Learning Management Systems
Learning Management systems or LMS are necessary part of eLearning and create a platform and framework that we can use to support training and education. To see the slides of my recent training on how Learning Management Systems work, click here: LMS, SCORM, eLearning, Oh My!
Most LMS implementations are assisted by the vendor, who can walk you through setting up your platform. The difference between an experienced adminstrator and a person setting it for the first time, is that the adminstrator will have a plan for the following configurations and setup as well as the running of the system. For example there should be a plan for:
When choosing a vendor it is important to have a good understanding of your needs, company goals and strategies. Creating a business case that outlines the strategy or goals, timeframe, estimated staff times for the project, project costs, summary of project oview by task, description and business needs, proposed vendors, benefits, any supporting rational, ROI and cost breakdown. Here are some examplates:
Detailed description of the project and the proposed solution
Currently our LMS provider is charging us from support and is not giving us consistent service. Our fees are inconsistent. The platform has had multiple technical issues. Also HR, Member Services and Fellowship need a software solution for their processes. Another LMS could functionally support the three departments with only one software purchased.
Business Needs:
Proposed Solution
Based on the requirements and the list of nice to have functions, several potential LMS providers will be identified Phase one, the eLearning Manager will interview the LMS providers to determine that they match our required list of functions and that they meet the price point.
Phase two, the eLearning team, Membership/Certification and IT staff will look at demonstrations of the top 5 to 7 systems. A checklist of features will be used to compare each system.
Phase three, a proof of concept of 2 or 3 specific functions will be designed and delivered to the top 2 or 3 vendors for a second demo.
The teams will make their recommendations and the eLearning Manger, department sponsor, and executive sponsor will discuss and choose and LMS vendor.
The eLearning Manager will then work with IT to develop an implementation plan and scope for the project.
Evaluation Tool to selecting an LMS (here is a tool to help compare and contrast different systems with a standard set of needs)
Most LMS implementations are assisted by the vendor, who can walk you through setting up your platform. The difference between an experienced adminstrator and a person setting it for the first time, is that the adminstrator will have a plan for the following configurations and setup as well as the running of the system. For example there should be a plan for:
- Standards
- Taxonomy
- Housekeeping
- Governance
- Configuration Management
- Reporting
When choosing a vendor it is important to have a good understanding of your needs, company goals and strategies. Creating a business case that outlines the strategy or goals, timeframe, estimated staff times for the project, project costs, summary of project oview by task, description and business needs, proposed vendors, benefits, any supporting rational, ROI and cost breakdown. Here are some examplates:
Detailed description of the project and the proposed solution
Currently our LMS provider is charging us from support and is not giving us consistent service. Our fees are inconsistent. The platform has had multiple technical issues. Also HR, Member Services and Fellowship need a software solution for their processes. Another LMS could functionally support the three departments with only one software purchased.
Business Needs:
- A multi- university platform that can host both customers and employees
- An automated, member friendly solution to support platform for Fellowship process from application through grading.
- A platform that can provide individualized learning tracks linked to competencies for Professional Development Pathway
- Potential platform for certification application process.
- Simplified UI
- Increased reporting
- Testable performance load
- Support and improved billing
- Move from an LCMS to and LMS platform
- Scalable platform that can handle the increase load of VBAs
- The contract also ends Sept. 13, 2013.
Proposed Solution
Based on the requirements and the list of nice to have functions, several potential LMS providers will be identified Phase one, the eLearning Manager will interview the LMS providers to determine that they match our required list of functions and that they meet the price point.
Phase two, the eLearning team, Membership/Certification and IT staff will look at demonstrations of the top 5 to 7 systems. A checklist of features will be used to compare each system.
Phase three, a proof of concept of 2 or 3 specific functions will be designed and delivered to the top 2 or 3 vendors for a second demo.
The teams will make their recommendations and the eLearning Manger, department sponsor, and executive sponsor will discuss and choose and LMS vendor.
The eLearning Manager will then work with IT to develop an implementation plan and scope for the project.
Evaluation Tool to selecting an LMS (here is a tool to help compare and contrast different systems with a standard set of needs)