Association members grow and change over time, and their needs grow and change with them. Unless the association addresses these changes, members won’t see the value of their membership. But how do associations accomplish this? Through a learning management system (LMS). Learning management systems have taken over how associations distribute and generate revenue from their professional development materials. MORE

Many associations have, at some point, considered the benefits of choosing an open source LMS for delivering their education programs. This is especially true of associations that may be considering implementing an online learning platform for the first time, or those with a limited budget. Hidden Costs of an Open Source LMS. This may also impact on the availability of staff resources for other projects, resulting in delays and other costs to the association. MORE

That was the goal when the DirectEmployers Association (DE) envisioned its new learning portal, DE Academy. Q&A HIGHLIGHTS: Tell us about the DirectEmployers Association. We want DirectEmployers Association to be the go-to solution for contractors who need OFCCP compliance and talent acquisition information, resources and support. Who are the vendors? JEN: TopClass LMS is the learning management system we chose for DE Academy. MORE

It is essential for any association learning management system (LMS). As LMS consultants , we’ve helped many different types of associations define their learning technology requirements. Almost always, we find association leaders who are unsure about precisely where social functionality should fit into their learning strategies, and which social features are best for their members’ needs. What Is Social Learning for Associations? MORE

You finally got the budget to purchase a learning management system (LMS). Ask around for request for proposal (RFP) samples and send one of them to a dozen LMS vendors? You know the answer already if you read last week’s post : an LMS RFP is not the first step of the selection process, it’s the result of the first step. The first step is gathering and prioritizing your requirements for a new LMS. Never send an RFP to 12 vendors or even 8 vendors. MORE

As an independent learning systems consultant , I’m often asked to share my opinion about what’s happening in the LMS market. At that time, I promised to share additional thoughts about what these trends mean for LMS buyers and sellers. Keep in mind that I view the LMS landscape through an extended enterprise lens. Regardless of whether you’re an LMS buyer, seller or user, I hope you’ll find this Q&A helpful. MORE

With more than 1800 attendees, this is the largest forum of its kind in the association and non-profit world. And what’s ahead for association technology ? This year’s Xperience conference revealed that associations have reached a pivotal point in their commitment to innovation. Community Brands is an umbrella organization with different complementary technology products that serve common audiences – associations, nonprofits, schools and faith-based organizations. MORE

During the selection and implementation of a learning management system (LMS), you have many decisions to make. But one decision often takes associations by surprise: Should you host your eLearning catalog and eCommerce on your LMS or on your association management system (AMS)? Where do you want members and customers to search for online learning programs and where do you want them to make their purchase (register/enroll)—in your LMS or in your AMS? MORE

I genuinely love helping associations select learning management systems (LMS). Here’s why: As non-profit entities with a mission, associations aim to improve the world in countless ways by advancing ideas, people and professions. Once the only place to go for continuing education , associations now face serious competition from for-profit learning providers. This new landscape affects the status and influence of every association in its respective profession. MORE

As dysfunctional and frustrating as that old learning management system (LMS) is, your association still relies upon it. But, let’s face it, your current LMS is holding you back. Maybe it wasn’t designed for associations in the first place. You need a better LMS but the powers that be aren’t going to like that news. Your argument for a new LMS has to be rock solid, so first we’re going to explain how to prepare a business case for a new LMS. MORE

Quick LMS History. They were expensive to purchase, implement, maintain, host, upgrade and replace. Much of the investment was upfront and only the largest companies or companies with the most compliance risk exposure could afford an LMS. Every LMS tried to be all things to all types of customers in all industries. The LMS market started changing after the dot com bust in 2001. The LMS industry in 2015 now has hundreds and hundreds of viable vendor solutions. MORE

On a regular basis, I’m interviewing some of the most knowledgeable professionals in the field of extended enterprise learning – including vendor executives, consultants, customers and others. EPISODE 7 – TOPIC SUMMARY AND GUEST: What can associations do to modernize certification programs for young professionals? We saw a role for our association in that education process with the CGMA. Every association and non-profit organization is unique. MORE

Specifically, today we focus on top learning and certification solutions used by trade and professional associations , mission-driven non-profits, commercial training providers, trade schools and subject matter experts. Associations and continuing education companies must attract, engage and sell to people who voluntarily choose to consume instructional content. Not surprisingly, many continuing education learning systems vendors are specialists. Higher Logic is not a LMS. MORE

The American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and the Association Forum of Chicagoland provide opportunities to reach the over one million associations operating nationwide. The Moodle platform is ideal for associations seeking to generate revenue through their professional development offerings— ranging from testing for credentialing to an entire certification curriculum. What association stakeholders should you involve before trying out this “free” LMS? MORE

I’ll be co-hosting each of these live online sessions, along with thought leaders from some of the learning technology industry’s coolest vendors. Even if you can’t attend, we’ll send you a link to the recording — so feel free to register for one or all: Secrets of Global LMS Success: The Most Overlooked Corporate Learning Essentials. Is your LMS ready? Custom Learning Experiences: When No LMS Will Do . MORE

According to the most recent IRS reports, nearly 64,000 professional and trade associations are based in the U.S. I found out several months ago, when I hosted a roundtable with leaders from two prominent member-based organizations – Kevin Pierce , Manager of Digital Learning at The American Academy of Dermatology and Jake Gold , Director of Education at The Community Associations Institute. Rely heavily on an LMS as a foundation for their learning technology stack. MORE

Way back in 1953, when the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) first reported industry financial benchmarks, membership dues represented a whopping 96% of the typical organization’s revenues. In fact, by 2016, subscription income averaged only 45% for trade associations and 30% for professional associations. Currently, learning programs contribute nearly 25% of average non-dues association revenue, according to a 2017 Association Adviser poll. MORE