Legacy content has served your organization well in the past. But now it’s time to turn those outdated online training resources into modern L&D marvels. How do you choose the right external eLearning partner for the task, especially if you’re racing the clock? Founder of The eLearning Industry’s Network, Christoper Pappas shares his thoughts in this special guest post.
Tips To Choose The Ideal eLearning Content Provider Within Limited Time
Legacy content conversion allows you to stretch resources and make the most of your asset library. But it usually requires a significant amount of time, payroll, and stress. Plus, there’s no guarantee that the overhaul will achieve the desired outcomes. Hiring an eLearning content developer to convert all those shelved support tools can expedite the process and tap into external expertise. How do you choose the perfect external eLearning partner who understands your needs and works within your budget?
Here are 6 top tips to find the best legacy content conversion vendor on a tight timeframe.
1. Get Your Assets In Order Before Vendor Vetting
Regardless of whether the vendor charges by the hour or per project, it’s best to get your assets in order beforehand. This way, everything will be ready to convert when you bring them onboard and you don’t waste precious time evaluating online training resources. Figure out which online training content is suitable for modern audiences with some minor modifications. Identify your online training objectives and goals and determine how much you’re willing to spend on each task. This is also a good time to verify that eLearning outsourcing is the right choice or even conduct a Training Needs Analysis to identify underlying problems and ensure that legacy content aligns with desired outcomes.
2. Use An Online Directory To Find A Partner In Your Niche
You need a legacy content conversion provider who knows your industry and is familiar with the subject matter. Granted, you don’t necessarily require an SME, as the source content already contains the essentials. An online directory can help you find an eLearning content provider in your niche and price bracket. You can filter results to speed up the process and compile a shortlist. For example, only display vendors that specialize in risk management or performance support. Or those with experience in the banking or healthcare industry. The key is to choose a reliable online directory that doesn’t feature paid reviews or exaggerated listings.
3. Find A Provider Who Offers Tie-In Solutions
You may need to take it a step further than legacy content conversion. For instance, you may have to customize online training content to bring it up-to-date or incorporate more interactive elements, like leaderboards or AR activities. The directory listings also feature a list of vendor solutions. This allows you to find a provider who offers the total package. Evaluating their tie-in solutions also ensures that they’re the right person for the job. For example, they have bespoke eLearning solutions and microlearning on the list and you’re looking for someone who can turn that legacy content into a branded, bite-sized online training experience. Some vendors may even offer bundle packages to cut costs. For instance, you receive a slight discount if you hire them for related tasks. At the very least, they can give you a more detailed estimate based on the scope of your legacy content conversion project.
4. Weigh Client Reviews
Client reviews aren’t the only evaluation criteria to consider. An eLearning content provider who serves your company well may fall short for another because everyone has unique requirements. However, reviews can point you in the right direction and offer greater insight. You can read about the pros and cons from a different perspective. Users must provide some basic information, such as their use case, industry, and experience. Thus, you can focus on reviews that align with your online training needs to weigh the options fairly.
5. Contact eLearning Content Providers To Discuss Project Details
You don’t have time to waste. So, reach out to vendors as soon as possible to gather estimates and clarify your online training objectives. Mention the scope of the corporate eLearning project, the budget, and the format of your legacy content. As well as if any additional services are required. It might not be a straightforward content conversion but a more involved project that consists of off-the-shelf online training support tools or complex learning design. This also gives you the opportunity to test their response times and customer care. If they take a week to reply to your email, you may want to look elsewhere. On the other hand, vendors who go the extra mile to address your concerns might be worthy of your business.
6. Evaluate Ratings To Go Beyond The Company Profile
Sort the online directory listings by rating to see which vendors rise to the top and go beyond the company bio. The profile gives you a feel for the eLearning content provider’s specialties and their breadth of experience. However, ratings offer an inside look at how their work history and satisfaction scores. As they say, the proof is in the pudding. In this case, ratings back up their claims and give them clout. It consists of achieved results, responsiveness, communication, value for money, quality of service, and deadlines. This gives you a good indication of what to expect from the external eLearning partner before making your final decision. You can also determine if past clients are likely to recommend the vendor for legacy content conversion.
Legacy content conversion doesn’t have to send your implementation timeline into chaos or put you over budget. The secret is selecting an external eLearning partner who specializes in your niche and understands the subject matter. They’ll work with you to bring those outdated online training resources into the modern era and say goodbye to PowerPoint presentations. Evaluate ratings, user reviews, and online directory listings to get the best value for money and avoid lengthy delays. Lastly, reach out to your top choices and experience their CX firsthand.
eLearning content development outsourcing can really save your organization from unnecessary costs and risks. If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of eLearning outsourcing, read 6 Reasons To Hire eLearning Providers Instead Of Developing In-House eLearning Content and find out why you should entrust your legacy courses to external experts.