10 Easy Steps to Target Your LMS Search
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Transcript of 10 Easy Steps to Target Your LMS Search
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Selecting a Learning Management System (LMS) is a daunting task, and the
exercise described in this article will assist you with the initial foundation of
your research. In order to demonstrate that an LMS provides you with
functionality vital to the success of your business, be sure to identify and
gather as many of the key stakeholders as you can. This group will include
people who will not only evaluate the Learning Management Systems, but who
will also use the final one you select.
In an ideal world, all stakeholders would take part in this exercise. In reality,
this is not very practical. Instead, create an LMS committee that includes at
least one representative from each appropriate department or company
division.
Gather your LMS committee together to complete the following analysis tasks:
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1. Define Goals
Define the company's overall business goals and determine how an LMS would enhance
these goals.
2. List Stakeholders
Regardless of who is on the committee, make a list of all key stakeholders involved in
selecting an LMS. Categorize this list by departments and sub-categorize by job title.
3. Brainstorm a Wish List
Brainstorm an LMS features “wish list.” This list should include must-haves and nice-to-
haves. If you have an existing LMS that is being evaluated to determine its current worth,
write down its best characteristics and a second list for needed improvements.
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4. Identify Communication Strategies
Select four or five departments from the master stakeholders list generated
in number 2 above. For each department, identify the best communication
strategies used for each. Be creative. These strategies should not pertain to
LMS features or functionality.
5. Address the WIIFM
Select the two largest departments from those identified in number 4.
Identify how an LMS would address the WIIFM (What's In It For Me?) for
each department selected.
6. Repeat Process for Additional Strategies
Repeat steps 4 & 5 to identify the best strategies for the following:
productivity, student involvement, administration involvement, courseware
delivery and content development.
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7. Determine Evaluation Criteria
Now that you have identified all aspects of WIIFM, determine the criteria you should use to evaluate an LMS. These could include a features
comparison, ability to customize, cost, etc.
8. Determine Metrics
Determine the metrics you will use to assist in your evaluation, such as usability testing,
documentation from vendors, creating courseware trial and comparison, etc.
9. Describe the Future
Briefly describe what a successfully implemented LMS would be for your organization.
What data should be reported to provide as evidence of this success?
10. Review, Edit, Polish, Celebrate!
Review, edit and polish the material generated from this exercise. Then, celebrate your
discoveries! You are on your way to acquiring an LMS perfectly suited to you, your
stakeholders and your organization.
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In Conclusion
You’ll find the benefit of this activity is really quite impactful. After all, you will be generating outcomes tailored to your needs that will help you stay
focused on the selection process and less likely to be distracted or swayed by the “bells and whistles” you will encounter when trying out new a LMS.
Selecting an LMS can certainly be a challenge, especially when you consider the volatile nature of the LMS industry and the level of commitment your
organization must make. And although following these ten steps will eliminate much of the frustration associated with this challenge, we are always
here to help. Contact us today for assistance in choosing the right LMS for you! Michaels & Associates — training you inspire.
[email protected] www.michaelsandassoc.com toll-free: 877-614-8440