It’s not always preferable to have a wide variety of choices available. It can induce analytical paralysis, the inability to move forward because of uncertainty about the best course of action to adopt. A fast search for “course platforms” turns up a dozen choices, all of which differ somewhat.
However, choosing the best online course platform like Thinkific isn’t always as simple as you might assume if you’re an online course creator searching for a place to host your courses. The pricing structures of these platforms can be equally opaque; for example, you may be paid extra based on the size of your email list or the number of people who have administrative access. There are several price traps to avoid, but one of the largest is that these platforms’ free or low-cost tiers are never enough. After your trial period ends, the Basic Plan is there so you can keep utilizing the site. We suggest you check the pricing plans and all details of the plan on official websites or trusted review websites. For example, if you decide on Thinkific, make sure you check the Thinkific Pricing on its official website before you make the decision.
In this article, we will discuss what an online course platform is and how you can choose the best online course platform for your organization:
What is an Online Course Platform?
Online course platforms are the same thing as online learning platforms or online learning management systems. They have two primary applications:
● Develop online courses and sell them to learners all over the world.
● Make training materials like quizzes and tests, then distribute them and track how well they are used.
In other words, you can utilize it for strictly commercial objectives, creating courses to instruct others on various themes or subjects and earning money. The alternative is to use it for internal training purposes, which may be extended to include training for remote workers, clients, resellers, channel partners, etc.
Below are the key factors to keep in mind while choosing the best online course platform:
1 Easy-to-Use Course Builder
You should prioritize maximizing your time and energy spent on developing content for your learners by using a functional and intuitive platform. Look for a platform that can create and edit courses online with minimal effort and a user-friendly design. As the creator, you should
have a clear picture in your head of how the final product will seem to the intended audience. You should not have to navigate a confusing admin interface that distorts the presentation of your information for learners. Creating lessons, adding materials, and accepting payments from learners should be streamlined. There is usually a free trial period available on the majority of online course sites. Discovering if the product meets your requirements in this way is invaluable.
2 Instructor Interaction
A platform where instructors and learners can leave comments for one another is one way to foster contact between the two groups. These programs can be quite helpful if you want to learn more about a subject or need extra support outside regular training hours. Some systems allow real-time communication between instructors and their training sessions through video conferencing. What you want to learn should be your primary consideration when picking an online learning platform. You may find a suitable marketplace system online if you are interested in gaining exposure to new cultures. Perhaps you have a specific course of study in mind; if so, check to see that the chosen platform supports it.
3 Make Your Own Online Course with White-Label Branding
Your online course’s credibility and authority will increase if the page is yours and your branding. You may better convey your online course’s unique value proposition, build trust, and demonstrate your authority in your profession by giving your online course a distinct brand identity. You want to ensure that the software you choose gives you plenty of room to personalize your course’s look and feel, from the look of individual pages and courses to the ability to upload a logo and choose a domain name.
4 A responsive support system and a stable community
Before deciding, it’s crucial to consider whether a platform offers email or live chat assistance. When using the platform to develop your course, you may run into a few issues or have questions for which you will need assistance. This is why you should read through user reviews to find out what other people think of the platform’s support staff. Platforms with live chat capabilities on their website will probably answer sooner.
In addition to ensuring you have the proper support, connecting with others in your industry will help you stay motivated and inspired. Course building can sometimes be a lonely job. Therefore, you must check that the hosting service you select has a lively community where course designers may communicate and exchange ideas.
Conclusion
If you’re trying to figure out which of the many online course-creating platforms will work best for you, it’s necessary to look at a wide range of options. Consider your time and money constraints when deciding between a marketplace-based and a self-hosted platform. If you’re serious about training and learning, you should take your time comparing different platforms.
