In a context where e learning software has now proven its worth, several organizations are considering the acquisition of a learning management system, commonly called LMS for Learning Management System . But how can you be sure to make the right choice in the face of the multitude of solutions offered? We must avoid buying the first option that comes along and take a step back. Here are the essential questions to ask yourself while shopping.
Will the chosen solution really meet my needs?
The first step is to define your needs. Think about users first. Educational needs and ease of access for learners must prevail over the solution to be adopted. Putting technology ahead of pedagogy is a common mistake, often encountered. Without realizing it, several organizations make it a project closely linked to IT. To this end, it is also important to clearly express your needs and expectations to your potential suppliers.
Will it grow with my needs and my organization?
In your assessment of the platforms available in the market, make sure that the solution you choose has the features necessary for the growth of your organization. We must anticipate the increase in the number of learners and the number of courses that will be deposited there over the years. If the platform is likely to be used by a large number of users simultaneously, it is also necessary to ensure that you have an expandable bandwidth, which can withstand “peak periods”, such as the due date of a training.
Does it meet industry norms and standards (SCORM)?
The SCORM standard, for Sharable Content Object Reference Model , is an encoding specification aimed at meeting accessibility, adaptability and interoperability requirements. SCORM standards facilitate exchanges between online training platforms. Thus, a SCORM learning management system can accommodate and distribute courses from various sources. This is a fundamental dimension that you must take into account.
Should I buy the solution or use it in a rental form?
The SaaS ( Software as a service ) formula makes it possible to use a learning management system without having to purchase it. This is a turnkey rental package that includes technical assistance, updates and hosting. As the software solutions in SaaS mode already exist and the deployment environment is perfectly known and controlled, the time required is shorter and the updates are done transparently. This “practical” aspect, which avoids having to manage an imposing IT infrastructure, explains why this formula is preferred today.
What about Web 2.0 and free software ( Open Source )?
Among the new trends, we note the arrival of Web 2.0 tools (collaborative tools) which are integrated into platforms. These tools should be deployed with caution and moderation so that they are a qualitative addition, rather than a distraction. For their part, Open Source platforms (eg Moodle, Sakai or Claroline) represent a solution without apparent costs and lend themselves well to academic contexts of the university type. But, with the objective of marketing your training course, a solution of this type can prove to be very risky and expensive due to the absence of the software publisher who can support you.
It seems wise to us to write that choosing an LMS is a decision to be taken seriously. You need to make sure you do your homework since the chosen solution will literally become the heart of your new virtual training center.
The biggest difference between the various LMS platforms is between the LMS software on the web and LMS software installed locally . Not that long ago, you had to install e-learning software created by LMS platform providers locally on your server. This involved maintenance by your IT department, as well as significant installation and maintenance costs - money that would be much better spent otherwise. Nowadays, LMS platform providers are developing online learning management systems based directly on the web.. The prices of web-based e-learning software are a fraction of those encumbering your local infrastructure. Moreover, it is in this case the LMS software providers who take care of developing, improving and keeping their learning platform up to date. Installation costs are non-existent and the monthly cost price is much lower than that of e-learning software installed locally.
LMS in SaaS / Cloud mode vs LMS hosted locally
In terms of web-based e-learning software, two cases arise: you can choose an LMS platform in SaaS mode or choose to host the software yourself. If you plan to host the software locally, you will have control over the characteristics of the server. However, this will mean that you will also be responsible for its security and availability. You will also need to make any required updates. If you choose an LMS platform in online SaaS mode , all of these responsibilities fall on the shoulders of the platform provider. This allows you to worry about nothing and focus on creating online training courses.
Free vs paid LMS
In case you have people with advanced technical knowledge on your team and you have a small budget, you can take a look at the free e-learning solutions available: some solutions allow you to do your own installation and maintenance. If, however, you do not want to install and configure e-learning software yourself, you should opt for a paid LMS platform.
Open source vs owner
For web-based software, as well as locally installed software, there are open source and proprietary learning management systems. Online LMS software in SaaS / Cloud mode is never open source: followers of this kind of project will probably not want to consider it. However, we must keep in mind that open source certainly offers freedom, but requires more responsibilities. Those wishing to avoid worrying would therefore be better advised to opt for an online LMS platform in SaaS mode.
Integrations
In terms of integrations , there are systems with and without integrations. If you want your data to transfer smoothly, you need to look for a learning platform that offers integration with third-party solutions.
What about Easy LMS?
Hold on to your seat: our learning management system is a web-based LMS, hosted as a cloud-based LMS delivered to you as a SaaS-based LMS. To put it simply: all you have to do to start using our virtual training center is register.