LMS, e-learning platform checklist
The Learning Management System (LMS, elearning tool) market is flooded with all kinds of solutions. You cannot go through all the available solutions to find the most suitable option for your organization.
Instead, you can choose a solution based on a consideration of important requirements.
This article serves as the ultimate LMS requirements checklist to help you pick the right LMS according to your needs.
1) Functional LMS requirements
Functional e-learning platform requirements are features that are directly related to the users and administrators. Here are the functional requirements you should look out for.
Course and user management: As regards course and user management, you should choose LMS solutions based on important features such as how the users will be registered. Also, decide on whether different digital training programs will be created and users will be assigned particular positions.
Type of learning model: The type of learning model that will be applied will significantly influence the choice of e-learning platform. The types of learning models include blended learning, pure e-learning, and instructor-led training. You also need to consider whether you will create webinars at any point too before choosing Learning Management System LMS solutions.
Content creation and support: Content creation and support are essential requirements of LMS solutions. In this regard, you should decide on the types of technologies and content that will be created. Decide on the type of content and technology and consider whether the LMS solution has the support you will need. Also, consider whether you will need a course editor and whether the LMS solution has that feature or support.
Reports and analytics: Reports and analytics are essential features for any LMS. Data should be available to analyze the activities of e-learners. You should be able to easily get user data and analyze them. Confirm that the LMS for extensive features for reports and analytics. This is because reports and analytics are important for monitoring users’ progress and tailor the learning content accordingly. You also want to confirm whether the e-learning solution allows custom reporting. If you wish to create custom reporting templates, confirm that the custom templates will be available on your preferred LMS.
These are the core functional Learning Management System (LMS) requirements.
You also want to assess other functional requirements like talent management, social learning, e-commerce, mobile learning, and gamification.
2) Technical requirements
Having highlighted functional requirements, we now go on to the technical requirements that are basically related to the technologies behind the operation of the LMS.
Hosting: Learning Management System could be hosted on the cloud or on-premise. When LMS is on-premise, all the data is kept on infrastructure within the organization. This could be quite complicated and demanding. Cloud hosting involves storing data and all aspects of the LMS on the web.
Ease of integration: e-learning platform solutions should be easily integrated into other existing systems within the organization. Consider the ease of integration of LMS options into CRMs, HR software, and other existing systems.
Consider costs: Although cost does not exactly fall into the functional or technical requirement category, it is an essential feature to consider. There are different pricing models for LMS. The pricing models are license/subscription, pay-per-learner, pay-as-you-go, and pay-per-active-users. For the pay-per-learner model, users have to pay according to how the system is used. The pay-as-you-go model allows users to pay for the courses and the learners. The subscription model allows users to pay for access to LMS for a particular period. Confirm the pricing model as well as the cost implication before choosing an LMS.