Does your organisation currently use an LMS that you're not quite satisfied with? Or does your organisation not have an LMS and is considering making the switch? Either way, there are plenty of good reasons to consider while investing in an LMS in 2024.
Why invest in an LMS?
First and foremost, LMS solutions can help to streamline the delivery and management of training and learning content. It allows organisations to easily create, distribute, and track the progress of their training programs, which can help to improve employee engagement and retention. Additionally, an LMS can reduce the costs associated with delivering training, such as travel and materials expenses.
Another reason to invest in an LMS is the ability to deliver personalised learning experiences to employees. Many LMS platforms offer features such as adaptive learning, which tailors the training content to the individual needs and learning styles of each employee. This can help to increase the effectiveness of the training and lead to better retention of the material.
An LMS can also help organisations to stay compliant with industry regulations and standards. Many LMS platforms offer features such as certification tracking and reporting, which can help organisations ensure that their employees meet the requirements for their roles.
Finally, LMS solutions can help improve an organisation's overall productivity by providing employees with access to training and learning resources on demand. This can help reduce downtime and increase the organisation's efficiency as a whole.
Whether you're looking to switch from your current LMS or you're considering implementing an LMS for the first time, investing in an LMS in 2024 can provide a range of benefits to your organisation, including improved training and learning management, personalised learning experiences, compliance support, and increased productivity. It's definitely worth considering!
Types of Learning Management Systems
If you're considering implementing a Learning Management System (LMS) for your organisation, you'll want to familiarise yourself with some key terms and types of LMSs to ensure you find the right platform for your needs. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you research different LMS options:
1. SCORM-compliant
SCORM, or Shareable Content Object Reference Model, is a standardised method of organising an eLearning course so that it can be run on any SCORM-compliant LMS. It's designed to make it easy to create and share eLearning content between different systems. If an LMS is SCORM-compliant, it means it can run eLearning courses that adhere to the SCORM standards. This is important because it means you can use eLearning content from different sources (e.g. off-the-shelf courses or content you've created in-house) and be confident that it will work with your LMS.
2. Cloud-based vs. Locally hosted
When it comes to hosting your LMS, you can choose between a cloud-based (SaaS) system or a locally hosted one. A cloud-based system stores data in the cloud and is managed by a vendor, while a locally hosted system requires you to handle all server specifications, uptime, and security yourself.
3. LMS vs Learning Content Management System (LCMS)
An LMS is a platform for hosting and delivering web-based learning, while an LCMS is specifically designed for creating and delivering eLearning content. Both types of systems are SCORM-compliant and can host and deliver web-based learning, but an LCMS offers more comprehensive tools for creating and managing eLearning content.
How do I choose the perfect LMS?
Deciding on the best Learning Management System (LMS) software for your organisation can be a daunting task, but following these steps can help you narrow down your options and find the right platform for your needs.
Identify your audience: Consider who your learners are and what type of training you need to deliver. For example, do you need to provide onboarding, compliance, or customer training?
Focus on important features: Make a list of the "must-have" features you need in an LMS, such as ease of use, complex reporting, mobile capabilities, or quick integration.
Evaluate each LMS: Do some initial research to identify LMSs that may meet your needs, and create a shortlist of platforms to further evaluate.
Look beyond the LMS: Do some deeper research, including reading LMS platform reviews and trying out free trials, to get a better understanding of each system's capabilities and aftercare support.
Choose an LMS: Compare your shortlisted options and seek feedback from colleagues and stakeholders before making a final decision. Don't forget to consult LMS reviews as you make your choice.
The LMS platforms to watch out for in 2024
The Learning Management System (LMS) market is a rapidly growing one, with more and more educational institutions, businesses, and organisations looking to implement digital learning platforms. With a wide range of LMS providers, it can be tough to determine which one is the best fit for your needs. To make things easier, we've compiled a list of 12 LMSs worth checking out. Some are more well-known and established, while others are newer and may offer unique features. Here's a quick rundown of the top 12 LMS providers to watch out for in 2024:
1. Moodle LMS
Moodle is one of the most widely used LMS platforms in the world, and it has a strong presence in India as well. It is a free, open-source platform that is highly customisable and user-friendly. Moodle is designed to be used by educators and trainers to create and manage online courses, but it can also be used by businesses and organisations to deliver training and learning content to employees.
Why we picked it: Open source platform for learning management needs
2. Learn Upon LMS
LearnUpon is a top-rated cloud-based LMS that puts its customers first. Its user-friendly interface is easy for both administrators and learners to use. Plus, with ongoing customer feedback and the ability to shape the platform's roadmap, LearnUpon is constantly improving to meet the needs of its users.
Why we picked it: User-friendly features, a customer-focused approach, and exceptional support services.
3. TalentLMS
A user-friendly learning management system designed specifically for small businesses. It offers a range of features, including live sessions, quizzes, learning paths, video conferences, and task automation, all with a convenient drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy to set up and use. With customizable roles and third-party integrations, TalentLMS helps businesses create and deliver effective online courses. Best of all, if you have a team of fewer than five users, you can use TalentLMS for free.
Why we picked it: Drag-and-drop interface and minimal setup time
4. Docebo
Docebo Learn is an award-winning cloud-based learning management system that is both easy to use and highly customizable. It incorporates innovative approaches such as social learning and Artificial Intelligence to accommodate various learning styles. Docebo's unique selling points include its forward-thinking approach and cost-effectiveness.
Why we picked it: Social Learning features
5. Totara Learn
This adaptable and extendable LMS is cost-effective and popular with healthcare, government, non-profit, and retail sectors. It integrates seamlessly into existing technology ecosystems and offers an affordable and flexible solution with no long-term contracts. Its key features include the ability to adapt and extend to meet specific requirements, as well as cost-effectiveness.
Why we picked it: Flexible, able to be customised and expanded, and cost-efficient
6. SAP Litmos Training LMS
This easy-to-implement platform offers rapid automation and AI, as well as a robust course library. SAP Litmos Training LMS is an award-winning, cloud-based platform that offers quick and easy implementation. It's a good choice for large, global organisations with distributed workforces.
Why we picked it: Seamless integration and a straightforward rollout process
7. Absorb LMS
Absorb is a cloud-based learning management system designed for small and medium organisations looking to grow. Its forward-thinking technology is scalable and easy to use, and the company offers excellent customer service and support. Some of the key benefits of using Absorb include its focus on the future, its ability to scale with your organisation, and its top-notch support team.
Why we picked it: Supports large groups of users, as well as a robust feature set
8. Knowledge Anywhere
Knowledge Anywhere offers an end-to-end solution that covers everything from strategy to implementation. Plus, their team of experts is always available to provide support. With a focus on customer service, Knowledge Anywhere is ideal for organisations in any industry with more than 50 learners. Their world-class support makes it easy to get the help you need.
Why we picked it: Complete solution that puts the customer at the centre, with top-notch support services
9. iSpring
iSpring offers a comprehensive set of features for eLearning, including mobile learning, certification, compliance training, product training, onboarding, reporting, integrations, and SCORM support. Its customer support team is known for their quick response times, with 83% of support cases being addressed within two hours. This level of support is especially valuable for businesses that require assistance with the setup or utilisation of their LMS.
Why we picked it: Fast customer support response times
10. Cornerstone LMS
Cornerstone LMS presents itself as the premier option for businesses, offering a comprehensive solution for all of your needs. From human resources management to course management, this corporate LMS provides a single platform for everything. It allows for the management of various delivery methods, as well as informal learning and reporting. With exceptional support, implementing Cornerstone is straightforward.
Why we picked it: Perfect fit for large organisations with a global presence; A comprehensive and easy-to-implement solution
11. SumTotal
SumTotal's LMS products offer a variety of features suitable for a wide range of businesses, with an emphasis on efficiency, speed, and convenience. Additionally, SumTotal offers two products, each tailored for a specific size of an organisation.
Why we picked it: The product Interface supports Microlearning
12. Cypher Matrix LMS
Matrix LMS offers a user-friendly interface that does not require advanced technical skills. The platform utilises artificial intelligence to assist users in selecting a learning path that aligns with their specific goals. In addition, the e-commerce tools make it simple to sell online courses, and the mobile app allows students to access the material from any location. Other features of this LMS include web conferencing, automation, content authoring, and gamification.
Why we picked it: Intuitive UX and excellent e-commerce capabilities
In conclusion
In summary, LMS solutions are essential for creating, implementing, and managing learning and development within a company. When choosing an LMS, there are several factors to consider, such as whether it is cloud-based or locally hosted, the types of features it offers, and whether it is a full LMS or a learning content management system (LCMS). To determine the best LMS for your organisation and maximize its benefits, it is important to identify your key requirements and compare various options.
And don't forget, even the best LMS won't do you much good if it doesn't have awesome learning content to go with it. So make sure you have a top-notch learning content partner in your arsenal as well. Together, these superhero tools will help you conquer the world of eLearning!