Choosing an LMS: 5 Questions to Consider Before Making a Decision

A Learning Management System (LMS) is a software application used to manage, deliver, track, and report on learning experiences. While most people associate LMS with eLearning courses, modern LMS platforms can facilitate various types of learning experiences, including videos, resources, live training, and gamification. LMS platforms offer numerous features to streamline administration tasks, such as grouping users, creating learning paths, automating assignments, tracking & reporting, and integrating with other systems. When selecting an LMS, it’s important to focus on your organization’s specific needs, rather than getting overwhelmed with unnecessary features. Let’s take a look at the top 5 questions you can answer to start defining your organization’s requirements.

To start defining your requirements for an LMS, consider asking yourself the following questions:

1. What are your organization’s learning goals and objectives?

• Define the specific outcomes and skills you want to achieve through the LMS.
• Consider what compliance training is needed to comply with any industry regulations or certifications.

2. Who are the users of the LMS?

• Determine the target audience. You will need to categorize your program such as employee training, customer training, partners training, or a combination.
• Consider user demographics, accessibility requirements, and language preferences.

3. What types of content do you plan to deliver?

• Identify the formats of content you want to provide, such as eLearning courses, videos, virtual classrooms, or presentations.
• Determine if you need interactive elements like quizzes, forums, or simulations.

4. What administrative capabilities do you need?

• Consider the ability to create and manage user accounts, groups, and permissions.
• Determine if you need customizable branding, localization options, or integration with existing systems like HR or CRM.

5. What reporting and analytics functionalities do you require?

• Specify the types of reports or metrics you need, such as learner progress, completion rates, or assessment scores.
• Consider if you need real-time data, custom report creation, or integration with analytics tools.

By answering these questions, you can start to define the key requirements and features you need in an LMS. This will help you narrow down your options and find a solution that aligns with your organization’s specific needs and objectives.

Selecting the right LMS requires careful consideration of your organization’s learning goals, target audience, content delivery needs, administrative requirements, and reporting capabilities. By carefully defining your requirements and assessing different LMS options based on those criteria, you can ensure that you choose the best platform to support your organization’s learning and development initiatives. With a well-designed and efficient LMS in place, you can effectively manage, deliver, track, and report on learning experiences, ultimately driving improved performance and achieving your desired eLearning outcomes.