(Retrieved from Sarah Hodge Blog)
LMS Choice
Before selecting a Learning Management System, an organization should go through a process to ensure they have selected the most effective and cost efficient choice. “Every organization’s requirements for a learning management system differ. Once you have made the decision to implement an LMS, the next step is to analyze your needs” (The Academy, 2010, p.1). Analyzing the needs helps to narrow down the selection process.
It is first an important factor to set goals up as a business or organization so it is clear what needs to get done, who is going to do it, and how it is going to work (Parkin, 2005, p. 4). In other words, “Do not think in terms of LMS functionality, but in terms of process” (Parkin, 2005, p.4). By doing so, the main objectives stated and formed will be met instead of choosing a system for its unique features that will never be used.
Parkin (2005) suggests creating a list of critical success factors for the e-learning system. He lists some of the factors that should be included at this part of the selection process. They are:
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•Will you need local support in multiple countries?
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•What is your budget?
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•Do you want to host internally or have the vendor host for you?
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•How diverse is your target learner platform and your IT infrastructure?
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•Do you want to manage classroom activity (scheduling, evaluations)?
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•Will you be integrating third-party content?
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•Will you need a system that integrates with CD-ROM content or allows offline work to take place?
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•Do you need e-commerce or departmental charge-back capabilities?
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•How granular are your tracking and reporting needs?
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•Do you have to track compliance or certification training?
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•Do you have special requirements for data security?
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•Do you plan to integrate collaborative activities such as e-mail, chat, or communities in your learning?
Will you be managing synchronous virtual classroom activities?
(Parkin, 2005, p. 6)
After carefully evaluating the needs, a list of different LMS systems can be made of systems that meet those needs. After reducing the list, additional evaluation, and crafting an RFP, the list should be cut down to about three systems or enough to create demo sites to explore (Parkin, 2005, p. 13).
Following these steps will help an organization feel more comfortable and prepared in their choice of an LMS system.
Resources
Parkin, G. (2005). Strategies for success in an online world: The lms selection process in a nutshell. Retrieved July 23, 2010 at http://parkinslot.blogspot.com/2005/04/lms-selection-process-in-nutshell.html
The Academy (2010). LMS selection. Retrieved July 24, 2010 at http://www.theacademy.com/lmsselection.aspx
This sounds like shopping for the best fit jeans. Are they too baggy? Does it make my butt look firm? Is it going to fit my hips? Is the length too long? The questions goes on, but when you find that jean that answers all your questions, then you know its the right one. Now to try it on.
The same thing with choosing LMS systems. Find the one or ones that answers all your questions and then try it. That way you do not waste your time with trying too many LMS and get to the ones you really want to try.
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