7 Best e-learning LMS and platforms agencies
Choosing an LMS e-learning Platform is an important decision for any organization. It is also quite easy to make the wrong LMS choice, this is due to the increased number of E-Learning platforms available at the moment. Research has shown that about 40% of U.S. companies that use LMS are not satisfied with their choice.
This means that you need to be deliberate and strategic with your choice of LMS. This article presents a five-step strategy for choosing an LMS.
1) Highlight your needs
You should start the process by highlighting your needs. Why do you need an LMS e-learning PLatform, and what goals do you hope to achieve with it? Answering these important questions will guide you in highlighting your needs.
Describe the goals of an LMS e-learning PLatform to be as specific as possible. Instead of a broad statement like, "improve the learning of core principles", go for a more specific goal like, "reduce training costs by 30%". When highlighting goals and objectives, ensure that they are specific, measurable, achievable, and time-bound.
In highlighting your LMS e-learning PLatform needs, you should also focus on the details of learners or users like their age, skill level, and whether they are tech-savvy. It is also important to note the kind of devices on which learners will study with so as to get a mobile-friendly LMS Learning Management Solution if necessary and the number of employees to train.
2) List your LMS requirements
After highlighting the goals and objectives of an LMS, list out the requirements. The goals and objectives, as well as the learner demographics, will guide your choice of requirements. You want to choose requirements in two categories: the functional requirements and the technical requirements. The functional LMS e-learning PLatform requirements focus on features that users and administrators directly apply. The technical requirements determine the direct and indirect technological features of the LMS.
While listing out LMS e-learning PLatform requirements, also focus on the costs and the payment model as there are different pricing models and costs of LMS solutions.
3) Check out available options
At this point, you have all the details you need to specifically look for an LMS. This is when you begin to explore the market and check out the available LMS e-learning PLatform options. Since there are hundreds of options, and you cannot check each one, look for recommendations from friends and industry experts.
If you know people that use LMS e-learning PLatform, you should ask them about their preferred options. Assess those options against your requirements. Also. look out for trusted reviews and expert recommendations.
4) Assess vendors
You should have a list of some of your preferred LMS e-learning PLatform and vendors at this point. Assess the vendors extensively to be sure that they are what you need. The assessment should be initially broad and then specific. The broad assessment involves checking out the vendor's websites and reading up on the features. You want to check out resources like video tutorials, product documentation, and how-to articles.
Also, confirm the quality of local support and general services you will be getting if the company is foreign.
After a vendor passes the broad assessment, carry out a specific assessment that involves testing the LMS e-learning PLatform and carrying out a case use. Test your preferred LMS e-learning PLatform extensively, focusing on the features that are part of your requirements. The use case should be the vendor walking you through the common processes you will carry out, like onboarding learners and employees.
5) Decide on the top LMS
At this point, you should be able to decide on your preferred LMS e-learning PLatform. Your choice should be based on the checklist created in step two. If you followed this approach religiously, you should have finalist solutions that you can then choose from.
This five-step approach should lead you to an LMS e-learning PLatform that is in line with your virtual learning goals. With this approach, you are bound to find a solution that is best suited to your goals, fits into your budget, and offers quality support.
If you are still in doubt, you can opt for The Learning Lab, an LMS platform that provides increased scalability needed to meet your business need.