Learning Management System: Tips For Deploying a Learning Management System
Learning Management System: By Wendy Kayser Kirkpatrick, Kirkpatrick Partners
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Congratulations! Your company has purchased an online learning management system (LMS). Proper build-out and implementation are critical to the success of online learning in your organization.
Often there is pressure to rush implementation and launch a system that isnât ready. This is a good time to remember the old adage, âYou only get one chance to make a good first impressionâ. If learners have bad first experiences in the new Learning Management System, it will be hard to entice them to come back.
Here are some tips to make your Learning Management System implementation a success:
1. Allow sufficient time to build out the system
It can take a year or more to build out an Learning Management System to meet your specific training needs. Online content also generally takes longer to build than instructor-led formats. All projects of this magnitude can be expected to have some unforeseen challenges. Start with a reasonable timeline and allow extra time for rework and revisions.
2. Continue cross-functional team meetings
The cross-functional team that selected the Learning Management System should continue to meet during the build-out and implementation process. This will ensure that each group gets the functionality they expect from the Learning Management System once it is complete. Unexpected challenges can also be resolved in a group forum so there are no surprises during implementation.
3. Stick to the plan
During build-out you may see additional features in the Learning Management System that were not originally discussed, or have new ideas surface. Carefully consider if going beyond the original plan is required for the Learning Management System to deliver the results you need. Additional features add complexity and may extend your implementation timeline. New requests can be noted for a second phase that could take place six to twelve months after the initial implementation.
4. Keep it simple
Generally speaking, the simpler the Learning Management System, the better. Further to #3, avoid the urge to use every possible feature in the Learning Management System you purchase. The more features you use, the harder the system is to maintain. This can lead to more problems and downtime. More importantly, the more features you implement the more complicated it becomes for the learner to navigate and use. Start simple. You can always update and enhance the system later when users are comfortable and the investment is proven.
5. Beta test the Learning Management System before going live
Build at least one month into your timeline to beta test the system before the Learning Management System launches. Select a small group of people from future system users with varying levels of computer literacy. This will likely reveal some issues you hadnât anticipated, including glitches, navigational challenges, and questions. From this data you may want to revise the Learning Management System build-out plan or your training materials.
6. Plan a soft launch
Often the launch of a Learning Management System is tied to a larger event like a national sales meeting or a company-wide initiative. If this is the case, allow time for a soft launch a few weeks to a month prior to the big event. Plan to have all marketing and collateral materials in place for the soft launch. This gives a cushion to resolve any issues before the big event.
7. Conduct hands-on training
Any new technology may be intimidating to some people. Hands-on training will make learners comfortable with the system. This will translate into a faster ramp up time for Learning Management System usage. While it may be expensive or inconvenient to offer this type of training, it is generally less expensive than purchasing an Learning Management System that is underutilized because learners donât know how to use it. Make sure training can take place in the actual Learning Management System versus a simulation.
If you create an implementation plan including the tips above, you will have a good chance of a smooth and successful implementation. The result will be a faster move to online learning within your organization. This will validate the investment in your Learning Management System and help to build the case for additional funding to support future updates.
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Wendy Kirkpatrick is the director of Kirkpatrick Partners, LLC. She is a certified instructional designer. She also conducts seminars and facilitates corporate meetings.
Wendy draws on sixteen years of experience in the business world to make her training relevant and impactful with measurable results.
Contact Wendy at wendy.Kirkpatrick@kirkpatrickpartners.com
Read more about her at linkedin.com/in/wkirkpatrick.
Register for all Kirkpatrick Partners Resources: Â http://tinyurl.com/399e8p2
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