Learning Management Systems

How to find the best eLearning solution for you

What is an LMS?
A learning management system (LMS) is a software application that
handles all aspects of the learning process – housing, creating,
delivering and tracking learning.
 Key
Considerations
 Relative Advantage
When talking about an LMS, relative advantage means that the
perceived pros the system offers will outweigh the learning curve
and costs that come with it. Enough people need to not only want
it, but see the value in it.
 Trial vs Implementation
Some LMS vendors will make themselves as desirable as
possible because you meet their qualifiers. Even trials and demos
can be tailored. The best way to ensure good uptake is to stagger
system onboarding.
 The User Experience
A good user experience provides the right amount of
information, puts information where users are looking, is
recognisable as an interface and shortens the number of clicks
needed to navigate around.
 Content Compatibility
Your content needs to be compatible with the LMS it will live in
and your LMS needs to be able to read it. In the eLearning
industry, there are two standards to be aware of:
SCORM and xAPI.
 Integration Compatibility
Beyond just content, your LMS needs to play well with systems you
and your users already use. This is where integrations come in. They
act as a bridge between two systems, creating a more sustainable
software ecosystem and automating manual processes.
 Blended Learning
Many rely on human connection to maintain motivation and
assign meaning to their studies. Rather than rule out digital
learning, however, your best approach is to combine real life
experiences with the ease of eLearning.
 Workforce Planning
When employees see pathways for promotion within their
place of work, it demonstrates to them that you are willing to
invest internally and that the hires you have made were done
with purpose.
 LMS
Deployment
What is deployment?
Deployment is all about who is responsible for maintaining the LMS
software and where it’s hosted. There are a few different deployment
options available when it comes to LMSs. The two most popular ones
are cloud-based and open-source.
Cloud-based
A cloud-based system is quite literally hosted on the cloud (internet).
There is no traditional hardware associated with these LMSs, nor is
there the issue of managing that hardware and software on your end.
 Advantages
Cost-effective in the long run, easy to use, elastic scalability, anytime/anywhere
accessibility for users and accessibility for those with disabilities.

Disadvantages
Dependant on the internet, security concerns and hidden fees in pricing.
Open-source
With open-source software, you essentially purchase the code for an
LMS software and then have free reign to do as you will.
 Advantages
Customisation, control of the system, community of users for troubleshooting and no
supplier costs for maintenance.

Disadvantages
Cost of hosting, the need to understand good LMS design and the technical complexities
of maintaining and updating the software.
How to choose?
Deciding whether cloud-based or open-source is right for your organisation comes
down to 3 big considerations.
1) Application: What you intend to use an LMS for will impact the features,
functionality and length of contract you’ll likely need.
2) Features & Functionality: Compare features against the needs they’ll be serving.
3) Deployment: The features and functionality you need to address your use case will
inform the method of deployment.
 LMS
Alternatives
 Plugins
If you have a limited budget, a plugin for WordPress which allows
you to create, manage and run online courses might be a good
option. If you lack technical expertise or need more than just basic
courses, you’ll need more
 Microsite or Native Networks
If your training is seasonal or for select cohorts, these serve as solid
bases for short-term programs or campaigns. If you have a large
user base or need astute reporting, these are not for you.
 eLearning Portals
While LMSs are entire ecosystems, eLearning portals are small
hubs to host digital learning content. These are great if you only
offer a few small training courses.
 Course Management System
If you only want to manage content, a CMS focuses on just the
course delivery and assignment function of an LMS. If you need
assessments, detailed reporting or want to cover all learning bases,
then a CMS won’t be enough.
You can learn more about this topic by
checking out the full eBook:

https://acornlms.com/resources/learning-
management-system