The top 10 characteristics of a learning management system that must be in place to be effective are:
1. Instructor/Learner Training
The LMS must have a sound training program so that the instructors may initiate the LMS with their learners to minimize any technical issues.
2. Must meet Organizational and Personal needs of the learner/user
Learners or users participating in an educational LMS course need to feel that they are part of the course. The course must add value to the learners daily life and work. There is also the importance of making sure that the user feels that they are connected to the LMS and that it is necessary to accomplish goals.
3. Instructional Features
The LMS must be user friendly. Allow for the use of a variety of media files, file and screen sharing. Allows for the instructor and students to communicate effectively and easily with one another. A LMS that has the feature to download and upload files effectively.
4. Comprehensiveness
A LMS must have inclusive software that can serve various University campuses or large corporations.
5. Scalability
The LMS must also have a comprehensive solution in place to cater to the needs of any changes a company requires
6. Longevity
How long will this LMS software last? You will want to make sure that the LMS software will survive and change with the needs of your organization.
7. Cost Structure
Consider cost of support. As stated in the article, a more expensive LMS doesn't necessarily mean that it's better. Cost compared to functionality for your specific organization's needs must be evaluated before considering the cost alone for a LMS.
8. Course authoring tools
Will your selected LMS have the flexibility to adjust and integrate new application tools. Will there be regular updates available at no charge for the life of the LMS?
9. Technical support
Will the IT department be included in your LMS sevice? Will they charge you or give you free server use? Will the LMS company host the service on their servers...etc. These should also be considered when purchasing the correct LMS.
10. Electronic commerce capability
It is important that the admistrator can keep track of email messages, posts to forums, homework submittals...etc.
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