You’re a fed up teacher who’s desperately searching for
resources that will increase student engagement and manage your learning
content. Tired of completing activities out of the textbook, you stumble across
what seems to be an answered prayer—a learning management system!! It’s got
everything you need to enhance your physical classroom—a space to manage
student grades, links to upload your current assignments, and a way to manage
learners. Sweet!
Or, maybe, you’re a trainer at a local business. As a means
to implementing continuing education for your employees, you start doing
research on different LMSs that may meet your organizational needs. You stumble
across the perfect match; the interface aligns with your business model, the
course content enhances, not detracts, from the employees’ roles, and you’re
able to meet annual compliance requirements. Jackpot!
In either scenario, the two things that slow our ambitious
plans as educators is that:
·
There aren’t enough hours
in the day to learn about and practice on your LMS system.
·
You realize that you don’t
know how to use it!
C’mon, think about it! How many times have you gotten super
excited over a promising new software application, only to realize that it was
too complex for you to learn? How often have you invested time, money, or both
into a new technology, just to discover that it truly did not fit your needs?
This has happened to me a few times as a trainer. I have gone to the company’s
website, skimmed through the “about us” section, became impressed by their notable
clientele, and quickly registered for a free trial that somehow turned into an
annual subscription.
So, how can we ensure that the LMS that we’ve been eyeing is
the right one for us? There are several steps to take to determine if the LMS
really aligns with your academic/professional needs.
Outline your instructional goals, deal breakers, budget, and
expectations.
Many
educators forget to complete this step because they get so excited with the
potential of a new LMS. Ensure that you are defining your instructional goals
first. What type of industry are you in? It’s important to note that some LMSs
are directed towards certain industries and may not meet your expectations. While
some are great for K-12, others are more appropriate for higher education or
corporate organizations. Also, think about your budget and the impact of a LMS
purchase. What do you want to accomplish with your system, and can you find a
less expensive option? Going over budget may impact your financial resources
for the remainder of the fiscal year.
The 20 Best Learning Management Systems Offering LMS Free Trials
The 20 Best Learning Management Systems Offering LMS Free Trials
Read
the reviews.
People feel
more comfortable expressing their honest feelings through online reviews. Whether
good or bad, reviews are a great way to gauge the user experience. Read the
reviews to learn about the pros and cons of the system, how much it costs, and
technical support available. While some reviews may be false or written in
haste, it is more than worth it to peruse a few review boards to get a better
understanding.
Follow
the company on social media.
Following the
publisher of the LMS is a great way to determine how they interact with their
customers. Additionally, it is a great way to find supporting resources that
may help you navigate the LMS. Also, companies often respond more quickly if
you ask a question via social media. Find the company on Instagram, Twitter, or
Facebook, and see what you can find!
What is an LMS system?
What is an LMS system?
Completing these steps will help you
find an LMS that works for both your learners and for yourself. With so many
options available, it is easy to become overwhelmed and unclear about your
needs versus what the systems can deliver. Go into your search with confidence
about what you want and need, and you will narrow down an LMS that is perfect
for you!
