Find The Best Virtual Classroom Software Vendor

A guide to finding the best virtual classroom software vendor

You should launch ASAP Virtual Classroom Training to prepare employees for the new standard and address emerging compliance issues. But how do you find the right synchronous LMS for your bottom level? When resources are already tightly tied to the COVID-19 crisis, what is the all-encompassing platform needed to improve employee participation without exceeding the budget? The truth is, if you have a roadmap to guide you through the process, finding the best tool for the task is relatively easy. One that points out all the common dangers and tips to avoid them. Follow these 8 stress-free steps to choose the best virtual classroom software vendor in record time.

1. Re-evaluate your budget and schedule

The first task is to analyze your virtual classroom training budget and implementation schedule. Divide your expense sheet into different categories to make it easier to carry funds. For example, one section is dedicated to LMS and another section covers online training content development. You should use a similar approach to the timeline. Divide online training implementation into separate stages or milestones. Then fill in the tasks, resources, and objectives for each section.

2. Conduct a training requirements analysis in advance

Training Needs Analysis guides you in the right direction so you can determine what LMS features you need to fill the gaps and improve your online training strategy. Evaluate business reports, employee surveys, appraisals and online training metrics. Then compile all the data and look for patterns. TNA helps you extend available resources, especially if you inventory your assets. For example, there are several online tutorials and demonstrations that can be redesigned for your virtual classroom curriculum.

3. Find a unique online directory

Essential LMS catalog contains essential purchase information. It is designed by industry experts who know what you are looking for in a virtual classroom training system. This way, you can find product overviews, support options and pricing information. It’s a great place for vendors to qualify. Or, at the very least, make a short list of your top choices so that you can focus on products that meet all your needs and fall within your price range. The online directory should also contain filters that simplify the selection process.

4. See seller landing pages

Every LMS company these days has a landing page or website that usually shows their product features and specifications. It’s a little different than e – learning content supply pages because you can not find online portfolios or work samples. Virtual classroom software vendors should include case studies, client success stories, and demonstrations, screenshots, and other resources to highlight their technical excellence in addition to industry achievements.

5. Evaluation of ratings and reviews

Your LMS purchase decision should not be based solely on audio. However, user ratings and reviews can help you overcome potential challenges. For example, there may be some elements that are reduced. Or the UI may not be as user-friendly as you might expect. Once again you will realize that there are outlets that you have overlooked. The key is to focus on reviews that match your usage case. Thus, the review site should include basic project information such as the user’s industry, staff size, and years of experience.

Drafting a virtual classroom training RFP

So far, you are doing research on behind-the-scenes vendors. That’s all to change. Your top competitors should have the opportunity to make suggestions that will win you over. RFPs provide them with all the information they need to personalize cost estimates and product overviews, from project scope to cost limits. Virtual Classroom RFPs should also include evaluation criteria, company background, and online training requirements. Don’t forget to include dates and follow-up protocols to know what to expect.

7. Review vendor suggestions

Once the vendors have submitted their proposals, it is time for the team to assemble and review the top platforms. Some organizations use a scoring system for comparing virtual classroom software, while others take a roundabout approach. Essentially, team members review suggestions individually and then meet to share their ideas, questions and concerns. For example, your LMS administrator is concerned about the limited reporting features for this software. But your account manager cannot exceed one user cost. Once you go around the virtual table, everyone makes their recommendations.

8. Terminate your virtual classroom LMS contract

You are not yet on the finish line. The small point of contract negotiations still remains. The agreement will take several meetings and several rounds of amendments to finalize. Especially if the first draft is unclear or does not fit the resolution. For example, the contract includes different support services than the RFP response. You can consider legal advice only for clarification. Also, it is a good idea to sign up for a free trial or demonstration before making a long-term commitment. If you have not already done so, take full advantage of the test drive in 2 to 4 weeks. This allows you to host one or two virtual classrooms and see if they live up to LMS expectations.

Is there a synchronous solution that stands out from the crowd? There is no clear winner when it comes to the best LMS for virtual classrooms, because every institution has unique online training requirements and budget constraints. You can implement these steps to select the software that best suits your remote workforce. Remember that getting ready is half the battle. Perform a training requirements analysis and explain your budget before you start testing vendors. This will help you to reduce LMS options based on your specific usage.