A Learning Management System is an integral part of an organisation’s systems. Choosing the right LMS can make the difference between a successful or unsuccessful e-learning strategy, so getting it right from the get-go is important.

What is a Learning Management System?

A learning management system (LMS) is an online tool used to manage, track, and report employee learning and development. Organisations use them to deliver training to their employees and course creators use them to share their knowledge via e-learning or blended learning delivery.

How do you choose an LMS?

Though the budget is an important factor, there is a lot more to take into account. First, you need to carefully identify and document your organisation’s needs. There is a lot to consider here so make sure you take the time and seek expert advice if you need it. Look for someone who has extensive experience in LMS development and has a good knowledge of training design. they can also help you identify the features you need to look for in your preferred LMS. Once you have documented your organisation’s requirements you can start shortlisting LMSs – your LMS expert can help you with this process.

Questions to ask

If you are not familiar with LMSs or e-learning platforms as they are sometimes called, you may not know what to look for other than the price and the appearance. Here are some questions to get you started.

Can it be customised?

Make sure your LMS provides a well-designed user interface and a wide range of features that can be tailored to fit the needs of any training. The LMS must be responsive and accessible across all devices, such as desktops, laptops, mobile devices, and tablets. It should also be able to integrate with your organisation’s existing systems.

Is it regularly updated?

Look for security and feature updates. Some questions to ask here are:

• How long has it been around?
• How often is it updated?
• How often are new features and integrations added?

Is it user-friendly?

Your Learning Management System (LMS) must be user-friendly in order to deliver a consistent user experience. It is important that learners can access the LMS anytime, anywhere. The interface should provide a seamless navigating experience to enhance the learner’s knowledge retention and engagement.

There are many LMSs on the market that can meet your needs, but it’s important to carefully research each one and check their user-friendliness, implementation and customisation options.