Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/5394
www.iltanet.org Firm University 23 Learning management systems in a Web 2.0 WorLd great Lms For the Least eFFort Making a choice of an LMS has been a long, slow process for many firms as they try to accommodate all their desired objectives. Now that it is common practice for an LMS to be hosted externally without any lapse in security (60 percent of large organizations are now using a hosted LMS), it is feasible to try them out on a project-only basis. This is a risk-free strategy and allows a firm to start applying the facilities offered by an LMS without having to conduct an exhaustive feature comparison exercise. Now that blended learning is gaining acceptance as being the most effective learning strategy, it makes sense to avail yourself of a means of delivering it with the least manual administration. The Project Pick any project going firmwide, and use an LMS to help you deliver the training successfully. It might seem a bold step to pick a mission-critical project such as an Autonomy iManage or InterAction rollout, but those are the ones where you will be able to show that a blended learning approach is most cost-effective, as well as gain local involvement and commitment. With an LMS to provide the infrastructure, you can now offer a perfect blended learning rollout that incorporates a strategic blend of learning methods, each one carefully designed to achieve specific goals. The LMS Pick a trusted LMS, and select core functionality within that system (it doesn't need to have all the above functionality). You can import learner data from your active directory or HR system and then set up learning tracks to mirror the different learning objectives of your various groups of users. The Planning Plan for preparatory marketing communication webinars or online learning to announce the business benefits of the upcoming rollout. The Learning Put in place preparatory, or prerequisite, e-learning to reduce time required in class. Once completed (the LMS will automatically report on this and assign upcoming classes), users can sign up for classes or workshops that they can book through the LMS. Once complete, you will have a full set of management records showing how many people attended the full blended-learning program and, if you have added assessments, what their overall achievement rates were. You can set all this up with a lead time of around two to three weeks and have the LMS available for the duration of the rollout. When complete, you can either keep it for ongoing training, or just turn it off. All in all, a simple but effective way of underpinning a successful project rollout and proving user skill levels. ILta