What is a learning management system (LMS)?
According to Wikipedia, a learning management system is a "term used to describe software tools designed to manage user learning interventions". I would like to add that learning management systems exist to help organizations easily create, deploy and manage learning and e-training. There has been a growing trend for learning management systems to be web-based applications. This means all you need is a web browser and an LMS account, and you can begin utilizing a learning management application for training and e-learning.
Increasingly organizations are having to deal with managing growing numbers of remote employees, partners, customers and suppliers. To be able to track and manage all your e-learning training, organizations are turning to learning management systems, especially web-based LMS applications. These web-based hosted LMS's provide instant access 24 hours a day. They also provide some flexibility in pricing.
What to look for in selecting/using learning management systems?If Learning management systems are so great why is everyone not adopting them?
The reason is this:
24% of LMS buyers are satisfied with their purchase
25% of LMS buyers are not satisfied with their system
About 25% of all LMS buyers plan to switch vendors
Not exactly the glowing review we were hoping for. BUT and there is a big BUT...
For those LMS customers who are satisfied with their training software investment, they are planning to increase this investment in subsequent years. The point I am making is that since LMS's can be pretty significant investment, you need to spend some time thinking about the exact specifications of what you want .. scratch that, need. There are many out there who want an LMS to toast their bread and do the wash ... They just can't do everything for you.
Some Salient LMS and/or LMS Vendor Features:
- LMS Uptime record: Uptime is how reliable your LMS provider's web servers are available. If you try to access your training and your browser keeps timing out or the web server is unavailable, then you might need to switch. Ask your prospective vendor about their uptime record. You can also access public sites like Netcraft to do independent research on uptime.
- Scalability: Can your LMS provider grow with you? You started at 50 employees but your business has expanded to over 4000, can your learning management system absorb your growing user base? How much more would it cost? How reliable is the capacity of the system to absorb the increasing levels of usage?
- E-Learning Standards Compliance: Have you heard about SCORM? What about AICC? Is your learning management system compliant with these government mandated e-learning standards? Is your LMS SCORM or AICC compliant? How about your authoring program?
- Data Exchange: Does your LMS provider allow you to download data/reports from your account? Can the learning management system easily interface with your HR information system? How easy is it to upload your content and user list? Can user self-enroll for courses/training in your LMS?
- E-Commerce Capability: For some content providers, e-Commerce (selling courses or trainings) is an absolute must. Does your LMS provider have e-Commerce capability? Is it easy to integrate into your existing website?
- LMS Security: With phishing and data security being increasingly threatened on the Internet, your LMS should make security a cornerstone of their service. Does your LMS come with SSL encryption? How about password integrity. How is this maintained? Can you instantly activate and deactivate user accounts easily?
- Financial Solvency: Is your LMS provider some kid with a computer in the basement? How many years has your LMS been in business? Ask for and follow up on all business references.
- LMS Support and Customer Service: Once you have purchased the learning management system does your LMS vendor disappear on you? How is their customer service like? Do they provide online or live customer support? How about a knowledge center to help you get answers to technical questions?
- LMS Cost: What is the total cost of ownership? Are there hidden charges or fees? What about set up fees? Is maintenance free? How about customer support? Do you have to pay for technical assistance? Make sure you get in writing all costs associated with your LMS purchase.
- LMS Training Software Updates: Is your vendor a one trick pony? Do they have plans to improve or upgrade the LMS platform? What will it cost you to get upgrades? This is where the Software as a Service (SaaS) business model makes sense. Is your Learning management System vendor a SaaS LMS provider?
