E-Learning agency or software provider? That's the difference!

Many customers looking for the right e-learning offer or e-learning software have already gotten lost in the "jungle" of e-learning offers on Google. Especially for those who are just starting their research, it is easy to get lost. Because e-learning has become such a broad term, it takes time to get an overview. We will show you which offers and which types of e-learning agencies exist and how to find the right one for you.

In short: This is e-learning

E-learning is electronically supported learning. A significant distinction is made between digital learning platforms and learning content.

Learning content is everything that can be retrieved electronically. Regardless of whether it is on a data carrier like a CD or provided online. Popular modern learning content in the field of e-learning includes interactive explanatory videos and video courses such as web-based trainings. But simple PDFs with text and graphics can also be digital learning content.

Learning platforms, on the other hand, are the means by which learning content is transported. They are used when a certain number of learners (e.g., employees or course participants) are to be reached. For this purpose, software is used on which, for example, explanatory videos can be provided. Good, efficient learning platforms/learning programs can, of course, do much more.

These e-learning providers exist

If you google "e-learning provider," you will first get a lot of advertising (perhaps from us too ????). Click through a little and you will realize that there are e-learning agencies and e-learning software providers. What sounds the same at first differs in one essential point:

E-learning agencies

An e-learning agency develops a learning platform with the goal of adapting it exactly to your wishes. This is preceded by a long consultation and development period. The agency practically reads your wishes from your lips.

E-learning software providers

An e-learning software provider makes a finished learning platform available to you. Here, too, you can omit or add modules, but only within the scope of the existing features. A good software provider is constantly developing its learning platform further.

"An individual learning platform? That sounds much better! Or?"

… you will think now. But it's not that simple, of course. The central question is:

How individual are the learning processes that you want to map? Can existing software perhaps already meet your requirements to 80 percent?

And that is quite likely, because most companies want the same thing. And an e-learning provider that has been serving and knowing exactly these needs with its software for years will probably also meet your criteria. A compelling argument is certainly also the price.

Software programmed individually for you is naturally more expensive.

In addition to development costs, there are also further development and server costs. With "Software as a Service" – as common software providers usually offer it – you do not have to host the software yourself and benefit from further developments without additional investments.

Example Microsoft Teams:

You pay a fixed amount per month to Microsoft and can use the communication tool "Teams" for it. If a new function is added, you will receive a notification and can use it directly. Of course, you cannot commission Microsoft to individually program another function for you. But why should you, if the tool covers the most important functions for you, and who knows, maybe the missing feature will come. And you can still have your say to some extent: A good software provider either asks you regularly about your user experience or has an open ear for change requests.

So that means…

An e-learning agency will create the LMS individually according to your wishes, but will also charge for it. A software provider, on the other hand, lets you participate in their software. This is the right thing for you if the software offers much of what you need, or if the missing features are acceptable.

So before you bet on the customized solution or the off-the-shelf software, you should ask yourself: How important is it to me that a software can do this or that?

By the way, we are an e-learning software provider and an e-learning agency at the same time. We offer our software as a ready-made learning platform in an attractive design, while we also produce learning content such as explanatory videos individually.

And this is what our learning platform looks like.

Visit our website and prepare yourself optimally for the introduction of e-learning in your company:

» Download e-book "Data protection in e-learning" + Infographic
???? Also read our article on how to involve your works council in good time when introducing e-learning + Infographic

‍