You know you have to make online training. Price affects everything. And, you are probably reading this post right now because a discussion of price is promised in the title.
The cost to build an elearning course depends on the complexity of your training/learning needs. In order to estimate how much custom eLearning costs, let’s look at the average costs for each of the three levels of eLearning. So, let’s look at cost to build by starting with the type of course you may need to solve your business problem.
Level 1: Basic
The cost to build a basic eLearning course averages $8,000. At the basic level, interactivity is limited to clicking “next” and multiple-choice quizzes. Text and images are static. There may be narration and a limited number of videos. Single course costs are $3,000 to $12,000 depending on the length and visual complexity.
Basic courses are perfect informational courses. Their purpose is to increase knowledge or develop awareness.
Examples: A click-through course, a Powerpoint converted to eLearning, screencasts
Level 2: Intermediate
An intermediate eLearning course will cost around $17,000 to build. The intermediate level course features interactive elements ranging from drag-and-drop exercises to single path simulations. Professional narration is standard, as is the use of video and animation. Video is live-action and features talking heads in limited scenes. The on-camera talent is usually a mix of internal employees and professional actors. Animation utilizes off-the-shelf graphics and pre-made motion to aid in learner engagement.
Intermediate is also referred to as interactive courses. Interactive courses are motivational. Building on the techniques used in a basic course, these courses teach skills that go with their new knowledge. The ultimate goal is to model the behaviors you want to teach or change.
Examples: video-based course, conversation simulation, tutorials
Level 3: Complex
The average cost to build a complex eLearning course is $25,000. At the complex level, the interactivity features branching simulations that lead to multiple paths for the learner. The branched simulation can provide the most realistic workplace environment in the computer-based training world. By allowing the learner to make decisions and fail, you will have created the most customized form of instruction available on a computer.
Complex courses change behavior.
Examples: a high-stakes workplace training simulation.
Quick Tips for Success
Whether you are going to hire an agency like Learning Carton or you are going to make it yourself, check all of these boxes before moving forward:
Plan ahead: analyze your training needs, write down your goals, identify exactly who needs to learn, create a budget, and set a deadline.
Make a choice: Choose the type of course you think you need to meet your goals. Identify your need for text, audio, video, and interactivity.
Get help: Hire an instructional designer or an agency that will help your training department mature over time.
Get the look: Good visual design leads to better engagement.
Use tools: Using a learning playbook and toolkit will help your organization reach all of its training goals including the launch of your new course.
Keep it real: Avoid gimmicks and quick-fix bells and whistles in your online courses. They are cool but get annoying for your learners, similar to having too many PowerPoint transitions on every slide in a presentation.
Remember, your job is to teach or train – NOT entertain.
Helpful Links
Use This 15-step Learning Strategy To Plan Evergreen Online Training
Guide to Custom eLearning Costs
A Beginner’s Guide: Training Toolkit
Conclusion
When you are estimating your costs to build an elearning course, the path is quite straightforward. First, you need to identify the type of course you want to build. The type of course is based on the KSB. Level 1 is good for improving the “K” Knowledge. Level 2 courses will teach knowledge and skills that will model the right behaviors. A level 3 course is designed to change behaviors. Now that you know what the ballpark costs for various eLearning course types, it’s time to get a quote.
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