Moodle vs. keelearning – Which learning platform is worth it for my company

Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, it is not only schools that have been required to move learning into their own four walls via e-learning (e.g., online courses) – companies and academies are also desperately looking for the right learning platforms. The learning platform should be able to do just about everything, look stylish, and ideally cost nothing. From a business perspective, that is understandable, but not realistic. In order to at least save costs, many like to fall back on the open-source learning platform Moodle. Because, at first glance at least, it is virtually free. And why then should one opt for commercial e-learning software?

Learning platforms: What does open source (Moodle) mean, and what does closed source mean?

Moodle is open-source software. This means that the source code of this software is freely accessible to everyone. It is therefore open to anyone to download and adapt the code. However, this also entails the responsibility of maintaining the code. In the long term, that costs money and ties up valuable resources – provided that you manage the learning platform yourself. It is therefore open to everyone to change this code and thus the learning software. And in the case of Moodle, this happens continuously. New functions are constantly being added, because everyone can adapt the e-learning software to their own needs. With closed source (also known as proprietary software), on the other hand, the distribution license lies with the operator. Only the company that programmed the learning platform continues to develop it.

Keelearning vs. Moodle – Which learning platform is better for whom?

In the following, we compare the open-source learning software Moodle with the proprietary learning platform keelearning.

1. Scope of functions

Moodle: Many functions, little overview

The advantages of open-source learning platforms like Moodle are, therefore, that they are freely available to everyone – meaning they initially cost nothing. Provided you have an affinity for software development and know exactly what you want. And even then, you still have to take a considerable amount of time to familiarize yourself with the software. Moodle is like a Lego set that you get without instructions and have to assemble. Furthermore, there are pieces included that you probably don't even need. Sounds tedious, and it is. Of course, there are numerous forums, blogs, and courses that provide assistance. But here, too, you have to invest a lot of time. Moreover, these blog posts are frequently outdated and therefore no longer useful. Anyone who has ever searched for a software solution online knows what this means. With a certain number of users, performance often suffers as well. If the LMS is not correctly hosted for access by many learners, the learning platform will even crash completely and be unusable for a considerable amount of time.

keelearning: Many functions with a common thread

With closed-source software, the source code is not freely available to everyone, but that does not mean that you have to do without important functions. Because, naturally, qualified development teams are also constantly at work here to optimize the software. In addition, with keelearning you receive a well-thought-out e-learning software, where the big picture is right. The company is in close dialogue with the market and knows the needs of companies. Thus, there are important functions such as escalation management for tests (meaning reminders if someone has not yet completed them), statistics on learning behavior, certificates for a passed course or exam, as well as email templates that can be customized.

2. Cost factor

Moodle: Development, support, and server space are not free!

A free learning platform sounds too good to be true. But it has already been stated that there is a lot of work behind the creation of a finished Moodle learning platform – at least if you want it to be good. Therefore, many companies work with a Moodle agency. That, of course, costs money. In addition to development costs, there is the ongoing maintenance of the software. After all, security updates must also be carried out here. And last but not least, the learning software has to be hosted somewhere. In addition to the design and maintenance costs, which are often reflected in high personnel costs, there are also server costs. At the end of the day, you usually end up with the same or even higher costs than with the licensing of closed-source software like keelearning.

Keelearning: Clear price structure, clear performance

With a learning platform developed by a company such as keelearning, the costs can be clearly stated. You pay an setup fee and monthly license fees – just as you know it from larger SaaS providers such as Microsoft, for example. As a result, you benefit from all further developments. Furthermore, in case of questions, a qualified contact person is directly at your side.

3. User-friendliness

Moodle: To the goal in just 10 clicks

As open-source learning software, user experience – user-friendliness – is not the focus at Moodle initially. Accordingly, it can sometimes be cumbersome to get from one function to the next. This applies to admins and learners alike.

keelearning: User Experience First

A UX designer was specifically hired for the development and creation of the keelearning learning app, and the design is continuously improved. In workshops, a user interface was created that is intended to motivate the learner. This includes short paths and an appealing design. And naturally, the learning app is mobile-first. Because those who want e-learning cannot avoid the smartphone anymore.

Moodle has its target group, but is that you too?

Moodle is a successful open-source learning platform, and there is a reason for that. If you have plenty of time and a very small budget, you can build a learning platform yourself and benefit from an infinite number of forums, users, and courses that can provide assistance with creation. However, if you want professional and well-thought-out e-learning software from the start, which works first-class on mobile devices (including an app in the GooglePlayStore and iTunes Store) and motivates learners, you should turn to a finished closed-source learning software. Because as we have seen: Anyone who wants to work professionally with Moodle does not pay less – sometimes even more.