Selecting an LMS
Selecting a learning management system is not just about comparing the features between systems. Selecting a learning management system requires a lot of task and research on features, functionality, and successful implementation strategies. Specify your requirements very clearly before buying an learning management system (LMS). Here are some questions that can be considered when researching features, functionality, and approaches of an LMS.
- What is the organization’s intent for implementing an LMS? What would you like to accomplish with the LMS?
- Has a team been selected to lead the initiatives on what requirements the LMS should have? Does everyone understand their role?
- Is your organization international? If so, how will this affect your LMS requirements?
- How many users do you anticipate your LMS will need to accommodate?
- Are there any certain tools and features that are essential that your organization have within the LMS? Is there any specific criterion that must be met by the system?
- List out all of these items so that you can compare them with the features and functionality of the proposed LMS.
- Do you have a list of instruction and learning management requirements for the LMS?
- What level of customization is required within the LMS? For example, do you need customizations for course development, tools, reports, or the design?
- Do you require an integrated authoring tool?
- What level of content management functionality is required by your organization?
- Will your organization have different learning modalities for the LMS population? For example, will you offer online, in person, or blended courses?
- Will your technical infrastructure support your LMS requirements or those of the proposed LMS?
- Will your content be compatible with current or new authoring tools?
- Do your LMS requirements meet or exceed your organization’s budget limitations?
- What is your organization’s learning goals for the next few years? Does the proposed LMS coincide with the goals?
- Are there options for installing the LMS software on your own server or hosting?
- Does the LMS comply with AICC or SCORM standards so that course material may be exchanged with other systems?
- How do the LMS vendors you have chosen to compare differ? How are they similar?
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