The L&D Forum

What are the benefits of an LMS?

Posted by Phil Whitehead on April 25, 2016 at 1:50pm in Learning Tools & Technologies

Hi

I've recently begun working for a software company who have a bespoke product and I have been asked to provide a plan for training users on the use of the software.

My initial feelings are that we create a repository of how-to-videos demonstrating the software and use an authoring tool such as Articulate to add interaction to them.

However I'm struggling to see what the benefit is to buying an LMS when the majority of the eLearning will be in video format.

Would it not be better to host all the videos using a video content management system?

Any help or advice especially if you've had the same issue would be appreciated.

Thanks

Phil

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Replies

  • Mike Collins May 9, 2016 at 2:54pm

    Hi Phil,

    Bit late the party on this one. I think you have summed it up below - you need to be able to report and tracks people progress against content - whether that be SCORM content, video, assessment, resources and whatever else they need. An LMS will allow you to do that.

    Here is a little light reading for you as you embark on this journey towards 'managing learning in a system' 

    The LMS must DIE - comments are equally of value 

    Mike

  • Martin Couzins May 5, 2016 at 8:50pm

    Hi Phil

    This is a good question. I'm no expert on LMSs but one criticism is that they try and be all things to all people, so can be heavy on functionality. They tend to be SCORM compliant but that isn't relevant for what you need. The key thing is to identify what you need from the system in terms of user data, what you need from it in terms of delivering and hosting content and most importantly what the user experience needs to be. Sounds like a video management system will do the trick. That approach will enable you to see what works  .. . then you can see if LMS investment further down the line is required.

    Martin

    • Phil Whitehead > Martin Couzins May 6, 2016 at 9:34am

      Hi Martin

      Thanks for your input I appreciate it.

      Requirements have moved on since I posted this question, any system that I install needs to have the ability to certify trainees. The trainees will move through skill levels ranging from Basic through to Super-user, to get past each stage they will need to have viewed a number of prerequisite videos and have passed an assessment.

      So my thoughts now are that I will definitely require an LMS to track and report individuals progress, unless anyone can tell me a different way.

      Thanks

      Phil 

      • Martin Couzins > Phil Whitehead May 6, 2016 at 10:42am

        Hi Phil

        You might be able to do that through your video content management system or bolt on that functionality, this type of product for example. Good luck with it - be good to hear what you opt for.

        Martin

    • Michelle Parry-Slater > Martin Couzins May 5, 2016 at 9:02pm

      Hear hear, Martin. Sounds like an LMS would be a sledge hammer to crack a nut. Why spend the money on a counting system when you can get one of those for free? Good luck with your decisions Phil.

      • Phil Whitehead > Michelle Parry-Slater May 6, 2016 at 9:34am

        Hi Michelle

        Thanks for your input I appreciate it.

        I've commented above that I think that I'll now have no choice but to go down the LMS route due to a change of requirments.

        Thanks

        Phil

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