Choosing a Learning Management System (LMS) in a market of over 600 can be a daunting task. So, where do you start? To help you choose the best LMS, we have prepared a recipe with everything you should keep in the mix.
Ingredients
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Goals, expectations and needs
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A list of ‘must-have’ features
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Request For Proposal (RFP)
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Demo / Free trial
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A shortlist of LMSs
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Budget
Preparation
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Have a clear sense of what are you trying to achieve.
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Ensure you get feedback from a good cross section of business stakeholders.
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Consider the skills and feedback of your L&D team when building your RFP.
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Compile a list of ‘must-have’ features you want your LMS to have.
Method
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Choose a system that is flexible, quick to deploy and user friendly. Try a system that offers a free trial or demo site to avoid making a costly error.
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Bear in mind the technical limitations of your audience. Are you learners tech savvy?
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Check that the new LMS offers the essential features and functions you really need. Does it have to be mobile friendly? Is it secure? Are gamification and social learning a ‘must’ for you? Is in-depth reporting available?
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Check your new system is future-proof. Is it scalable to grow with your organisation’s needs? Will it be easy to upgrade and maintain?
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Evaluate how the new LMS will be integrated with your current software.
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Review a variety of vendors and negotiate your preferred terms of contract. Ask them about their experience, skill sets and qualifications. Look at online reviews to give you a better idea of how they dealt with customers in the past.
Serve and enjoy!
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There will be times when you are going to need 24/7 support from your LMS vendor. Will the vendor be able to guide you through the setup and training process? Can you call them when you face a technical problem?
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The best LMS will allow you to create an ideal e-learning experience for your audience.
Still need help with selecting the best LMS? As a Totara Platinum Partner, we know how to get the most from Totara Learn, a scalable and flexible open source learning management system.
