The transition to a new learning management system (LMS) can feel like a huge, terrifying task after the official decision has been made. If information is lost, then what? But things need not be this way. A smooth and trouble-free LMS migration can be yours with some planning. It is essential first to define the kind of courses and eLearning experiences required to migrate to a new Learning Management System like Docebo successfully. Make sure you’ve allotted enough time to execute a careful and comprehensive task of integrating a new LMS before you do so. Converting to a new LMS is like cooking a gourmet meal: it takes time and attention. This post will discuss a few things to keep in mind when making a smooth and efficient LMS switch.
Determine the pain points of the current LMS:
Since you are reading this, it is reasonable to assume that you are dissatisfied with your current learning management system and are considering making a switch. Make sure the problems you’re now facing can be resolved by switching to a different LMS before making a final decision. You and your staff need to take the time to identify and catalog every issue with your current LMS. Investing time and effort at this transition point will pay off in the long run by reducing the likelihood that the issues you set out to fix will reappear in your new learning management system (LMS). Having a clear idea of your problems will make selecting a new LMS much easier.
Map out and compare features:
After concluding that a switch is necessary and cataloging how the existing LMS falls short, it’s time to take a fresh look at the situation. Think about the characteristics of your current program that you would find necessary. While doing so, you can also identify the options you rarely or never use and are fine doing without. Now you have something to use as a benchmark. Don’t automatically rule off a potential LMS because it lacks functionality when evaluating against others. It may be implemented elsewhere or provide some workaround.
Engagement features for users:
Every course designer gets excited when learners use the content and engage with the LMS. However, in today’s fast-paced world, it can be tough to get workers to take time away from their busy schedules to participate in training. Furthermore, introducing interactive features, video streaming, and gaming into your learning programs are all tried-and-true ways to enhance learning objectives and retention by utilizing cutting-edge technological developments. High-quality images and interactive media like quizzes can be incorporated, and so can the use of humor and content segmentation.
Transferring Data and Users:
This key part of the change may determine its success or failure. If you’re switching platforms, you’ll likely move your data, including content, users, and enrollments. You may also wish to import user data, like reports and activity logs; however, this step is often unnecessary after complete data has been extracted from the existing LMS. Content migration can be automated or manual, depending on the old and new LMS’s export and import capabilities. In most cases, the new LMS provider will lend a hand throughout this procedure since they will be well-versed in their system and the best method for importing the data. Keep in mind that some user attributes may not be able to be imported, and other course attributes may not be supported in the new LMS, so it’s important to have a thorough understanding of what to anticipate throughout the migration. If you want the final migration to go off without a hitch, you should get ready to do it a few times.
Numerous Forms of Content:
If you’re in the market for a new LMS, now is a great time to research content formats that your current system doesn’t support. Due to the time and effort required to create new content, many LMSs include a feature that allows users to import preexisting information, such as blog posts or YouTube videos. A wide variety of file types, including but not limited to PowerPoint presentations, PDFs, audio files, jpeg images, video content, SCORM modules, and Microsoft Office documents, can be uploaded to eLeaP. When deciding on an LMS, it’s helpful to have options to know the system will serve several purposes.
Conclusion
Without proper planning, it may become a nightmare to migrate to a new learning management system (LMS) with thousands of possible features, checklists, schedules, and cost sheets. Considering the abovementioned considerations, you can make a well-informed decision and easily transition to one of the fantastic LMS systems.
