A good learning management system, or LMS, can be a huge benefit to your organization’s learning and development program. An LMS allows you to deliver, track and manage e-Learning, but how do you know when you’ve found the right learning management system?

Here are 5 important factors to consider when choosing an LMS:

1. Interface
You’re going to be looking at this a lot—don’t you want it to be easy to interpret? A customizable interface allows you to modify the appearance of the centralized location where end-users can access information, training materials and tests. Some learning management systems offer greater customization options than others and provide easier setup tools that require little to no programming skills. The system’s interface should also be easy to navigate for end-users and allow for easy course management. Studies show that users look at websites in the pattern of an F, eyeing the top of the site and the left-hand rail first, so look for a user interface that positions main menu items on the top left.

2. Compliance
To make sure your organization is using the best practices available, it’s best to use an LMS that is compliant with the Shareable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) and the Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training Committee (AICC). SCORM was produced by the Advanced Distributed Learning Initiative from the Office of the U.S. Secretary of Defense. It includes a set of technical standards, guidelines and specifications that call for durable, interoperable, accessible and reusable content and systems. SCORM is widely followed across many industries. The Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training Committee is a nonprofit group of software vendors, courseware developers and trainers that generates guidelines and recommendations for hardware, digital audio, software, peripheral devices, computer-managed instruction, courseware interchange and digital video.

CourseMill® Learning Management System is an LMS that is compliant with both SCORM and AICC. It also has additional features that are helpful for the compliance process. For example, with CourseMill you can track users and report on their progress toward a compliance due date.


3. We Host it vs. You Host it
A hosted LMS is cloud-based and hosted by the software provider. The software provider typically offers 24/7, 365 support, plus full back-ups every night. This LMS solution does not require an IT department or server resources from your organization. A self-hosted LMS is hosted on your organization’s server and behind your firewall. Support is provided during business hours and emergencies. This works well for companies with a dedicated IT staff and the infrastructure and resources to provide support for possible issues.

4. Administrative Monitoring
LMS systems should let administrators see a log history of all learner and instructor activity, including learner information, curriculum and changes made to courses and the gradebook. CourseMill LMS allows administrators to audit reports, so they can see a history of everything that has happened in the course.

5. Pricing
Before you purchase an LMS, research all start-up, maintenance and support pricing details and find out if a free trial is available. The free trial will provide your organization a hands-on look into product features to determine their values and ultimately aid in making a final purchasing decision.

These factors make a great starting point as you’re researching different learning management systems. Your organization may have different priorities or requirements that you should also keep in mind when choosing an LMS.

Here’s a learning management system to get you started on your search. Explore all the great features in CourseMill LMS with a free learning management system trial! For more information on CourseMill and the benefits for your organization and learners, check out: CourseMill LMS.