E-learning and LMS blog articles

There are a number of ways to increase the value of your e-learning investment and the ROI of your learning management system (LMS). In fact, we’ve got an entire chapter dedicated to sharing insights on how to maximise your LMS investment in our ROI-focused eBook. In this blog, however, we’ll focus on one of the most effective ways to do this by monetising your e-learning courses and content with eCommerce tools in your LMS. More specifically, we’ll look at Moodle’s PayPal plugin and the benefits of using it. 

Why sell e-learning content with eCommerce tools? 

The majority of organisations using their e-learning platform to deliver online training will build up a diverse library of readily available L&D content and courses for their users. Many organisations will choose to create their own content, either via a content developer or by using their platform’s content development tools. Within this library of internally created e-learning content there is likely to be a range of courses and lessons that are suitable for external use. For example, generic health and safety training courses or content created by subject matter experts that would be of interest to an external audience. 

This existing e-learning content can be used for both internal use and sold for external use through eCommerce tools. Organisations can simply amend content so that it’s suitable for external use, such as removing any sensitive information, and sell it via eCommerce functionality. Creating e-learning courses and lessons requires time, skilled personnel, and an investment in the right tools and platforms, so selling content will guarantee a higher ROI. 

Need help calculating and maximising the ROI of your e-learning platform? Read our ROI eBook. 

Build brand awareness 

Selling content via eCommerce tools can help organisations build brand awareness and expand their customer base. With an extensive selection of high-quality training content available for purchase , organisations can soon gain recognition as a reliable source of L&D materials. And, when content is unique, informative and engaging, creators may develop a reputation as knowledge experts or SMEs in a specific sector or field. 

Customer training 

Any service providers will know that customers prefer a business that provides training on how to use their services or products. For those businesses looking to monetise this training, they can also create and sell e-learning content, such as training videos or courses for existing customers or external audiences. 

Looking to train your customers with e-learning tools? Find out more here. 

Using Moodle’s PayPal plugin 

Moodle is one of the world’s most recognised learning management systems and can be seamlessly integrated with a number of powerful plugins, such as the Moodle PayPal plugin. With this plugin, users can easily monetise any course content by pricing it up and asking learners for a PayPal payment to gain access. As PayPal is widely used across the globe, it’s hugely beneficial for organisations looking to open up their course content to a large global audience.  

The Moodle PayPal plugin is free to use and is already installed as part of the Moodle package. Once activated and set up with a business PayPal account, admins can add PayPal as a method of enrolment on Moodle courses. Admins can also set up paid certificates, meaning they can allow learners to access courses for free but ask them to pay for evidence of completion in the form of certificates or badges. 

Looking for a guide to all things Moodle? We’ve got you covered, read our ultimate guide now. 

Why is Moodle’s PayPal enrolment feature so popular? 

When an organisation is looking to branch out to e-learning eCommerce, the process of setting up an online store can present a number of challenges. Additional costs such as developing a separate eCommerce site or hiring an employee with the skills required to set up an online storefront can prevent organisations from engaging in eCommerce activities. Without the initial cash flow, this can hinder progress, particularly if an organisation isn’t sure that it will make enough sales to warrant spending money on setting up an online store in addition to having an LMS. However, with the Moodle PayPal plugin, users can easily leverage their existing Moodle platform by utilising the PayPal payment gateway and simply putting a price on their courses at no extra cost. 

How much does a Moodle LMS cost? Find out here. 

Are there other e-learning eCommerce options available? 

Whilst the Moodle PayPal plugin is effective for simply monetising existing courses through a payment gateway, it has its limitations. The PayPal integration cannot be used for promotion or as a store front. Rather, it simply processes payment and then authorises access to the course. For organisations looking to set up an eCommerce service with a broader range of functionality and benefits through a feature-rich integration, there are plenty of other options. 

Our Moodle eCommerce integration 

At Hubken, our Moodle platforms can be seamlessly integrated with a comprehensive eCommerce application that offers a branded course website and automatic enrolment of users thanks to our partnership with Arlo. 

Some of the key benefits of Arlo with a Hubken Moodle LMS include: 

• Automatic course enrolment 
• Reporting tools, from payment status to learning progress 
• Branded website to promote and sell courses 
• Multiple payment options 
• Marketing tools 

Get in touch with one of our LMS experts today or visit our HubkenCore add-on page to find out more about our Moodle and Totara eCommerce options. 

Exploring your eCommerce options 

With the right eCommerce tools, organisations can increase the value of their e-learning investment by a significant amount. With features such as a fully integrated online shopping cart, comprehensive reporting tools, and promotional tools, an eCommerce-enabled LMS can ensure your e-learning initiatives can be professionally and seamlessly sold and distributed in a data-driven and efficient manner. Discover the benefits of eCommerce with our Moodle and Totara solutions by visiting our external training page, or if you’d like to chat with one of our e-learning experts get in touch today.