Navigate 3.2.1 – Tools for Deciding on an LMS Quest

Navigate 3.2.1 – Tools for Deciding on an LMS Quest

There are so many LMS/CMS for one to look at it that the task of choosing one can be quite daunting and overwhelming to say the least. The process needs to focus on your learning institution's expectations, goals, and needs. The following steps from GAVS Tool Navigate program can help in the process:

• Needs Analysis – define the goals of acquiring an LMS for your organization.
• Requirements Gathering Process- meet with stakeholders from users to the implementation team to do a thorough rubric of requirements that meet all needs.
• Vendor Identification – identify the potential vendors that match the program’s needs and general requirements. Open Source or a vendor?
• Request for Information – request information from the vendors identified to clarify that the needs and requirements are in line with their product offerings.
• Request for Proposal – request proposals from the leading vendors to compare pricing models.

Josh Bersin quotes in his blog so profoundly... "The days of being an "expert" have changed. In today's rapid-moving information economy professionals in every discipline have to learn continuously. The "renaissance man" has been replaced with the "renaissance learner." People who know how to continuously learn will outpace their peers." That is why the LMS is now a $2 billion industry that keeps growing yearly.

For K-12 learning and higher learning (professional learning with teachers), I feel the following are the top LMS:

1. Moodle

2. Canvas

3. Blackboard

4. Pearson Learning Studio

5. Desire2Learn

My number one priority is the user-friendly component for both the teacher and student. If it is NOT user-friendly I moved on to other LMS.

Moodle as of now is the optimal LMS for me to utilize with teachers in professional learning.
Canvas is my pick to utilize with students in K-12.