A learning platform allows learning and development (L&D) teams to upload, schedule, curate and assign relevant training materials to each employee across an entire organisation. But, with so many choices out there, when choosing the right learning platform for your organisation, where do you start?

For learning and development (L&D) teams, learning platforms offer a host of benefits including the ability to assign mandatory training content, create learning journeys for individuals or groups, and track progress towards bespoke learning goals. However, choosing the right learning platform is not always an easy task.

There are many differences between learning management systems (LMSs) so it’s important to recognise those, as well as how they can integrate with your current solutions and which ones align best to help you achieve your business goals.

But no matter what, when looking for a learning platform, the first step is always to decide what your core objectives are, and that begins with understanding what solutions are out there.

What are the different types of learning platforms?

There are many different options, but the most popular types are:

• Cloud based LMS platforms: used by businesses who want to get up and running without using design or development resources. This type of LMS platform is hosted by a platform provider, and offers an online, plug-and-play platform to create your central learning hub.
• Installed LMS (on-premises) LMS platforms: not as common, but this option gives more control over how and where data is hosted. Using this type of LMS platform is a good choice if your business prioritises security above all else and has the in-house resources to manage the technology.
• Open-source LMS platforms: free to use and adaptable to each business’ specifications, though this type of LMS platform will still need some design and development resources.
• Custom-built LMS platforms: for businesses with a significant budget and a very specific idea of what’s needed. This is a tailor-made system, built and maintained by an in-house or outsourced development team, offering full control over every aspect of the final outcome and process.

How can a learning platform help my business?

Learning platforms are incredibly adaptive tools. They can be used by individuals, teams, or a business to create bespoke digital learning experiences, but the role or functions of a learning platform will vary depending on the learning goals of the business implementing it, not to mention the industry they’re in.

That’s because through a learning platform, users are able to create and deliver online training such as:

• Academic training: from primary to higher education, learning platforms can be used by educational institutions including schools, colleges, and universities to offer an open, friendly, and flexible learning environment, with the ability to create personalised learning paths for students and provide certifications remotely.
• Corporate training: where a learning platform can become part of the talent management, L&D or new employee onboarding process.
• Customer training: software companies often take this approach to educate their customers through learning programs on how to use their products.
• To sell online courses: mainly used by online instructors, entrepreneurs, and course creators, this is where a learning platform can be used to create course material and learning programs in any subject that can be taught or is related to a business.

Are learning platforms easy to implement?

Most learning platforms do allow open integrations with other applications, though the number of applications that it integrates can vary per provider, and some (albeit very few) learning platforms don’t allow any integration at all.

For those that do, integrations help businesses derive more value from information exchange between applications, and their learning platform can integrate with performance management, talent management systems, and other L&D applications.

It also enables integration with social media applications, email, and other digital tools to facilitate user data exchange as well, enhancing the overall learner experience.

Learning platforms without integrations, however, have limited functions and therefore offer limited results.

Which learning platform is right for me?

Choosing the right learning platform is not always an easy decision, but we do have some top tips to help make that process a little bit easier:

• Read platform reviews: these can tell you so much about what a learning platform can really do for you, as they are direct comments from customers or system users.
• Look out for user feedback: don’t be afraid to reach out to people from your community who have tried the LMS platform of your choice and ask them what their experience has been like.
• Book a demo: discuss your business learning needs and objectives directly with learning platform providers.
• Request a trial: taking a test drive of your top few learning platforms can help you decide if its features and functions are worth investing in.

Choosing BuildEmpire as your learning platform provider

At BuildEmpire, we completely appreciate that with so many different types of learning platforms out there, finding the best one for your business can be quite overwhelming.

If you’re not sure where to start, we can help you achieve those L&D goals with anything from custom software solutions to bespoke virtual learning environments. In fact, we can even design and build the perfect learning platform to fit your L&D needs both now and in the future, supporting your business for as long as you need us.

To find out more, get in touch.