As the need for eLearning continues to grow, online learning technologies are constantly evolving and expanding. Given this, learning leaders are more challenged than ever to determine how to bring the greatest value to their organization. Developing an effective Learning Management System (LMS) implementation project plan is often the difference between a successful LMS implementation or one that results in failure and a waste of money, resources, and time.
A best practice for organizations looking to ensure their greatest chance of success is the creation of an LMS implementation timeline that includes each of the steps required to frame the project and outline the desired learning outcomes. Once developed, the adherence to this timeline can keep all participants on the same page and minimize the chances for any negative outcomes.
Five Steps in the LMS Implementation Timeframe
Over the years, as more and more organizations have completed successful LMS launch initiatives, a best practices approach has evolved to include the steps required to help ensure a successful project. Five steps are commonly included in the LMS implementation timeline.
Build Your Team
The first step is the assembling of your LMS implementation team. This step calls for the creation of a core team that own all the responsibilities for the LMS project decisions and implementation tasks. The project team should include a Team Leader who has the responsibility for overseeing the entire LMS project and who serves as the main point of contact for all aspect of the initiative.
Outline Your Objectives and Goals
A critical component of your LMS implementation plan is in defining specific expectations for what the organization needs the platform to accomplish. To get the most out of your LMS, your team should work together to build a list of goals and learning objectives that your platform must accomplish. Your list might include:
User friendly interface
Easy student onboarding
Ability for fast and easy course development
Messaging and collaboration
Powerful analytics
Define Your LMS System Requirements
The next steps is in compiling the LMS features you will need to accomplish your defined learning goals. While some LMS systems are relatively simple, others offer a more robust set of features. The important thing is to choose a system that offers the flexibility for you to work with the features you need, without paying for features that do not bring you value.
Run a Pilot Program
Before launching a full-scale rollout of your LMS, it makes sense to do a pilot rollout first. This way, you can uncover any issues with the system and address them without the chaos of trying to address issues and technical challenges after you have put the entire system into a company-wide rollout.
Collect Feedback
Your LMS platform only brings value to your organization if your employees use the system and have a valuable learning experience. It is therefore essential to build in a process that enables you to collect constructive feedback from your users that you can leverage as you look to modify and improve you LMS implementation and eLearning program over time.
LMS Portals for eLearning
LMS Portals offers a powerful platform that allows our clients to launch and manage customized eLearning platforms. Our system includes robust supporting tools for branding, messaging, knowledge management, analytics, and more.
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