Choosing the Right LMS With John Leh

This post is a summary of highlights from our L&D Done Right podcast, Episode 3 with host Gill Williams. Our guest is John Leh, CEO of Talented Learning, who has 25 years of experience in the learning management system (LMS) industry and helps organizations make informed decisions when purchasing learning technologies.

Watch the entire interview on our YouTube channel or listen on your favorite podcast platform.

Tackle the Skill Gap Head On

Technology innovations like AI mean the gap between university education and practical job skills has widened, emphasizing the need for continuous re-skilling. Learning organizations are adapting to the changing landscape by offering not only formal courses, but also resources and hybrid learning opportunities. Creating a culture of learning within organizations requires leadership support, the provision of time and materials, and a recognition that learning is a lifelong process.

Why Are There So Many LMS Platforms?

Most LMS platforms were created to fill a specific niche in an industry. As technology has changed, expectations of what an LMS is has adjusted too. Now an all-purpose learning system might be the right fit or an industry-specific platform might work best. Guess what! FACTS Learning Management System (formerly CD2 Learning) can help meet your employee onboarding and training needs.

Three Considerations When Choosing an LMS

Once an LMS is chosen, the integration process is so intensive, interdepartmental and costly that—even if the LMS turns out to be awful for the organization—your company is pretty much stuck with it for at least three years. That’s why picking the right LMS the first time is crucial.

It seems simple, but clarifying your stakeholders’ goals, audience and support requirements are essential. Consider the following questions when evaluating different platforms:

1. What are the measurable goals and outcomes we want to achieve?
   Defining clear objectives and success metrics from the start helps weed out LMS solutions that won’t be a good fit.
2. Who are our target learners, and what behaviors are we trying to change?
   This articulates what features are needed on the LMS platform.
3. How much assistance and support will we need?
   Determining the level of help required—whether it’s content development, strategy, or administration—can help identify the right partner who aligns with your organization’s goals.

Enlist a Pro

The world of learning tech is shifting super fast. With AI, the abundance of options and the complexity of the market, the buying process for LMS has become intricate. John highlights the importance of a structured and informed approach to ensure a successful purchase and avoid a costly mistake.

John’s company, Talented Learning, walks clients through his tried and true buying process that includes executive buy-in, building a business case, and evaluating solutions based on their unique needs. Talented Learning also offers a wealth of free resources and guidance to assist buyers in navigating the buying process effectively.

Final Thoughts

Investing in an LMS can be a game-changer for businesses and educational institutions alike. By leveraging the insights shared in this interview, L&D leaders can approach the LMS buying process with confidence. Remember, finding an LMS that aligns with your organization’s specific needs, shows actionable outcomes and has the level of support you need, is key to unlocking the full potential of digital learning.