Elearning content providers are the backbone of online and learning technology.
They create digital materials that support organisations and individuals in skill development, offering flexibility, cost savings, and tailored solutions to meet diverse learning needs.
Internal, External teams and freelancers. There is more to elearning content providers than the big companies.
The Basics
- What They Do: Create online courses and training materials for platforms like LMS or LXP.
- Why They’re Needed: The elearning market is booming, and content providers enable organisations to upskill teams efficiently and effectively.
- Key Types: Providers range from off-the-shelf content creators to specialists in custom solutions.
When you think about an elearning content provider, the answer isn’t as straightforward as it may seem. You might have worked around the exhibition halls of the L&D conferences and exhibitions and thought you’ve seen them all.
But that isn’t the sector covered. The term covers a wide spectrum of roles, services, and formats.
It covers large companies offering comprehensive solutions to freelancers focusing on specific tasks, elearning content providers create the building blocks for digital learning experiences.
The Growing Importance Of Elearning Content Providers
Elearning content providers develop and deliver online training materials tailored to organisational or individual learning needs.
They offer ready-made courses (off-the-shelf) or customised content, covering a wide array of industries, skills, and compliance topics. You might have thought that it was only the usual topics – soft skills, leadership and cyber security. But think again, the sector has moved on with a range of suppliers providing off the shelf libraries in a range of specific content areas.
In the custom area we’ve got specific development companies supporting specific content areas like medical and science, but also companies supporting specific technology platforms like AR and VR.
With the global elearning market experiencing rapid growth, these providers are becoming an essential part of modern workforce development.
Key data points highlight the growing significance of elearning solutions:
- Market Growth: The global elearning market size was valued at $399 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $645 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.7%. (Source: Straits Research)
- Customisation Demand: 64% of organisations prefer custom elearning content to address specific training needs. (Source: Training Industry)
- Employee Engagement: Companies that use elearning content see a 24% higher employee engagement rate compared to those relying on traditional methods. (Source: SHRM)
- Accessibility: 78% of learners cite flexible access as the top advantage of elearning platforms. (Source: TechJury)
- Cost Savings: elearning saves businesses 50%-70% on training costs compared to in-person sessions. (Source: IBM)
Understanding elearning Content Providers
An elearning content provider can be a company, a freelancer, or even an individual within your organisation.
Their role is to produce content designed for digital learning platforms such as Learning Management Systems (LMS), Learning Experience Platforms (LXP), or even standalone formats.
Not forgetting new and emerging technologies that elearning content development companies support. We’ve got content being deployed on touchscreens, VR, AR and much more. You might be surprised that elearning developers have been creating content on innovative and emerging technologies for years. Starting with the Laser Disc and over recent years working with Iomega Disk, Nintendo Wii, BlackBerry Mobile Phones and Sony PlayStation.
The content they create isn’t limited to courses.
It could include PDFs, audio recordings, podcasts, animations, or interactive elements. These “learning objects” are designed to meet the specific needs of organisations and industries.
Providers often have expertise in areas such as instructional design, graphic design, animation, and multimedia production, offering the skills needed to create engaging and effective learning materials.
Scott Hewitt‘s Insight:
A good elearning content provider should offer transparent pricing and genuinely understand your organisation’s needs. They should be able to provide a range of solutions tailored to you and even recommend alternatives if they’re not the right fit.
Types of elearning Content Providers
Elearning content providers generally fall into two categories:
- Off-the-Shelf Content Providers: These providers offer ready-made courses on standard topics. This is an ideal solution if you’re looking for a broad library of pre-existing content that can be quickly implemented.
- Custom Content Providers: If your organisation needs tailored solutions to address specific goals, a custom content provider is the better choice. These providers can create bespoke materials that align with your unique requirements.
Some full-service agencies offer a combination of off-the-shelf libraries, custom development, and additional services like LMS/LXP platforms. You can mix and match. You don’t need to just use one provider.
Scott Hewitt‘s Insight:
If you’re developing a custom solution, you don’t want something that’s just off the shelf. You need someone who understands your organisation and is prepared to recommend others if necessary. Selling isn’t the goal—solving your problem is.
How to Choose an elearning Content Provider
The right provider for your organisation depends on your specific needs:
- Small Projects: For one-off tasks like creating an infographic or animation, a freelancer or small business may suffice.
- Comprehensive Libraries: If you need a full suite of ready-made courses, look for a company specialising in off-the-shelf libraries.
- Custom Solutions: For unique or complex requirements, opt for a provider with expertise in creating bespoke elearning content.
Scott Hewitt’s Insight:
For organisations choosing a provider, go through a clear review process. Understand your needs, create a detailed specification, and share it with potential providers. Custom providers will give different pricing, so make sure you’re comparing like-for-like. The more detailed your requirements, the more accurate the responses will be, making it easier to choose the right provider—this applies to both off-the-shelf and custom solutions.
Key Considerations For Elearning Content Development
When selecting a provider, you’ll need to evaluate more than just their portfolio. Consider the following factors:
- Compatibility: Ensure the provider’s development tools align with your in-house technology stack. For example, if your team uses Articulate 360, review the project portfolio
- Source Files: Clarify whether the provider will deliver source files alongside the final output, giving you flexibility for future updates.
- Licensed Software: Confirm that the provider uses properly licensed tools to avoid compliance risks.
- Ongoing Support: A good provider should be responsive and ready to address queries as they come up. From resolving technical issues to updating or creating new content, ongoing support is vital for ensuring long-term success.
Scott Hewitt’s Insight:
Ongoing support is super important. You need someone who will help if issues arise in the future, whether it’s technical problems, updates, or new development projects.
AI’s Role In Elearning Content Development
AI is becoming a valuable tool for content creation, but it’s important to see it as a complement to your development team rather than a standalone solution. AI can streamline development processes, but organisations must understand how it’s used, the tools involved, and their implications.
Ask questions like:
- What AI tools are being used?
- Are the terms and conditions of these tools understood?
- Where is the content being sourced from?
Having a clear AI audit trail ensures accountability and helps maintain the quality and integrity of your elearning materials.
Next Steps In Your Development Journey
An elearning content provider can take many forms, from individuals specialising in specific skills to agencies offering full-service solutions.
The key is understanding your organisation’s needs, the type of content you require, and the technology stack you rely on.
Whether it’s off-the-shelf content, custom projects, or a mix of both, the right provider can make all the difference in delivering effective digital learning experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Elearning content?
ELearning content is digital material designed for online learning. It includes courses, videos, PDFs, animations, quizzes, and interactive modules that help learners gain knowledge or skills through digital platforms like Learning Management Systems (LMS).
What is an example of e-content?
An example of e-content is a self-paced course on leadership skills. It may include videos, interactive quizzes, downloadable resources, and animations to explain concepts.
What does an Elearning specialist do?
An eLearning specialist designs and develops online training content. They create engaging materials, use instructional design techniques, and ensure compatibility with learning platforms to meet organisational or educational goals.
How do I become an Elearning content developer?
To become an Elearning content developer, learn instructional design and tools like Articulate 360 or Adobe Captivate. Build a portfolio of digital learning projects, gain experience in multimedia creation, and stay updated on eLearning trends and technologies.
