Ellis_Field_Guide_LMS.pdf - to Learning Management Systems...

to
Learning
Management
Systems
By Ryann K. Ellis
Editor, Learning Circuits

Field Guide to Learning Management Systems
While t her e ar e sever al defi n itions
of a learning management system (LMS), the basic description
is a software application that automates the administration, tracking,
and reporting of training events. However, it’s not that simple. A robust
LMS should be able to do the following:
• centralize and automate administration
• use self-service and self-guided services
• assemble and deliver learning content rapidly
• consolidate training initiatives on a scalable web-based platform
• support portability and standards
• personalize content and enable knowledge reuse.
More important, an LMS should integrate with other enterprise application
solutions used by HR and accounting, enabling management to measure the
impact, effectiveness, and over all cost of training initiatives.
Because so many factors are involved in the decision to purchase an LMS,
the market frustrates buyers, making it nearly impossible to compare
suppliers. For example, high-end options don’t ensure quality, and some low-
end solutions provide quick and easy-to-install versions that handle basic
functionality but don’t offer everything your organization may need in the
future. Adding to the confusion is the high rate of mergers and consolidations
within the LMS market.
So how can organizations make smart purchasing decisions about learning
management systems? Although every implementation is different, both at
the back-end installation and at the logic and requirements level, there are
some common factors to address when evaluating the right LMS for your
organization.
1
Learning Circuits’ “Field
Guide to Learning
Management Systems” is
published by the American
Society for Training &
Development (ASTD).
© 2009, ASTD Inc.
All rights reserved.
For more information on
LMSs, visit the Learning
Circuits website.

Product features
It’s easy to let the technology determine how your organization will
use its learning management system. Therefore, it’s important to clearly
define and prioritize requirements before shopping in order to find the right
LMS that will meet your organizations initial core requirements, as well as
grow to meet subsequent requirements in the future. Once you’ve
determined how you plan to use the LMS, you can match product
functionality to your requirements.
To that end, the following functional requirements are recommended:
Integration with HR. LMSs that aren't synchronized with HR systems miss
the boat. When systems are integrated, a human resources employee can
enter a new hire's information into the HR system, and the employee is
automatically signed up for training tailored to his or her role within the
company.