Every now and then the blogosphere buzzes about whether the LMS (Learning Management System) is still the best way to manage training. Others say the LMS is quickly being supplanted by the proliferation of PLEs (personal learning environments — where individuals construct their own mashup of Web sites, blogs, social network contacts, e-books and magazines, asynchronous courses, and other resources) which support informal learning. Does the LMS, “in its present state… indeed help us manage learning or is it just a course vending machine&# ? Plenty. MORE >>

More than 2 years back, I had carried out a SWOT analysis of the LMS to get some understanding on the LMS scenario. Today, after the rapid evolution of the LMS – hastened by several factors, right from the inclusion of social learning tools, to an ever increasing need for usability – many things have changed, and still continue to change, in the LMS. The question then is, how will the LMS of the future look like?  1.Cloud Based LMS. Cloud computing is emerging as an inexpensive, quick and efficient way of delivering training through LMS. MORE >>

For most organizations, there are multiple reasons for switching over to a new LMS. But typically an LMS switch boils down to 3 main factors:  the product (feature/function/integration), the vendor (service/support/continuity), or the cost (annual licensing/maintenance/overhead). Products in the LMS space are ever-evolving to say the least. Vendors the world over are re-engineering their LMS platforms from the ground up, acquiring or partnering with other players to provide holistic solutions. Upside Learning LMS Switch Switching LMSThe Product. MORE >>

Companies need to provide a platform where learners can track their accomplishments and clearly identify the training needed to advance in their careers. But it is also being driven by company executives, who want to measure the business benefits and ROI of the training they provide. At the crossroads of these two sets of needs is a convergence of self-directed career training and the Learning Management System (LMS) that a company is using. This connection between an LMS and the performance of a company’s workforce is the new paradigm for HR and for training professionals. MORE >>

Sometimes the responses are innocuous, sometimes it is confusing and sometimes you wonder if the person responding themselves are providing knowledge that sounds accurate, but in reality they themselves don’t know (but afraid to admit it as so). “I need an inexpensive LMS, what do you recommend?” Others will provide you their own opinion (after all, that is what you are seeking), but again, take it with what it is – an opinion. Topyx for example, charges you extra to remove their name from your LMS.  Speed you purchased with your provider. MORE >>