Learning tracks and curricula NA Define learning tracks, curricula, and target groups associated with them Ensure that course is correctly positioning within learning track or curriculum Maintain system integrity of learning tracks, curricula, and target groups Assign learners to learning tracks and curricula per training needs Choose curriculum or view assigned curriculum Course delivery preparation Test developed courses to ensure proper functioning Review courses in curriculum for content errors Review individual course for content errors and delivery problems Import and configure courses Review courses to prepare for providing instructional support NA Course delivery NA Monitor to ensure curriculum is delivered as intended in training plan Monitor to ensure course is delivered correctly Monitor and allocate course delivery per bandwidth and server constraints NA Find, register for, and take courses Operation of course NA Review curriculum to ensure operation as intended Review course to ensure operation as intended Configure LMS to enable proper operation of courses Provide course instructional support (via LMS features that enable contact with instructors) Use course features as intended Course progress and completion NA Report progress across courses Bill for course usage, if applicable Report and analyze progress on course Bill for individual course usage, if applicable Maintain tracking database and generate reports Monitor learner progress and completion and assign learners to additional courses as necessary Gauge progress Assessment Program assessments (in LMS, if applicable) Review assessments throughout curriculum to ensure compliance with training plan Review assessments in course Configure LMS to enable proper operation of assessments Review assessment Review assessment results and take appropriate remedial action Take assess- ment Learner performance NA Assess, document, and analyze performance Analyze course usage and learner performance to evaluate course effectiveness Generate statistics and reports per needs of training administrator and course manager Monitor learner performance and assign learners to additional courses as necessary Monitor perfor- mance Competencies NA Define competencies Ensure competencies are integrated into course Import and export competencies to/from external systems Take further actions based on learner competencies reported by LMS Receive competency certifications from LMS
(for VLEs only) Incorporates an option for the system (upon entering a session) to call the user back to initiate the audio connection, rather than requiring the user to call in from their phone and possibly incur long distance charges. Transcripts and other documentation Allows learners and administrators to print transcripts, course completion certificates, and learner records with appropriate options Allows a learner to be able to view a transcript of all training that has been recorded in the LMS for their account along with status and status date Incorporates the ability to import and information about learner badges and for instructors to create them, using a framework such as Mozilla Open Badges. See 7.21 Digital badges for more information. Scalability Has a scalable architecture that allows the system to expand as the number of users increases. The following factors should be taken into account in your planning: Number of concurrent users (current and in the foreseeable future) Database licensing (by seat or site) Database volume restrictions Has a scalable architecture, enabling evolution of the client installation without forcing them to go through frequent major version upgrades Allows configuration of a data distribution network (interconnect distribution peers through a common distribution server) Vendor characteristics Has a good reputation among acquisition and system owner communities. Ask the vendor who their other clients are, what they use the system for, and see if you can talk to these clients about their experience using the system. Look for negative comments posted on the Internet by members of these communities. Is willing to openly discuss with you changes in the learning landscape, and their roadmap for adapting to these changes. Has been in the LMS market for at least 5 years. Avoid the first release of a new system. Has not created the product merely as an add-on to an ERP or some other system, in order to be able to sell it to customers desperate to add an LMS to their existing system. Although the cost will probably be lower than purchasing a separate LMS, and the system will obviously be with the ERP, it can mean that the LMS receives short shrift in design and usability. Has a clear technology roadmap with a reasonable time frame for new versions and additions of new features Has consulting experience and arrangements, especially with complex issues such as data migration and change management
Sample System Requirements Matrix The following is a sample of a matrix that can be used in step 7 presented in 8 Process for choosing an LMS. The step is described as: Develop and populate a system requirements matrix that allows assessing the systems identified in step 6 against your requirements developed in step 3. To use the matrix: Enter items you have determined to be your high-level requirements for the system as row labels in the “High-level requirements” column. Enter the product names at the top of each column, replacing “LMS product 1”, “LMS product 2”, etc.. Research and complete the cells with information indicating whether each product meets that requirement (may be “yes” or “no”, a more lengthy description of how it meets or doesn’t meet the requirement, or a number that roughly quantifies the degree to which that requirement is supported in the product). LMS Requirements Matrix LMS product 1 LMS product 2 LMS product 3 LMS product 4 LMS product 5 LMS product 6 LMS product 7 LMS product 8 High-level Requirements Sample System Features Rating Matrix The following is a sample of a matrix that can be used in step 10 presented in 8 Process for choosing an LMS. The step is described as: