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Choosing an e-Learning Vendor

Reuben Tozman, EdCetra Training & Jason Hubbard,

Hudsons Bay Company,

September 20 & 21, 2007

Produced by

An Introduction to e-Learning:
The A to Z for Getting Starte
Choosing an eLearning Vendor
1. Check references.
2. Understand what type of course you want created.
3. What is vendors pricing?
4. Samples of vendors work
5. Demonstrated capability implementing standards.
6. Is eLearning their main business or a sideline?
7. What is their experience?
8. Do they have a defined development process? (Project management and quality
assurance)
9. How proficient is the vendor at content development?

1. Check References
I cant stress enough how important it is to check references. This is your best method of
verifying the vendors capabilities. Check as many references as possible. Some
questions to ask are:
Can you tell me about the project they completed for you? (This will help you
compare project size to your project).
How was the project delivered? CD ROM, Web or LMS. (Make sure the vendor
has experience in the technology you plan to use for your course).
Was the project completed in the timeframe you requested? (If the vendor has
completed a similar sized project to yours this can help determine the length of
time required).
How responsive was the vendor to making changes and revisions? (Does the
vendor charge for every small change or only for changes to the size and scope of
the project).
Was the project completed within the original budget? (Some vendors may quote
a low price to win a project then ask for more money throughout the project to
cover unanticipated costs).
Would you work with this company again in the future? (This will tell you just
how satisfied the company was with the vendors work).

2. Understand the type of course you want created

You need to understand the type of course you want created. Will it be very basic or
sophisticated? Do you want audio or video? Do you need a low bandwidth Web-based
training program? Do you need book marking and score reporting? Do you need
simulations or instructional games? The more complicated the course the higher the
price. Determine what you need for your audience. This will help the vendor to give you
a quote based on your requirements.

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3. What is the vendors pricing?
Does the vendor price by learning time or the amount of screens required? Is their pricing
broken down by specific tasks, e.g., instructional design and writing, graphic art and
illustration, programming etc. Do they have hourly rates for each task? What is the cost
for changes? Does the vendor charge for every small change or only for changes to the
size and scope of the project?

4. Samples of vendors work

You need to see samples of the vendors work. Does it match up to the type of course you
require? Can the vendor do a demo using your own material?

5. Demonstrated capability for implementing standards

Ask the vendor to prove their compliance with eLearning standards. Ask about their
knowledge and capabilities. Would the vendor be willing to submit their work for
certification?

6. Is eLearning their main business or sideline?

Is eLearning their core business? What experience to they have in developing training
programs? Some companies offer a wide range of services and products under the term of
eLearning. You need to make sure that they are qualified to develop the type of program
you need.

7. What is their experience?

How long have they been in the eLearning field? This will help you determine their
experience and interest in the field.

8. Do they have a defined development process?

There are certain steps that are necessary during the development of an eLearning
program. The vendor needs to understand the importance of the key development steps
such as:
Needs analysis
Instructional design
Testing
Does the vendor define and document their development process? Do they offer working
prototypes during the development process to ensure that you are on the same page?

Be sure to ask about their project management and quality assurance methodologies.

9. How proficient is the vendor at content development?

If you are new at creating eLearning courses this would be an important consideration
when choosing a vendor. Can the vendor assist you in creating interactive content that is
not currently in that format? Can they convert PowerPoint presentations into an engaging
eLearning format? Does the vendors definition of interactive and engaging meet your
expectations?

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