Outsourcing e-learning development?

Feb 16, 2011

My company is an existing user of Articulate but is presently evaluating whether to outsource or partner with a third-party e-learning developer.

Are there any resources (e.g. web-based) that provide guidance on selecting a suitable developer?

Note we are a UK based organisation and are not in a position to deal with potential vendors at this stage of our analysis.

thanks in advance,

Gerard

12 Replies
Robert Kennedy

Hi Gerard,

I suppose YOU would really need to determine what is suitable for your corporation.  There are MANY developers, or developer companies to choose from.  My company is here as well as many others on these boards.  You can also seek out developers on sites such as elance, odesk or even craigslist.  But you would really need to work out the things that are important to you:

1.  Is this development something that is so complicated that we need someone else to do it?

2.  Is it just a better use of our time and resources to have someone build while we maintain?

3. What is the skillset of the people on staff? Do we need training?

4. Who do we have available to us? SME's, Instructional Designers, Graphic Designers, Developers, Video/Media Editors, Voiceovers? Do we have all these available or will we have to find them?

5. Costs?  What are the in-house costs vs the outsourcing costs?

6. Risk factors? What are the risks associated with outsourcing?

I'm sure there are many questions for you to ask.  Once you have figured out those answers, if you decide on outsourcing, it's a matter of finding a vendor/developer who can give you what you need and lines up with your values, philosophies and budget.

Best wishes as you go through this process.  There is lots of help here on the boards.

RK

Swati Sinha

Hi! Gerard

Well, right software development company can help your business to succeed. With over 8 years of experience as a software development outsourcing company and 94% of repeated clients ,we are a reliable team to believe in. You can check our company’s profile here:

https://www.binaryfolks.com/services/solutions/custom-software-development

Also, check out of software outsourcing page to gain more insights : https://www.binaryfolks.com/services/solutions/software-outsourcing 

Shivam  Verma

According to my opinion, Softpulse Infotech is the best native app development firm that helps in creating impactful mobile applications. This further assists in maximizing brand loyalty.

My suggestion you’re looking for a best native app development company with more than 10 years of experience, Softpulse Infotech will be a good option. They also offer expert iOS and android app developers who can create visually stunning, highly functional, and an effective products.

Nela  Kolarova

If you're considering outsourcing e-learning development, be sure to carefully vet potential providers. Andersen has been providing high-quality e-learning solutions for over 15 years, and its team of experts has the skills and experience to meet your needs. Andersen understands that outsourcing e-learning development can be a daunting task, so we take the time to understand your requirements and recommend the best solution for you. Andersen's team would be happy to discuss your project with you and provide a proposal outlining our services.

harvey dear

Namaste Gerard,

Well, Through technological innovation & enlightenment, educational apps make learning more enjoyable, true right?

According to my research, Aglowid IT Solutions is the company that is best for eLearning app development that i've come across. The firm provides unique & affordable mobile app development services at a global level. 

Their proficient and dedicated app developers have built several on-demand apps for the education sector. If you wish to develop an e-learning app, I would suggest Aglowid IT Solutions for the development, deployment & Manintainace of your custom-made App. You can talk to their expert:-

https://aglowiditsolutions.com/#inquire_now

 

Idea Usher

Outsourcing e-learning app development is a common practice in many organizations. It involves hiring external companies or freelancers to design, develop, and implement e-learning courses or modules for an organization. Here are some points to consider regarding outsourcing e-learning development:

1. Expertise: Outsourcing allows you to tap into the expertise of specialized e-learning development companies or professionals. They have the necessary skills, experience, and knowledge to create engaging and effective e-learning content.

2. Cost-effectiveness: Outsourcing can be cost-effective, especially if your organization lacks the in-house resources or expertise to develop e-learning content. Instead of investing in infrastructure, software, and training, you can leverage the resources of an outsourcing partner.

3. Time savings: Outsourcing can significantly reduce the time required to develop e-learning content. E-learning development companies often have streamlined processes and dedicated teams, enabling them to deliver projects more efficiently.

4. Scalability: Outsourcing provides flexibility and scalability. If you have a large project or need to develop multiple courses simultaneously, outsourcing allows you to quickly scale up the development capacity by engaging additional resources from the outsourcing partner.

5. Focus on core competencies: By outsourcing e-learning development, your organization can focus on its core competencies and strategic initiatives. You can leave the technical aspects of e-learning development to the experts while you concentrate on your business objectives.

6. Quality assurance: Reputable e-learning development companies have established quality assurance processes to ensure that the courses they create meet industry standards and best practices. This can result in high-quality, engaging, and effective e-learning content for your organization.

7. Communication and collaboration: When outsourcing e-learning development, effective communication and collaboration are essential. Clearly define your requirements, provide detailed feedback, and maintain regular communication with the outsourcing partner to ensure that the project stays on track and meets your expectations.

Despite the benefits, there are also potential challenges with outsourcing e-learning development. These can include coordination across different time zones, language barriers, potential intellectual property concerns, and the need for thorough vendor selection and due diligence to find a reliable outsourcing partner.

Ultimately, the decision to outsource e-learning development depends on factors such as your organization's specific needs, budget, available resources, and strategic priorities. It can be a valuable option to consider if you want to leverage external expertise and streamline the development process.

James Smith

Outsourcing e-learning development to a reputable mobile application development company can be a strategic move for organizations seeking to create effective and engaging digital learning solutions. E-learning has become increasingly essential in modern education and corporate training, and partnering with experts can offer several advantages.

  1. Expertise: Mobile app development companies have the technical know-how to create user-friendly and feature-rich e-learning apps. They can integrate interactive elements, multimedia content, and gamification, enhancing the learning experience.

  2. Customization: These companies can tailor e-learning solutions to specific needs, whether it's K-12 education, higher education, corporate training, or professional development. Customization ensures that the content aligns perfectly with the learning objectives.

  3. Cost-Efficiency: Outsourcing can often be more cost-effective than in-house development. Companies can leverage the mobile app development company's existing infrastructure, reducing overheads.

  4. Faster Deployment: Mobile app development companies work efficiently, which means quicker development and deployment of e-learning solutions. This speed-to-market can be crucial, especially in fast-changing industries.

  5. Quality Assurance: Reputable development firms have robust quality assurance processes in place, ensuring that e-learning apps are bug-free and function as intended.

  6. Scalability: As learning needs grow, mobile app development companies can scale up the e-learning solution to accommodate more users and content, maintaining optimal performance.

  7. Maintenance and Updates: Post-launch support and regular updates are part of the package, ensuring that the e-learning app remains up to date and functional.

Outsourcing e-learning development to a mobile application development company enables organizations to tap into a wealth of technical expertise while focusing their internal resources on core activities. It can lead to high-quality, scalable, and cost-effective e-learning solutions that drive educational and training goals effectively.

Shanal Aggarwal

In today's digital age, e-learning has become an integral part of education and professional development. Modern e-learning apps offer a dynamic and interactive way for learners to acquire new skills and knowledge. If you're considering developing an e-learning app or want to enhance an existing one, here are some best practices to keep in mind:

  1. User-Centric Design: Put the learner at the center of your app's design. Create intuitive, user-friendly interfaces that are easy to navigate. Consider responsive design to ensure accessibility across various devices.

  2. Engaging Content: Content is king in e-learning. Ensure your content is relevant, up-to-date, and engaging. Use multimedia elements like videos, interactive quizzes, and gamification to keep learners motivated.

  3. Personalization: Implement algorithms that can personalize the learning experience for each user. Tailor content recommendations based on a learner's progress, preferences, and goals.

  4. Interactivity: Foster active learning by incorporating interactive features such as discussion forums, chat, and collaborative projects. Encourage learners to engage with the content and with each other.

  5. Mobile Compatibility: Ensure that your app is mobile-friendly. Many learners prefer to access educational content on their smartphones or tablets, so a responsive design is crucial.

  6. Performance Optimization: Optimize your app for speed and performance. Slow-loading content can frustrate learners and lead to high bounce rates.

  7. Analytics and Data: Implement robust analytics to track learner progress and engagement. Use this data to refine your content and improve the learning experience.

  8. Scalability: Design your app to handle a growing number of users and content. Scalability is crucial as your user base expands.

  9. Security: Protect user data and ensure the privacy of sensitive information. Compliance with data protection regulations is essential.

  10. Feedback and Assessment: Provide regular feedback and assessments to help learners gauge their progress. Include features for self-assessment and peer assessment.

  11. Continuous Updates: Stay up-to-date with the latest e-learning trends and technologies. Regularly update your app to incorporate new features and improvements.

  12. User Support: Offer responsive customer support to address learner inquiries and issues promptly.

Choosing the right e-learning developer can be as crucial as the content itself. Check out TechAhead's comprehensive resource on e-learning app development to explore how we've helped others bring their e-learning visions to life.

Athi G

I think to solve this issue you should connect with a company which offers software development services in the UK itself. Before selecting one, assess their expertise and track record in the specific domain or technology stack relevant to your project. Review their portfolio and client testimonials to analyze their past performance. Always ensure clear communication and a compatible working style with the development team. Evaluate their scalability and ability to accommodate your project's growth. You should inquire about their post-launch support and maintenance services to guarantee the long-term success and sustainability of your software project.

Xcelligen Inc

Xcelligen Inc. a leading custom software development company, is driving innovation with a focus on providing a wide array of services to empower organizations on their digital journey. With a steadfast commitment to excellence and a proven history of success, Xcelligen delivers tailored solutions that cater to the evolving requirements of businesses and government entities. Our specialized services include Cloud Solutions, BIG Data, and Data Science solutions.

This discussion is closed. You can start a new discussion or contact Articulate Support.