Choosing a Learning Management Software

 It can similarly be viewed as a useful tool which lets people automate the tasks at hand and substantially increase productivity and efficiency in the classroom or workplace.

However, more weight is given to its function as a strategy. It is a complete exercise in itself, making it necessary to integrate it as part of a process in more ways than one. Strengthened by the growing popularity and necessity of social networking elements, it can bring about required outcomes and any other positive changes in the way students or workers are learning and sharing knowledge and skills.

Selecting the right learning management software is undoubtedly a challenging task because it is critical in the execution of important business functions. To assist those who are faced with the responsibility of making that decision, here are some things to consider:

(1) It is not an IT system purchase. An LMS cannot be limited as an IT system purchase. The most IT-related feature about it is the fact that it is a software product. It is not necessary to involve IT experts on the matter unless some input is required of them. It is vital to focus on the organization’s core objectives, projected benefits as well as the desired outcomes from the strategy.

(2) Do not purchase one after just one sales demonstration. Admittedly, sometimes sales talks can be convincing, considering that they’re specifically designed to do just that. Remember to go deeper and get two or more demonstrations. Involve other key persons in the review so that more questions will be asked. Such people can include to-be-administrators, user groups, and the IT team (for technicalities).

(3) Do not delegate the in depth review of the LMS to a team member unless that person is qualified to map requirements to system functionality. It may seem difficult, but it is important that the person in charge of the task will not look at it from a narrow perspective. This will prevent the presentation of an opinion that is not well-informed or inaccurate.

(4) Do not sign the order before access to a full trial. No matter how capable the sales team of the LMS or how impressive the organization’s learning management team’s evaluation is learning management software should not be bought without a trial run. Involve the to-be-administrators and even some users in the trial process. This may take some time, a few weeks at least depending on the team’s availability. Remember that the learning initiative can be jeopardized if this is not accomplished well.

(5) Do not leave the “thinking” to the LMS vendor. Take time to undergo the process of scoping and requirement description pertaining to modified workflows, MIS report expectations, automated email notifications, and so on. Although good LMS providers are experts at what they do, it is helpful to create an implementation process that enables them to manage difficulties.