This document discusses key considerations for choosing an e-learning platform, including implementation, adaptation, security, reporting, functionality, scalability, hosting, integration, and support. It provides examples of how different platforms may prioritize these areas. Readers are encouraged to define their own requirements, involve stakeholders, be wary of pushy vendors, and seek advice before selecting a platform. The document also advertises the options available from Aurion Learning.
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What is a Learning platform?..
Focused on the delivery, management and tracking of Learning
content.
Learning Portal
Proprietary
Open-source
SaaS solution
Learning
Management
System
Talent
Management
System
SCORM 1.2 or
2004
Learning Record
Store
Tin-Can / X-API
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Areas to consider:
Implementation
Adaptation
Security
Reporting
Functionality
Scalability
Hosting
Integration
Support
Platform
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Key Questions:
• How long does the LMS typically take to
deploy?(days vs. weeks vs. months)
• Does the system offer a configurable structure that
cuts down on implementation time?
• Is there a realistic and detailed project plan available
from the vendor?
• Does the vendor team have proven experience on
similar implementations?
Easy to implement?
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Key Questions:
• Can the system reflect the job roles and permissions
that you required in your organisation?
• Can the text and icons be customised to meet your
preferences?
• Can the look and feel of the system be customised to
reflect organisation or department branding?
• Are their options to configure system areas like course
approvals, catalogues, learner accounts.. etc.?
Easy to adapt?
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Key Questions:
• Does the LMS offer built-in security features as
standard?
• Do the features meet your own data protection and
information security policies?
• Is this security reflected in the organisations currently
using the technology?
• Is the security carried through to the hosting?
Secure?
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Key Questions:
• Does the LMS offer a range of in-depth reporting as
standard?
• Are there ways to create and schedule custom reports
easily? (i.e. some sort of report wizard)
• Can management have access to tailored reporting
data and information dashboards?
In-depth reporting available?
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Key Questions:
• Does the LMS offer a suite of standard features that can
be turned on or off as required?
• Do you know the functionality that you require as an
organisation?
• Can the system meet support your courseware,
compliance, performance requirements etc.?
• What custom functionality do you require and what
priority level does it have for your organisation?
• Does it offer features in your area of interest? (Social
Learning, Compliance, Content)
Strong functionality as standard?
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Key Questions:
• Is the system proven to be used by large numbers of
users?
• Are there out-of-the box features that are available
that we can use when we are ready? (i.e. can we
move to include management of classroom activities if
required)
• Will the LMS be able to work with current/future IT
systems as required?
• Are there options to extend online training to other
groups?
Scalable?
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Key Questions:
• Is the system a SaaS solution?
• Can it be hosted on premise?
• Are there options for you to influence the hosting
environment?
• What hosting controls are in place (e.g. security, uptime,
alerts)
Hosting
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Key Questions:
• Does the LMS support data export to other systems?
• Is this export manual or automatic?
• What integration is required and how important is that?
Integration
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Key Questions:
• What is the upgrades policy of the LMS vendor?
• Who do you go to for support?
• Is this first line or second line?
• Who will administer the LMS?
• Are there features to support administrators?
Support
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Example 1
Implementation
Adaptation
Security
Reporting
Functionality
Scalability
Hosting
Integration
Support
Platform 1
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Example 2
Implementation
Adaptation
Security
Reporting
Functionality
Ease of
Administration
Hosting
Integration
Support
Platform 2
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Example 3
Implementation
Adaptation
Security
Reporting
Functionality
Scalability
Hosting
Integration
Support
Platform 3
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What do WE need from an E-Learning Platform?
• Consider creating your wheel.
• Think practically to articulate your requirements in each
area “As a manager I would like reports to be scheduled
in advance and emailed to me.”
• Involve other stakeholders.
• Beware of ‘pushy’ LMS vendors.
• Don’t be afraid to seek advice / indicative costs.
• Don’t post on a open linked-in group.
Top Tips
Welcome everyone to the first in our series of Masterclasses on Getting the most out of E-Learning.
We design and develop custom e-learning, helping our client partners pick the right platform to deliver, track and report on learning through to talent management. WE also pride ourselves on building internal capacity within our client partner teams so that they can maintain and develop different approaches to learning that make a real difference to staff and the organisation more broadly.