May 2012
Making Your Own LMS?
Some
organizations entertain the idea of creating their own in-house Learning
Management System (LMS). Undoubtedly, they are intrigued with the potential
cost savings and thoughts of a custom online training solution, designed just
for them. This do-it-yourself approach may appear, at least superficially,
easily achieved, but the project itself can be fraught with unexpected pitfalls
and risk.
Let’s look
at this endeavor from another point of view. Total cost of ownership for a home-grown
Generally
speaking, an
Software
development cost is almost always under-estimated. In the “old days” of
software development, people often recommended tripling cost estimates of those
given by programmers for creating software. Creating a highly effective
Overwhelmed?
There is another option! You can purchase a fully supported, off-the-shelf
The FlexTraining
LMS, and our Login & Go renewable subscription service, offers
the most up-to-date and integrated features that will improve your productivity
and maximize your return on investment. Total cost of ownership of FlexTraining
calculably fixed with high quality and dependability. The FlexTraining total
E-Learning solution is one of the best technology investments you can make.
Training
Tips
What Your Students Can Expect From Online Training
You have a learning base of
internal employees, the sales team or external customers, and the training
needs vary with new hire orientation, safety and compliance, new product
roll-out, product certification and so on. Learning is a continuous, integrated
part of work, and training is no longer distinct from work or considered an
additional burden. It simply has to happen. An E-Learning program will ensure
your learners have just-in-time access to knowledge with the most up-to-date
information.
There are characteristics of
E-Learning that make it a unique and better choice over traditional classroom
training. With E-Learning, training can occur anywhere, with substantial travel,
time and cost savings. Learning can be easily directed to targeted teams, and
online training is holistic and blended, enhancing the learning experience.
Instruction becomes
learner-centric with online training, with students taking more responsibility
for their success. Whether your learners are internal or external, what should
they expect when logging in?
First, your learners should
encounter a login screen that is easy to use and offers password assistance and
language options, if applicable. The Student Home Page should offer a catalog
of scheduled classes along with a syllabus for each, with a key word search
option. Students can use a personal, secure student menu to access courses,
instantly enroll in available courses and measure progress against a training
plan.
Second, scheduled tasks
and/or news announcements should be a click away, along with viewing and
downloading assignments given by an instructor. Students might also review,
update and download a personal online student notebook, plus view progress in a
defined skill group, competency or curriculum. Learners should have one-click
email messaging options for the course administrator or instructor, and have
access to course evaluations to provide feedback to developers.
Finally, your learners
should expect to navigate course content while their progress is tracked. They
can access and take online tests that are automatically graded and recorded.
With varied learning
screens, numerous content formats, multimedia and frequent learner
interactivity, E-Learning addresses the needs of all learner types while
information retention rates increase.
Your students deserve the
most from their online training experience. The FlexTraining Total E-Learning
Solution utilizes a one-screen student control panel that includes all of this
functionality and more.