Choosing E-learning Software: 5 Questions to Ask Yourself




Many people are going crazy over e-learning software. With the fast-paced lifestyles we live and the way we’re always connected to the Internet in one way or another, it’s really no wonder why.

However, the truth is that far too many people, and even educational institutions for that matter, are purchasing e learning software they end up not using for reasons that range from difficulty of use, incompatibility with learning needs, to complete obsolescence.

Why is this so?

The crux of the matter is that there are simply various different types of e-learning software out there, some of which may or may not fit your needs. This is precisely the reason why asking yourself a handful of important questions is crucial in finding the right type of education software for your situation. The first step is to identify your learning needs; if you’re a teacher looking to provide educational software to your students, you’d need to identify their needs instead.

1.  What are your learning needs?

Each person has different learning skills. Do you want to increase your skills in literacy and numeracy? Do you lack the ability to focus? Do you require lessons in a particular subject, such as the sciences or the arts?

Acquiring e-learning software also entails that you put yourself in the position of the teacher because you are, to some extent, teaching yourself. Ask yourself what type of learning experience you’re after. Is it interactive? Slow, or fast paced?

2.  What budget do you have?

The most comprehensive and fully-featured e-learning software doesn’t come cheap. So it’s best to determine your budget before buying anything to see what you can and cannot afford. This saves you time you might have otherwise spent evaluating software you can’t afford anyway.

3.  What do others have to say?

Checking the customer testimonials on your software of choice is a good way to determine its quality. If a lot of people have good things to say about the product, then it’s likely to be a good purchase. Conversely, bad reviews often indicate a bad quality product. In the end, it’s best to do your research thoroughly in order to get the best results.

4.  Where does the software come from?

Checking the software developer’s background is also another crucial step to take if you want to determine the quality of the software you’re eyeing. Check for the developer’s background, history and progress over the years. Also check for product array—a wider product base often indicates that the company has vision.

5. Is the software innovative?

Software developers who enjoy what they’re doing and are committed to providing quality e-learning software to their customers will always strive to push the envelope. Innovation is a good sign in a product, so keep an eye out for the features a piece of educational software has to offer.

About the author:
OpenSesame makes e-learning easy and effective by connecting learners and content providers in a marketplace where e-learning courses are easy to publish and connect to any Learning Management System.
My website is at: http://www.opensesame.com


  

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