What is an LMS? Host, Track andReport on e-Learning

Once you create great e-Learning content, how can you track the results? A learning management system (LMS), a web-based software application platform, is a great way tokeep your data straight. An LMS will publish, manage, track results and generate reports for online courses and training programs. Learning management systems can take your online computer-based training to the next level by providing salient data that can be processed in many ways to help understand your learners.Considering purchasing an LMS to enhance your online training? Here are several important factors to keep in mind:

• Customizable?Customizable LMS platforms can be modified to suit each client’s needs. Style sheets offer many options to change the aesthetics of the platform including interface colors, wording and logos to be in line with branding practices. Additionally, you should consider ease of navigation within the platform.
• Compliance?Selecting an LMS that is compliant with the Shareable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) and the Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training Committee (AICC) takes a lot of the worry out of designing e-Learning content because compliance is assured.
• SearchFinding the content you need shouldn’t be a headache. Make sure the LMS you select includes a robust search function that performs quickly.
• Report CardsLearners like to track their progress and see how they are performing. LMS systems should let learners access their own grades, so that they can make improvements if necessary.

Additionally, learning management systems come in two varieties: enterprise and hosted. An enterprise LMS is a software version that a company installs behind their firewall. An enterprise LMS is installed and managed by the company, and works well for companies with a dedicated IT staff and the infrastructure to provide support for any issues that may arise. A hosted LMS provides a LMS solution that doesn’t require an IT department or server resources. With a hosted LMS, the software provider hosts the LMS for a company, and in turn handles the server and any support issues.A great LMS will work well with your e-Learning software to maximize the effectiveness of your content. Learning management systems are an integral part of the eLearning cycle, and provide valuable insights that can be used in many ways, including tracking course results and generating reports to ensure that your e-Learning content is successful.Want to learn more about learning management systems? Check out the helpful What is an LMS? whitepaper on the Lectora website to read about additional important factors to consider when deploying an LMS.