Week 3 Reading LMO: An LMS Selection process

Nwokocha -Chuks week-3-reading to post
From Godfrey Parkin’, LMS Selection Process
The selection process for Request for Proposals (RFP)
Be sure the learning process defines the LMS to chose, not the other way round and note that no LMS is totally adequate.

1. An LMS Selection should be formed. These should include all the representatives that will implement the LMS. An IT expert from inside or outside should form part of the team.
A clarification of what shall be done and how and by whom should be included in the objectives
2. Develop a framework for evaluation of alternative systems, like saying ‘ a day in the life of the user’ the admin, learner, teacher etc and ask the vendors how their LMS solves the problem. Develop your RFT around your defined needs and not someone else’s
3. Call for proposals and reduce your possible vendors to 3 and ask for a demonstration. Follow this up with asking for possible users to play with it and give their feedback talk to their references.
4. After vendor presentations, and seen how a day scenario was addressed, taking in the view of members of the selection team, then choose an LMS and Negotiate.
5. As you negotiate, think ahead of improvements, support and customizations.
These questions are pertinent in determining the how successful the implementation will be.

• Will you need local support in multiple countries?
• What is your budget?
• Do you want to host internally or have the vendor host for you?
• How diverse is your target learner platform and your IT infrastructure?
• Do you want to manage classroom activity (scheduling, evaluations)?
• Will you be integrating third-party content?
• Will you need a system that integrates with CD-ROM content or allows offline work to take place?
• Do you need e-commerce or departmental charge-back capabilities?
• How granular are your tracking and reporting needs?
• Do you have to track compliance or certification training?
• Do you have special requirements for data security?
• Do you plan to integrate collaborative activities such as e-mail, chat, or communities in your learning?
• Will you be managing synchronous virtual classroom activities?



References
Parkin, G. (2005) The LMS Selection Process http://parkinslot.blogspot.com/2005/04/lms-selection-process-in-nutshell.html