What is an LMS?
Learning management systems (LMS) are Web-based software application platforms that publish, manage, track results and generate reports for online courses and training programs.
Why Use LMS for e-Learning?
LMS provides all the tools necessary for educational institutions, businesses and organizations to offer Web-based classes and training opportunities. In this on-the-go world, LMS is easily accessible to users 24/7, so they can work on courses any time, anywhere there is an Internet connection. LMS can help organizations cut labor and infrastructure costs – many systems are based in the cloud – and customizes content for individual learners.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing an LMS
When weighing whether to deploy an LMS, there are a variety of issues that should be looked at:
Customizable or Cookie-Cutter?
The best LMS platforms offer custom design based on the client's needs. Style sheets often offer options to change interface colors, wording and company logos, for branding purposes. In addition to having a design specific to the brand, the LMS should be easy to navigate. Studies show that users look at websites in the pattern of an F, eyeing the top of the site and the left-hand rail first
Who is Your Audience?
Take into consideration who your learners/audience are. LMS should be accessible via multiple platforms, whether it's by desktop or laptop computer with an Internet connection, or by smartphone or tablet (iPhone, iPad and other tablets, iPod, Android). Analyze your learner population, and decide which devices and browsers make the most sense for your organization. If you have a global audience, choose an LMS that includes versions in multiple languages, such as Spanish, German, French and Italian.
Web 2.0
Make sure the LMS offers a Web 2.0 interface. Web 2.0 refers to websites that encourage interaction between users. Many LMS include social media features such as real-time interactive course discussion boards and built-in instant-messaging. These tools help increase learner engagement and interest, which can then be monitored by administrators. In addition, administrators should have the ability to OK or reject comments made on discussion boards.
Compliance
To make sure your organization is using the best practices available, it is best to sign on with an LMS that is compliant with the Shareable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) and the Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training Committee (AICC). SCORM comes out of the Advanced Distributed Learning Initiative from the Office of the U.S. Secretary of Defense. It includes a set of technical standards, guidelines and specifications that call for durable, interoperable, accessible and reusable content and systems. SCORM is widely followed across many industries. SCORM compliant products are evaluated at independent testing centers. The Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training Committee is a nonprofit group of software vendors, courseware developers and trainers that generates guidelines and recommendations including hardware, digital audio, software, peripheral devices, computer-managed instruction, courseware interchange and digital video. The AICC offers formal certification testing for systems and software.
Integration
LMS software should work together with third-party systems. For example, it should include a personal calendar that integrates with iCal, Google, Yahoo, Microsoft Outlook and Lotus Notes, as well as student information and enterprise resource systems. The calendar should let instructors update the calendar available to learners with pertinent course information and dates. LMS platforms should also provide MySQL database and e-commerce support for registration functions.
Search
Many LMS platforms offer a variety of ways to search content, including by keywords and phrases (note: this feature only works with courses that include metadata). Another quick way to search an LMS is to filter user lists, curriculum and courses. Make sure the LMS you select includes an excellent search function that performs quickly.
Automatic Student Registration
The best LMS systems allow learners to automatically enroll online, reducing staffing and paperwork requirements. The automatic enrollment process lets learners check out course descriptions before registering and sign up in one location. It also lets student unregister from courses. With automatic registration would come important notifications delivered to the student's e-mail account such as confirmation of enrollment and a reminder several days before the course is slated to begin.
Report Cards
LMS systems should provide learners access to their own grades, so they can track how they are doing and make improvements if necessary.
Automatic Reporting
LMS platforms should give administrators the ability to generate automatic reports showing progress of learners. It should be able to break down information by subject, and reports would be able to be exported into another application, such as Microsoft Excel. Reports can be customized to include specific predefined variables.
Security
LMS lets administrators and instructors with access the ability to restrict e-mail functions. They can block e-mail messages between learners and only let instructors have the capability to receive e-mail messages.
Administrative Monitoring
LMS systems let administrators see a log of all learner and instructor activity, including learner information, curriculum, changes made to courses and the gradebook.
Content
LMS often times also offer a variety of options for course content training libraries in a variety of subjects. They also let instructors load content created by them. Find an LMS that offers the right content to fit your needs.
Pricing
In addition, those considering purchasing an LMS should find out pricing details and if there is a free trial included. This will give the organization a good idea as to whether it wants to purchase a specific LMS.