Ten Unbeatable Methods for LMS Integration

A Learning Management System (LMS) is only as good as its implementation. Preparation is a part of any successful plan. The growth of technology in general and, elearning specifically requires a solid management plan.

A Learning Management System is a way to create, distribute, and track training. It can be done from anywhere and from any device. An LMS is a helpful tool for businesses who utilize elearning for the training of their employees, but even a valuable tool won’t reach its full potential unless it is implemented well.

Effective LMS implementation

An LMS integration will have the best chance of success, if the following guidelines are followed:

LMS must be in line with the larger goals of the company. Always keep the long-term objectives in mind and not just the short-term. Aligning with the organization’s goals will result in buy-in from senior management.
Seek the support of an executive. A senior executive in the company may be able to help putting a team together with employees from varying departments to test pilot the LMS. They can also assist with securing a budget and paving the way for a smooth transition.
Assess the content for readiness. Evaluate the current training courses that are a part of the program to make sure everything will work together.
Have a structure in place for the long-run. An LMS needs to be managed over the long-term. Don’t get so caught up in the planning for the launch and forget about the management over time.
Have a plan for managing changes. Keep the lines of communication open during a time of change. Find the balance between giving out too much information and not enough information. Too much can make people feel bogged down. Too little can make them feel excluded.
Consider using a project manager. A big project like LMS integration needs a manager to oversee the budget and preparing the rest of the team for the coming changes. A PM will ensure that implementation progresses according to plan.
Assess course needs. Switching to an LMS can be a good time to take an objective look at all the courses and see if there are any that can be eliminated. Get rid of any that don’t meet the company objectives or haven’t proven to be effective. Update others that are still relative.
Provide adequate support and training. LMS integration requires training. Support should be available to users as they work through the courses, as well as at the end of each level or stage.
Track success. Have benchmarks in place before the new LMS is even launched. Some areas to monitor are completion and compliance statistics, user satisfaction, and how the system is performing.
Decide on a switchover strategy. This tip is only relevant if the company is switching from one LMS to a newer one. There are a few options about how and when to make the switch. It can be done all at once, perhaps overnight. It could be a gradual process of phasing the old out and the new in, or it could involve using the old and the new simultaneously before the switch.

A smooth transition to a new LMS, whether one is already in place or not, is possible when these guidelines are kept in mind.

Contact Designing Digitally, Inc. today to learn about LMS options for your organization.