Below is a template you can use when comparing LMS vendors. The template is free to use and share. New columns include Extended Enterprise, Tablet apps, Talent and Performance Management, Built in Authoring Tools, Verticals, SaaS or Hosted and many more.
When you click the file name, it will download to your computer. For IE users, please accept “yes” when it asks you if you want to download the file. File is virus free and malware free. You can even download the file onto your tablet.
Please Note: When you open it – it shows it as “Read Only”. To use the template, simply click “File”, then “Save As” and save it under a new name. BRAND NEW VERSION, INCLUDING NEW COLUMNS
How it works
You fill in the data after communicating with the vendor(s), entering in as much information as you can. You can do this by a RFP or just by using this template, which I always like to use.
You can add to the template, but it provides key categories. The template includes the categories and sample information that could be entered. The information is by no means all encompassing. Rather it is just to provide an example of what you would enter.
Key components
- Classroom management or process – think instructor led management services; if they offer it.
- 3rd Party Authoring Tools – What authoring tools does the system work with. If they say all – then list all. I try to get them to be specific. This is not their authoring tool – if they offer one built in
- Assessment Tools Built-In - What types of assessments come with the system – at the minimum – M/C, T/F, Matching or some thing along those lines, a real strength add is random question capability and question bank
- Reports – In the parenthesis ( ) – how many do they offer – that are standard, if they offer ad-hoc as well, then place that info. down below and how it works – filters, labels, etc. How can the reports be exported – what format, etc.
- Learning Environment – Curriculum paths? Setup by groups capability? Catalog options? Learner roles?
- Certification – (If this is not relevant to you, ignore this column) – However if it is relevant – automatic reminder? Output? Editing capability of the certificate? etc.
- Social Learning/Social Media – The vendor may pitch it as “Web 2.0″, RSS feeds? Facebook like page – and if yes, have them be specific on what that entails? Twitter? Collaboration..etc.
- Registration - Batch? Format? Forget Password Login? Registration process?
- Customer Services/Tech Support - Do they charge for it? Packages – what is included? What times is it available – 24/7, 9 to 5? E-Mail? Live Online chat? FAQ or knowledge base?
- Training – Is it free? What is included as part of your purchase? A guide? 1 on 1 walkthrough or webinar? Or a group webinar (which you do not want, you want one on one), Fee based?
- AICC/SCORM/SCORM 1.2/SCORM 2004 Compliant – Which ones or all?
- ADA 508 Compliant - Yes or No, you will be amazed on how many are not
- Customization – What do you get as part of your package? Free branding? Color format and logo? What are additional costs?
- Other Features – Add on modules – which ones and costs? Type of OS needed – Windows, etc. – Does it work with Macs?, Browsers? Flash requirement and what version, what about audio players? Do you need quick time? Will it work with HTML5? Are they integrated with a web conferencing solution and if yes, who? Does their system work with APIs (You want this!), What about e-commerce (only if interested), and if yes, can you sell courses externally (some may say no), discount? Etc.
Pricing Information
On the left side of the template as you scroll down you will see pricing input.
I used 500 users as an entry point and then 5000 users. Enter your specific needs for users and then your projected needs of users. So, you might have one column of 150 users and then the other column might be 500 users.
Average Price Per User
Simply take the cost they are charging you and divide by the number of users and you will get an average price per user. The pricing and avg. price per user, should be before any discount as it can provide leverage when you negotiate.
Additional Items
Could be vertical markets they service (if this is of interest to you); average turnaround time for an implementation (9 weeks) minus customizations, assuming all deadlines are met, etc.
Number of Companies who use their LMS
You want current numbers, not numbers of then and now. Is it 50? 10? Try to have them avoid the 75 and more (what does that mean)?
Thank’s for sharing!
Hi.
I would be very interested in seeing the tool – it sounds great, but it doesnt actually seem to be on the page anywhere..
what I am actually doing is considering a replacement for my custom-built LMS, ideally one that operates on macs but that both PCs and Mac users can access.
Steven — it’s linked from the “LMS Comparison Template” text, directly above the section headed “How it works.”
I am with “The Children’s Internet.” I want to know if you build custom built learning management systems? If so, what is your price range? If not, who would you suggest…Please email me at geraldcroswell2003@yahoo.com