E-learning Cost

<div id="title">The Cost of E-learning</div> (align:"==>")+(box:"===========================XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[- A 20 min activity] (text-colour:#c66d15)[''How much does it cost to build an e-learning course?''] (link-reveal:"''Let's find out!''")[= (link:"It depends...")[=It depends on many factors and by the end of this interactive exercise, you will be able to uncover the most common ones. But before we get into the details of the costs of creating e-learning, let's run through the [[steps to creating an e-learning course.]]

That's great! Readily available content makes life so much easier. ''Less effort ''(t8n-time:1.5s)+(link:"translates to...")[=''translates to shorter timelines and lower costs.'' (t8n-time:1.5s)+(link:"It still helps to have a...")[=It still helps to have a ''subject matter expert (SME)'' who can support me in analysing all that content. As an ID, I'm an expert in delivering content. But the expert on the content is the SME. [[Let's talk about the SME.]]

That's good news! An SME brings insights and context to the project that are invaluable. It also means that I don't have to rack my brains when I don't understand something. Let's now figure out the [[tools I can use for developing the solution.]]

(text-colour:orange)[''6) What kind of images are you looking for?''] * I have an (text-colour:#00b5b5)[[image library and can send you all the images]] you need. * (text-colour:#00b5b5)[[Royalty free images that are free to download]] will work for me. I’d be happy to attribute the image creator. * I’d want (text-colour:#00b5b5)[[premium stock images.]] I want my course to be visually stunning.

Artifical intelligence algorithms can generate ultra realistic voices. The added benefit to using them is that you can get your audio files almost instantly. <a href="https://wellsaidlabs.com/"; target="_blank">WellSaid Labs</a> is one such popular AI voice engine. There are several [[other costs to consider. Let's check them out.]]

A level-1 course will ''cost you relatively less ''than any other level course. Now, for our [[next question]].

A level-2 course will require a ''medium budget.'' Now, for our [[next question]].

A level-3 course is on the ''expensive side.'' Now, for our [[next question]].

Level 4 courses need a ''big budget.'' I'm sorry, I don't work on level 4 courses. Would you like to (link-undo:"reconsider") the level of interacticity for your course?

It seems like getting the content in shape, can take some time and effort. ''More effort ''(t8n-time:1.5s)+(link:"translates to...")[=''translates to longer timelines and higher costs.'' (t8n-time:1.5s)+(link:"It still helps to have a...")[=It still helps to have a ''subject matter expert (SME)'' who can support me in analysing all that content. As an ID, I'm an expert in delivering content. But the expert on the content is the SME. [[Let's talk about the SME.]]

(text-colour:orange)[''4) Do you have an SME whom I can partner with?''] * (text-colour:#00b5b5)[[I have an SME who is readily available.]] * (text-colour:#00b5b5)[[I have SMEs, but they're usually very busy.]] * (text-colour:#00b5b5)[[I don't have an SME, but the content isn't technical.]] * (text-colour:#00b5b5)[[I'll try and arrange for an expert.]]

Most projects are like this. If I don't have to make too many changes to the original content, it will mean less effort. ''Less effort ''(t8n-time:1.5s)+(link:"translates to...")[=''translates to shorter timelines and lower costs.'' (t8n-time:1.5s)+(link:"It still helps to have a...")[=It still helps to have a ''subject matter expert (SME)'' who can support me in analysing all that content. As an ID, I'm an expert in delivering content. But the expert on the content is the SME. [[Let's talk about the SME.]]

I understand SMEs usually have many responsibilities and can be pressed for time. But an SME brings insights and context to the project that are invaluable. Let's now figure out the [[tools I can use for developing the solution.]]

If the e-learning is on a general topic and my personal knowledge and insights are sufficient, then we could manage without an SME. Let's now figure out the [[tools I can use for developing the solution.]]

Yes, I'd need an expert on the learning content, whom I can consult. Otherwise we may hit roadblocks right from the start. Let's now figure out the [[tools I can use for developing the solution.]]

(text-colour:orange)[''5) What kind of tool are you looking at?''] * (text-colour:#00b5b5)[[I’d be happy with your choice of tools.]] * (text-colour:#00b5b5)[[I’m looking at specific tools.]] * (text-colour:#00b5b5)[[I can provide the tool.]]

Superb! We also need to consider other costs, like the [[cost of images]].

That'll be a huge time saver. Finding the perfect image can sometimes take hours, so if you're going to provide all the images, it'll save a lot of time (t8n-time:1.5s)+(link:"and...")[=and money. But there are other costs too, like [[voice over narration costs]].

Free image sites can work for general topics and offer cost savings. Sites like <a href="https://pixabay.com/"; target="_blank">Pixabay</a> and <a href="https://unsplash.com/"; target="_blank">Unsplash</a> are good options. But there are other costs too, like [[voice over narration costs]].

Premium stock image websites offer high quality images, and I'm usually subscribed to one of them. If you are looking to splurge, you can purchase the more exclusive ones. But there are other costs too, like [[voice over narration costs]].

(text-colour:orange)[''7) What's the kind of voice over you are looking for?''] * I'm going with a level 1 course that (text-colour:#00b5b5)[[doesn't need audio.]] * I'd be fine with a (text-colour:#00b5b5)[[machine generated voice that's not too robotic.]] * I'd be happy with a (text-colour:#00b5b5)[[high-end AI generated voice.]] I've heard some of them are so good, you can barely distinguish them from a real voice. * (text-colour:#00b5b5)[[I can arrange the voice over]]. My colleague can record for us. * I’d hire (text-colour:#00b5b5)[[a professional voice actor.]] A professional voice over can elevate a course.

Audio can drive up learner engagement and is often seen as an essential component. But it takes up a lot of development time and involves costs. So if we don't need audio, we're sure going to save time and money. There are several [[other costs to consider. Let's check them out.]]

Recording voice over in-house can be extremely convenient and cost effective. Amateurs can't match trained voice talent, but they may be able to do a fairly decent job with a little practice. Here are <a href="https://blogs.articulate.com/rapid-elearning/13-more-tips-to-help-you-record-narration-like-the-pros/"; target="_blank">some recording tips for amateurs.</a> There are several [[other costs to consider. Let's check them out.]]

I use text-to-speech converters for the beta version of my courses, but I wouldn't really recommend them for the final version of the course. However, text-to-speech converters are an option if you're on a tight budget. And on the bright side, they can lower development time significantly. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXPN12ReUJg"; target="_blank">Amazon Polly</a> is my favouriter text-to-speech converter. There are several [[other costs to consider. Let's check them out.]]

Using professional voice-over can be expensive and time consuming. But the power of a good, professionally trained voice can never be underestimated. A well-trained voice can engage you learners and elevate the quality of your course. There are several [[other costs to consider. Let's check them out.]]

(text-colour:orange)[''3) What's the current state of the course content?''] * (text-colour:#00b5b5)[[I have ready-to-go content.]] * I have the course content spread across a few documents and slides. (text-colour:#00b5b5)[[I'd need you to make a few changes, before you can use it.]] * I'd need you to glean through different training material, including several PDFs, web links and videos. (text-colour:#00b5b5)[[I have all of the content, but they're all over the place and need to be heavily restructured.]]

(text-colour:orange)[''2) What's the level of interactivity you need for your course?''] • A Level 1 course is the most basic type. It is linear and usually without audio. It has text on screen, graphics, photos, basic animations, minimal interactivity and simple assessments. It's a good choice for informational courses. (text-colour:#00b5b5)[[Yes, I'll go for a level 1 course.]] • A Level 2 course is rich in media and has synched audio. It offers moderate interactivity, which includes clickable tabs, flash cards, hot spots, sliders, dials and drag and drop elements. Assessments may be more complex than level 1 and can include match the following, drag and drop and scenario-based questions. (text-colour:#00b5b5)[[Level 2 sounds right for me.]] • A Level 3 course offers a high degree of interaction. The course may include simulations, stories, branching scenarios and rich multimedia. (text-colour:#00b5b5)[[I want a level 3 course.]] • Level 4 offers the highest degree of interaction. It provides an immersive learner experience and may include complex games and simulations. Think augmented reality / virtual reality. (text-colour:#00b5b5)[[I want to go all out. I want a level 4 course.]]

These are the steps I follow when creating a typical e-learning course. (link-reveal:"''Step 1''")['': Analysing and Planning'' I analyse the learning needs and scope the project.] (link-reveal:"''Step 2''")['': Creating the Storyboard'' I organise all the content and strategise every frame as I write the storyboard.] (link-reveal:"''Step 3''")['': E-learning Development'' I develop a protoype, after which I develop the entire course using an authoring tool.] (link-reveal:"''Step 4''")['': Reviewing the Course'' I check the course for errors and send it to the client for review.] (link-reveal:"''Step 5''")[='': Launching the Course'' I publish the course, after which it is uploaded to the client's LMS. [[Let's now uncover the costs of creating an e-learning course.]]

The exact cost of creating an e-learning course cannot be calculated offhand. But I can lead you to an accurate estimate, if you are ready to (link-reveal:"answer a few questions.")[= (text-colour:orange)[''1) What's your estimate of the course duration?''] * (text-colour:#00b5b5)[[[Under 15 minutes |duration]]] * (text-colour:#00b5b5)[[[15-30 minutes |duration]]] * (text-colour:#00b5b5)[[[30 minutes - 1 hour |duration]]]

(text-colour:orange)+(background:(hsl:80,0.8333,0.8824,0.35))[''The cost of ignorance is higher than the cost of training.''] If you want to train many people, at their own pace and convenience, online training can serve you better than traditional classroom training. E-learning needs a high initial investment. But in the long-term, the investment pays off and e-learning is cheaper than traditional training. There are a lot of different ways we can deliver e-learning. If you want to know more, (link-rerun:"let's talk!")[=(open-url: "mailto:anita@elearningchalk.com")

I own licenses to popular e-learning tools, such as Articulate Storyline and Camtasia. I tend to use these tools whenever possible, which helps keep costs low. Here's a (link-reveal:"sample I created with these tools.")[=(open-url: "https://elearningchalkdemo.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/Samples/Website2021/Information%20Security%20Sample%20Course%20-%20Storyline%20output/story.html") There are other costs too, like the [[cost of images]].

If you are looking at specific tools that I don't own, you may have to budget for the cost of the tools. Many e-learning tools are quite expensive. For example, a subscription to the popular e-learning tool, (link-reveal:"Articulate 360 costs...")[=(open-url: "https://articulate.com/360/pricing") We also need to consider the [[cost of images]].

(text-colour:orange)[''8) Other costs you may want to consider:''] (link-reveal:"''(text-colour:#00b5b5)[Cost of the learning platform]''")[: If you don't already have one, you need to factor in the cost of the learning platform where you will host your e-learning.] (link-reveal:"''(text-colour:#00b5b5)[Cost of maintenance and revision]''")[: With time, every course will need to be revised and updated. You may want to budget for these upgrades.] (link-reveal:"''(text-colour:#00b5b5)[Cost of localization]''")[=: If you want your course to be available in different languages and adapted for different cultures and geographic markets, you'll have to spend on localization. We've covered a lot of ground. [[So here's a quick summary of the most common factors affecting the cost of e-learning.]]

The cost of the course will depend on its duration. (link:"''The longer the duration...''")[=''The longer the duration, the higher the costs involved.'' If you want to have videos and animations in your course, the cost can be calculated per minute (even per second) of the video / animation. (link:"But it's also worth noting that...")[= But it's also worth noting that the use of templates have a bearing on the cost. A series of modules created with the same template costs less than a series of modules created with different templates, even if both sets of modules are of the same length. Another important factor is the [[level of interactivity in the course]].

(text-style:"bold")[(align:"=><=")+(box:"XXXXXXXXX=")[Choices that Affect the Cost of E-learning]] =|= ''(text-colour:orange)[E-learning Budget]'' =|= ''(text-colour:orange)[Low]'' =|= ''(text-colour:orange)[Medium]'' =|= ''(text-colour:orange)[High]'' |==| --- =|= ''Course Duration'' =|= Under 15 mins =|= 15-30 mins =|= > 30 mins |==| --- =|= ''Course Level'' =|= Level 1 =|= Level 2 =|= Level 3 / 4 |==| --- =|= ''Current State of Course Content'' =|= Ready-to-go content =|= Minimal changes required =|= Needs major restructuring |==| --- =|= ''SME Support'' =|= SME will work closely =|= No SME, but general topic =|= Limited SME support |==| --- =|= ''E-learning tools'' =|= Client will provide tools =|= Mid-priced subscription-based tools =|= Expensive subscription-based tools |==| --- =|= ''Images'' =|= Free / Client-provided =|= Regular stock images =|= Exclusive |==| --- =|= ''Voice over'' =|= Not required =|= In-house / Machine / AI =|= Professional voice over |==| If you are new to e-learning, you may find it expensive and complicated. [[But here are the facts...->truth]]