Tuesday, July 20, 2010

WK 3 Reading Activity 10: LMS Choice

Since we've been talking about the differences between an LMS, LCMS, CMS, and PLE, it is only natural that I bring up the procurement process - the process of selecting the right learning management system based on your specific needs. Parkin (2005) on his blog called Parkin's Lot, wrote a post entitled "The LMS Selection Process In a Nutshell." In this post, Parkin outlined each critical step in choosing the right LMS, which are listed below:
1.  Create an LMS selection team
2.  Outline strategic and operational processes defined by learning objectives
3.  Create a list of critical success factors
4.  Make a short list of LMS systems that meet requirements
5.  Reduce list to less than a half dozen
6.  Develop a framework for evaluation of alternative systems
7.  Craft a request for proposal (RFP) around your needs
8.  Cut the list to 3
9.  Ask vendors for demo sites, references, and presentations
10.  Negotiate

I think this is a great summary of what it takes to make an informed choice about the right LMS service. The RFP (request for proposal) is a big part of the process, and must lay out all the needs for the organization that you are representing. After looking through proposals it will be a much easier task to cut the list down to three main LMSs.  Parkin (2005) also emphasized his last step - negotiate!  If your organization is going to put that much work and money into a program, it's a must that your needs are covered at a reasonable price!  Don't be afraid to negotiate with the LMS you choose!

"The LMS must also cater to multiple pedagogical styles in order to garner support from the instructional staff"  (Black, Beck, Dawson, Jinks, & DiPietro, 2007).  I think one of the most important aspects of integrating a new LMS into the workplace is making sure the staff is on board. It would be incredibly helpful to designate a few trusted personnel to act as "change agents" to show others how to use what they are already doing with the new LMS.  It will not go over well if employees/teachers/personnel think that they have to start all over when the system is integrated. If they understand they can use it in conjunction with what they have already been doing, it will be a much smoother process!

References

Black, E., Beck, D., Dawson, K., Jinks, S., & DiPietro, M.  (2007).  The other side of the LMS:    Considering implementation and use in the adoption of an LMS in online and blended learning environments.  TechTrends:  Linking research and practice to improve learning, 51(2), 35-39.  Retrieved from ERIC database.

Parkin, G.  (2005).  The LMS selection process in a nutshell.  Parkin's Lot.  Retrieved from http://parkinslot.blogspot.com/2005/04/lms-selection-process-in-nutshell.html 

1 comment:

  1. Abbie - I also chose to read the LMS Choice activity as well. Isn't it interesting that there are so many factors involved in choosing an LMS? You just never think about all of the criteria that an educational or business organization have to meet in order to provide the optimal learning experience to their students or workers.

    Nyssa Arcos

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