As with any product or service on the internet, including online training modules, there are thousands and thousands of options. Maybe even millions. So how do you decide which platform to use?
We here at Mandel Marketing are excited to announce that we will be launching a new course for An MFA For Your MBA, and this project had us digging deep into the world of online education. Well, this got us thinking: how the hell do people choose the right online training platform?
To help answer this, we gathered insights from founders and CEOs who have firsthand experience in creating training modules. From utilizing Go High Level for its continuous feature updates to the user-friendly yet design-limited Canvas platform, explore the varied perspectives and six distinct platforms these professionals have used for their courses.
Go High Level: Continuous Feature Updates
I’ve created modules for online training courses using Go High Level’s courses and memberships feature. Recently, we used it for our Agency Mastermind community. This platform has been beneficial due to its constant feature updates, which keep our content delivery fresh and effective.
The major advantage is its robust set of tools for creating and managing courses, making it easy to build a cohesive learning experience. However, the main downside is the lack of a live chat feature and an integrated calendar. This limitation makes real-time interaction and scheduling a bit challenging. Despite these cons, the platform’s continuous improvements and comprehensive features make it a solid choice for our needs.
Andrew Lee Jenkins, Owner, Catalyst RVA Marketing Agency
Podia: Aesthetically Pleasing, Lacks Traffic Tracker
We created a UGC Creator course after there was demand in our UGC Creator community on Podia, one of the reasons being its aesthetically pleasing design system. It offers easy-to-use drag-and-drop functionalities, which makes setting up the internal modules simple.
Podia emphasizes community building. It provides an internal chat system for students to directly contact us and allows us to segment modules.
Once our students complete the course, Podia has an internal feature to give certificates. These certificates serve as validation, which they can use to enhance their resumes and portfolios.
However, a major drawback of Podia is the absence of a traffic tracker, making it unsuitable to function as a standalone website.
Victor Hsi, Founder, UGC Creator Community
LearnDash: Affordable, WordPress Integration
I’ve created modules for online training and courses using LearnDash. We chose LearnDash because of its flexibility, robust features, and affordable pricing. LearnDash integrates seamlessly with WordPress, making it easy to customize and manage our courses.
Its comprehensive range of tools, including quizzes, assignments, and certificates, allowed us to create engaging and interactive learning experiences.
James Edge, CEO, Beyond The States
Moodle: Customizable but Overwhelming for Newbies
At Startup House, we have created modules for online training using a variety of platforms, but our go-to choice is definitely Moodle. The flexibility and customization options it offers are unbeatable, allowing us to tailor the learning experience to our clients’ specific needs.
However, one downside is that it can be a bit overwhelming for beginners to navigate at first. Overall, Moodle has been a reliable and effective platform for us to deliver high-quality online training modules.
Alex Stasiak, CEO and Founder, Startup House
Articulate 360: Interactive, Potentially Costly
Yes, I have created modules for online training and courses, and I used Articulate 360 for this purpose. One of the primary reasons I chose Articulate 360 is its ability to create highly interactive learning modules that engage users effectively. The platform offers a suite of tools that make it easy to develop multimedia-rich content, which is crucial for keeping learners engaged and enhancing their understanding.
One of the significant advantages of Articulate 360 is its user-friendly interface, which allows even those with limited technical skills to create professional-quality courses. The platform includes features like drag-and-drop interactions, templates, and a vast library of assets, which streamline the development process. Additionally, its responsive design capabilities ensure that the content looks and functions well on various devices, from desktops to smartphones.
There are some cons to consider, however. Articulate 360 can be relatively expensive, which might be a barrier for smaller organizations or individual trainers. Additionally, while the platform is powerful, it can have a steep learning curve for those new to e-learning development.
Despite these challenges, the benefits, particularly the ability to create engaging and interactive learning experiences, often outweigh the drawbacks, making it a valuable tool for online training and course development.
Greg Davis, Founder, Azola Creative
Canvas: User-Friendly, Limited Design Complexity
I use Canvas and find that its user-friendly interface allows for easy organization and customization of my course content. For those looking for more complex or unique course designs, it may be a harder tool to use. However, I believe Canvas is a powerful tool for structuring and delivering educational content effectively.
Kelli Anderson, Career Coach, California Commercial Insurance
The Mandel Marketing Choice
Wondering which platform Mandel Marketing chose? Well, you’ll just have to wait to sign up for our course and find out!