The types of LMS, pricing plans, market trends, questions to ask, strategies to utilise… There are an insurmountable number of things to consider and ask when looking to procure a learning management system. For more content like this, check out the full Acorn Resources blog: https://acornlms.com/resources

1. LMS Software
Comparison
Strategies and questions.
Types, pricing models and market trends.

2. LMS Comparison
Making the decision to purchase and implement an LMS is the
easy part. Sorting through the number of suppliers vying for
attention? That’s the hard part.
Many regret their choice in LMS because they failed to
understand their own goals and problems before implementation.

3. The Areas of Consideration
This presentation will explore some key areas to consider when deciding on which
LMS software to go with:
• The Four Steps for Selection
• The Types of LMS Software
• LMS Pricing Models
• LMS Market Trends
• Ten Critical Questions to Ask

4. The Four Steps for
Selection

5. Step 1: Identify your company’s
needs
Outline the minimum requirements you and the intended
users need from an LMS.

6. Step 2: Get customer references
Read case studies and reach out to customer teams for
references. Word-of-mouth is still the best way to hear
about real experiences of suppliers and platforms.

7. Step 3: Create a shortlist
Narrow the suppliers which seem like a good fit into a
shortlist. See what shortlisted candidates offer long-term and
make sure they meet minimum eLearning requirements.

8. Step 4: Conduct due diligence
Ensure the final contract offers everything you want.
Have a legal department or dedicated counsel review
before signing if possible.

9. The Types of LMS
Software

10. Cloud
This system runs on the internet, not your computer. It is
accessed through a web browser or mobile app. They are
typically easier to use and come with in-built support.

11. Open Source
This is a fully customisable system which is often free to
use. An organisation takes the system and can craft it to
meet their needs. Usually for those who have an in-house
eLearning team with coding experience.

12. LMS Pricing Models

13. Pay-per-learner
Paying a fixed figure for the number of users.
Pay-per-active-user
Add an unlimited amount of users but only be charged for the ones who log into the
system during the pay period.

14. Pay-as-you-go
The equates to minimum costs during off-peak times but substantial costs when a rush of
users flood the system.
Subscription/Licence fee
Buy a periodic licence which is paid monthly or annually. Typically suppliers will offer 2-3
flat-fee plans, each with varying pricing and features.

15. Freemium/Open source
While open source software itself might be free, the costs come from what is spent on
integrations, customisation and maintenance.

16. LMS Market Trends

17. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
An AI learns from the data it collects about learners.
Using algorithms, it can identify the areas an admin can
bolster and suggest how to better present and curate
information.

18. Microlearning
This can be as simple as a How-To video. By breaking up
content into smaller, digestible chunks – the learning
process becomes more accessible for busy-minded
employees.

19. Social Learning
Humans learn more efficiently in an informal setting, as
the knowledge gained is reinforced through dynamic
social activity. An LMS with in-built social media
functions is best placed to leverage this.

20. Ten Critical Questions
to Ask

21. 1) Is it secure?
Find out where data will be hosted and probe deep into the realms of how a supplier
handles data security.
2) Can I use my own domain?
If a supplier-free eLearning identity is desired, ensure it is possible.

22. 3) Can I reskin your LMS?
If brand identity is important, consider how easy or difficult reskinning the LMS could be.
4) Can I sell my courses?
eCommerce integrations allow for singular control over the online store including pricing,
payment methods and audience segmentation.

23. 5) Can I communicate with my users?
If discussion forums, course comments and/or individual messaging features are
important, ensure they are available.
6) Can I create my own content?
Self-authoring tools are usually an add-on to allow non-technical individuals to create and
upload their own content.

24. 7) What support will you provide to me?
Find out not only the support people on offer, but the tools on offer as well e.g. system
training videos.
8) What integrations do you offer?
Integrations are critical for building a smooth user experience. They act as a bridge
between the LMS and an external application.

25. 9) How do I get started quickly?
Implementation covers the kick-off meeting to the live launch. This can be time-
consuming if most of the leg work is on the organisations end.
10) How do I scale?
The right LMS should be able to grow with you. The ramifications of not being able to
easily add learners en-masse to a system may affect the business’ ability to grow.

26. To craft yourself a visual comparison, download our
free checklist template:
https://bit.ly/3nHVOFJ

27. To explore these various areas in more depth before
you begin comparing LMS software, check out the
complete article here:
https://bit.ly/3ebCdKN