their learning and development (L&D) programs due to emerging learning requirements that the current system fails to support. For instance, if the challenge lies in monitoring learner progress and outcomes, opting for a new LMS with superior real-time metrics and data may be a prudent move. While this shift can be strategic, the actual transfer of content, users, and learning materials to the new LMS presents a considerable challenge. Additionally, acquainting yourself with and navigating a new system adds another layer of complexity to the process.When Should You Switch LMSs?If the process of relocating your data from one LMS to another resembled the simplicity of switching phone providers and effortlessly transferring data from your old phone to the new one, we'd readily endorse it. However, that's not the scenario. Migrating LMSs constitutes a meticulous and time-consuming procedure that demands careful preparation. If you lack technical expertise, it's advisable to consider collaborating with an LMS provider for assistance. But, when is the opportune moment to make the switch?As previously outlined, several factors may prompt the consideration of changing LMSs, each stemming from challenges posed by your current LMS. These challenges could range from user experience issues and LMS sluggishness to data and user constraints, a lack of adaptability, and more. In essence, if your LMS becomes a hindrance to your business growth, especially when scaling, due to its inflexibility or inability to evolve with your needs, it's a signal to contemplate an LMS data migration.At DrivEd, we've been providing software customizations for our LMS clients, a practice instrumental in preventing clients from outgrowing their LMS. While our clients frequently commend the quality of our core LMS product, we acknowledge that enterprises may occasionally necessitate custom development to align with their distinctive requirements.Choosing the Best LMS, Things to ConsiderCrafting a clear roadmap is instrumental in determining which learning management system can best cater to an institution's distinctive requirements. Related article: How to Choose an LMS System: 6 Steps to Consider. A suitable LMS should possess the following attributes:Facilitates Dynamic Learning Experiences: Evaluate the impact of the LMS on teaching and learning. Does it support various learning modalities? An effective LMS is designed to enhance ease and flexibility in the learning environment, whether it's face-to-face, hybrid, or fully remote. It is crucial for an institution to choose an LMS that ensures the delivery of a high-quality academic experience.Is Scalable and Adaptable to Change: Acknowledge the inevitability of change. Opt for an LMS capable of meeting evolving needs and accommodating growth. A scalable LMS should have the ability to adapt to shifts on both academic and institutional levels. Given the plethora of edtech tools available, seamless integration with an LMS is essential to empower educators with the best technological solutions for effective learning.Provides a Secure and Reliable Platform: Prioritize the protection of user information. Assess how the platform safeguards personal and private data. Additionally, reliability is paramount, ensuring that students and teachers can access their courses seamlessly anytime and anywhere.Offers Data and Insights on Performance: Administrators should have the capability to monitor their institution's performance through the LMS, gaining insights into each student's success and engagement. This data-driven approach aids in identifying effective strategies and optimizing overall student success.Can Test Performance and Competency: Assessment is integral to the learning process, revealing areas of understanding and improvement. An LMS embedded with assessment tools enables educators to easily gauge student needs. Features such as rubrics and an automatic grading system contribute to time efficiency, allowing educators to focus more on instruction.Has a Supportive Community: The selection of an LMS extends beyond the product itself; it encompasses access to an extended community that adds value and support to the user experience. When opting for a more modern LMS, evaluating the community users will be part of becomes crucial in enhancing the overall LMS experience.LMS Migration Project Plan: All StepsOnce you've made the definitive choice to migration to a new learning management system, the subsequent crucial step involves gearing up for the LMS migration process. Enumerate all your expectations from the upcoming LMS and then adhere to the systematic guide presented below:Develop a Practical TimelineThe initial cornerstone of any LMS migration project plan entails crafting a realistic timeline that can be seamlessly followed throughout the entire process. Your timeline should feature attainable, time-bound goals for a clear trajectory. Employing a Gantt chart can provide enhanced visualization for both you and your team. Collaborate with your new LMS providers to finalize and agree upon the timeline.Data and Feature MappingWhen making the shift to another LMS, it becomes imperative to meticulously map the data and features from your existing LMS that you intend to transfer. This step is pivotal due to the inherent variations in the structure and logic of each LMS. It aids in recognizing the placement of data and features in your current LMS and determining how they will be integrated into your new LMS. Furthermore, this process may span several months, as each migrated feature necessitates adjustments in its configuration settings.Data CleansingAn essential best practice during the migration of data from an existing LMS to a new one involves thorough data cleansing. Research indicates that companies typically spend $1 to clean their data prior to migration, in contrast to $16 to $25 after the migration process. Therefore, it is prudent to migrate only what is truly essential. The indiscriminate migration of all data to the new LMS can incur higher costs and result in subsequent complications and troubleshooting.Data Migration ProcessCommendable job on cleansing your data; now it's time for the next phase. Now that your data is primed for migration to a new LMS, the next step is to categorize it logically. A bulk migration of data is not viable; it must be done systematically. Analogous to relocating to a new residence, certain foundational elements need to be installed before shifting the main components. Consequently, the data migration should follow a structured sequence to avert potential issues. The initial data batch serves as the foundational information required to initiate the migration of the remaining data categories. DrivEd will seamlessly guide you through this process, ensuring the technicalities are handled adeptly.Pilot Run & Quality AssuranceBefore embarking on the actual migration process, construct a prototype of your LMS with the new functionalities. Rigorously test this prototype, identifying and rectifying errors by conducting diverse courses on your new LMS. Once pilot testing is successfully completed and potential errors addressed, proceed with the comprehensive migration of LMS data to the new system. Conduct a meticulous quality check to verify that all set goals, such as scalability and compatibility requirements, are met and that all features function optimally.Admins and End-Users TrainingThe LMS data migration process extends beyond the software; it is equally imperative to train administrators, end-users, and other stakeholders. The performance of an LMS is markedly improved when users adhere to best practices.Main Challenges of LMS Data MigrationDespite having a checklist in place, encountering the following hurdles during LMS migration is a possibility:Data LossOne prevalent issue in the LMS migration project plan is data loss, which can occur if the LMS team overlooks exporting data from the old system or if the data is no longer available. This underscores the critical importance of creating an inventory. Thoroughly review all data in your current LMS, export it in a format recommended by the industry, and assess it post-import into the new system.IncompatibilityLMS managers must also factor in compatibility challenges during the data migration process to the new LMS. There are instances where the exported data format may not align with the new LMS. For instance, the new LMS might not support a Word document format for data. In such scenarios, LMS managers should opt for universally accepted formats like CSV to ensure seamless migration, as they are compatible with all systems.ComplexityThe complexity of LMS data migration extends to exporting training and course history, along with additional details such as certifications and competence allocation. Special scripts are recommended for the migration of such intricate training data to streamline the process effectively.Testing and Analytics After the LMS Data Migration EndsTo guarantee continued smooth operation of the LMS following the completion of content migration, perform the following examinations:Localization test to verify the accurate translation of all content into various languages within the LMS.Stress test to assess the LMS's performance under peak usage conditions.Multi-device test to ensure seamless functionality of the LMS across various devicesConclusionThe evolution of LMS is poised to be both innovative and captivating for learners, with the incorporation of novel features such as gamification and social learning. Therefore, if your organization is currently relying on a legacy LMS, the opportune moment has arrived to transition to a more intuitive platform that aligns seamlessly with contemporary learning trends.Delve into the array of new LMS options available and select the one that best aligns with your organization's learning objectives. Crucially, ensure meticulous planning and execution of the migration strategy to seamlessly transfer all data and foster a positive learner experience.

by Anastasiia Dyshkant

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