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05.03.07
LMS Implementation - From Worse To Better
 By Viswanath Shankar
Identification of problems is the first step towards addressing them. The process of implementing an LMS in the existing infrastructure of an organization is not devoid of troubles either. But, before you start addressing the issues in LMS implementation, you need to thoroughly analyze the problem areas. It would be a wise decision to pay heed to the following points to make your LMS implementation ride less bumpy, if not a cinch.
Know your data
One of the most important things that an LMS is expected to do is to allow access to data across the organization. This data could be about the number of persons trained, the extent of the training, compliance levels achieved, program costing, etc. While there is no denying that almost all LMS systems record this information, it is lost in the system maze, where it can neither be accessed nor be retrieved.
This issue, though seems to be a minor one, is one of the most important ones and the first problem you might encounter once the system starts running. Addressing this issue during the implementation phase can ease out the troubles to a great extent. Decide upon what data needs to be seen and by whom. Also list the reports and files that need to be accessed and people whom it should be made available to. There ought to be in-built reports in the LMS, but don’t forget to scrutinize them to see if they suit to your specific needs. If they do not, develop these reports to include them in the system.
Lower the extent of Customization
Little or no customization is seen in a bad light by many. Agreed that customization provides you with a tailor made product to address your exact requirements, but more often than not, alteration of the off-the-shelf LMS not only proves to be a daunting task, but is also not worth the effort. The drawbacks of extensive customization far outweigh its advantages. Lets see why
It delays the quick implementation by months
Expenditure over the process is not worth it when seen in juxtaposition with the business value
Upgrading the system without having to re-do things is easier said than done
Incredible as it may seem, the modification of the training programs is a lot easier than changing the LMS software. Market surveys are testimony to the fact that clients who made limited modifications to their LMS system had a greater satisfaction quotient from their systems than clients who extensively altered theirs.
This issue too, can be sorted out. In the first place, the selection of such a software that closely delivers upon the requirements stated in the RFP would bring down to a considerable extent, the number of modifications needed to be made to the system while its implementation.
Altering your own learning process to run around the LMS is definitely a better option. This does not mean that you do not need to pay heed to learner or instructor requirements. It only means that there is a need to thoroughly review your learning process so that you can boil down to only a selected few modifications. Working around the off the shelf system is not as bad as you might have perceived.
About the Author:
Viswanath Shankar has been managing and maintaining various e-learning softwares for the past decade and a half. A storehouse of knowledge about LMS (Learning Management Systems), He has been working in close co-ordination with web development experts to develop user friendly distance learning programs. |
