In short, a requirements document outlines all of the features and functionalities that your association needs for its LMS. Think of it as a wishlist for your perfect system!

Creating a requirements document may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually not as difficult as it sounds–and taking the time to create a thorough document will pay off in the long run!

A requirements document will ensure that your association gets the LMS that meets all of your specific needs, without leaving you feeling disappointed or frustrated down the line.

Not sure how to start? Don’t worry–we’ve got you covered. Here are our top tips to get you started:

4 Steps to Creating a Requirements Document

1. Define Your Goals

Before you start writing an exhaustive list of every feature you think would be nice to have in an LMS, take a step back and define your goals. Ask yourself:

• What are you looking to achieve with your LMS?
• Do you want to provide online learning opportunities for your members?
• Do you want to reduce administrative burdens?
• Do you want to create a more engaging member experience?

Once you’ve defined your goals, you can start narrowing down your list to features that will help you achieve those goals—and identifying the ones that are simply nice-to-haves.

2. Involve Stakeholders Early

The requirements document isn’t just for you; it’s also meant to be shared with vendors during the RFP/vendor search process. That’s why it’s important to involve key stakeholders early on in the process so that everyone has a chance to provide input.

Is there a need for integration with other key systems, like an association management system? Will you need to customize the LMS for specific workflows within your association?

After all, you don’t want to find yourself in a situation where the vendor provides a system that meets all of your needs but fails to meet the needs of another key stakeholder group!

By involving stakeholders early, you can avoid potential conflict down the road and ensure that everyone is on board with the final decision.

3. Be as Specific as Possible

When outlining the features and functionalities you need in an LMS, be as specific as possible. Include things like:

• The types of content you need to be able to upload (SCORM-based courses, videos, PDFs, etc.)
• The number of users you need to be able to access the system at the same time
• The kinds of reporting features you need
• The types of integration with third-party vendors (Quickbooks, AMS, Zoom, etc.) you want to include

The more precise you are in your requirements document, the simpler it will be for vendors to understand exactly what you’re seeking (and whether they’re able to supply it).

4. Make Sure It’s Feasible

Last but not least, make sure that everything on your list is actually feasible within your budget and your timeline. The best way to determine feasibility is to share your requirements document with vendors either during the RFP/vendor selection process or early in your initial conversations.

Ask vendors if they feel their system is a good fit for your requirements, and see what kind of suggestions (or concerns) they have about the specific features or functionalities you’ve outlined. By getting insight from vendors on feasibility, you can better prioritize your requirements and make the decisions that are best for your organization.

You may also like: Top 5 Reasons To Replace An e-Learning Vendor

Conclusion:

Creating a requirements document can sound difficult, but by following these simple tips, you’ll realize it’s easier than you think!

Creating a comprehensive requirements document is essential in discovering the right LMS for your member-based organization.

By involving key stakeholders early on, being specific in your requirements, and considering feasibility, you can create a list of requirements that truly reflects your needs–and helps you find the LMS that achieves them all!

So, make sure to take your time and create a thorough document–it’ll pay off in spades later when you’re implementing your shiny new LMS.

Happy searching!

The post How Requirements Documents Help Your Association Obtain the Perfect LMS appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

In this article, we’ll be looking at the differences between virtual conference software and learning management systems, as well as how to use them:

How to Tell the Difference between Virtual Conference Software and Learning Management Systems

Virtual conference software and learning management systems are two very separate types of software that organizations use for different purposes. Here are some key ways to tell the difference between the two:

• A Learning Management System is a platform that is used to deliver continuing education courses, as well as to track member progress and compliance.
• Virtual Conference Software, on the other hand, is typically used to live stream or record sessions from conferences or events.
• An LMS will have features like course creation and delivery, quizzes, and assessments.
• Virtual Conference Software, however, will generally not have these features. Instead, it will include features that allow for the live streaming or recording of sessions, as well as chat functions that allow attendees to interact with each other.

How an LMS Can Facilitate Learning after a Conference Is Over

Virtual conference software and learning management systems are separate entities, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be used in tandem! Once your conference is over, you can use an LMS to turn recordings of your conference sessions into continuing education courses. You can add materials and resources, and even let members take quizzes or assessments based on the content.

This provides several benefits: it expands the reach of your educational content (it’s now available to everyone, after all–time and place constraints are no longer an issue!); it allows your organization to provide quality continuing education content; and it increases the value of your membership (the more content you host, the more members get out of your continuing education program).

Additionally, an LMS can be used to track progress and compliance; members can stop and start their courses whenever and wherever, similar to how Netflix remembers where you were in an episode. This allows members to pick up where they left off, making the learning process smooth and seamless.

Overall, by pairing virtual conference software with an LMS, you can gain access to a wealth of resources and information ripe for use, even long after your conference is over. Learning management systems are a valuable, cost-efficient tool for both attendees and conference organizers!

You may also like: Virtual Events vs In-Person Events: Which Should You Choose in 2022?

Conclusion

While virtual conference software and learning management systems are distinct, they can be used in tandem to provide more ways for your audience to access and complete continuing education courses. First, you can stream your conference to members, breaking down the barriers to entry that geography and scheduling conflicts create. Then, you can transform the recordings of these events into high-quality continuing education courses and host them on your LMS, making them available to your entire audience.

Consequently, if you’re looking for a platform to facilitate learning after a conference is over, set your sights on an LMS. It’s the two-birds, one-stone solution that every organization is sure to love!

The post Comparing Virtual Conference Software and Learning Management Systems appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

Most states require a certain number of CLE hours each year to maintain a law license, but it can be hard to find quality courses that fit members’ busy schedules. And–let’s be honest–most CLE courses aren’t exactly the most exciting things around!

Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be this way! By following a few simple steps, bar associations can start building better CLE courses with ease.

1. Harnessing the Power of Niche Content

When it comes to CLE courses, one size does not fit all. Attorneys will often look for courses specific to their particular area of practice, so the more specialized the content you provide, the better!

Let’s take a look at a couple of examples. An attorney who works in criminal law will not be interested in a course on tax law; likewise, a corporate lawyer will not want to sit through a course on family law.

This much may seem obvious, but it can go a step further. Your association should search for interesting, relevant, and unique topics for its courses. Yes, you should have more general courses–these are perfect for introductory programs!–but if you want to really bring value to your membership, try thinking outside the box.

Try to make your content timely. Is there a precedent-setting case in the news? Perhaps you’ll want to do a deep-dive webinar on the details. Are there laws being reexamined or updated? You could cover these, as well!

Additionally, by partnering with experts in various niche areas, bar associations can offer courses that are tailored to specific practices. This will ensure that attendees get the most relevant and useful information possible.

Not only will this make your CLE courses more interesting for attendees, but it will also make your audience more likely to return in the future. You want to capture their intention with insightful, valuable content. After all, why would an attorney take an irrelevant, useless course from their bar association? It’s all about quality!

Once you’ve made your content, make sure to categorize it thoroughly. You want your members to be able to actually find your courses! Keep everything as organized and accessible as possible.

If your bar association is looking to build better CLE courses, consider harnessing the power of tailored content. It’s one surefire way to interest and engage new members! Now, let’s look at a few more:

2. CLE for the Next Generation: Attracting New Members

As the legal profession evolves, so must the way bar associations provide Continuing Legal Education. The needs of lawyers are changing, and bar associations must adapt to continue to meet those needs. In particular, there is a need to engage new lawyers in CLE programs.

First, you have to let your audience know what’s available. Make sure to promote your programs across your association’s social media channels. To spice things up, try offering seasonal packages, keeping things timely and relevant. Remember to be consistent; if you only post rarely and sporadically, you won’t stay in the minds of your members for long!

Next, you want to make things interesting. You can try incorporating gamification into your programs; by making them interactive and offering digital badges as achievement-style rewards, you’ll be upping the excitement factor of your courses. You could even incorporate–selectively!–a few choice memes to amuse your audience.

Third, it’s important to make sure the programs you offer are affordable. New lawyers often have large student loan debts and may be working in jobs that do not pay high salaries. Discounts on CLE programs for new members can make them more accessible to new lawyers.

By offering relevant, convenient, and affordable CLE programs, bar associations can better engage new lawyers with their educational offerings. This, in turn, will help to ensure that your members’ careers–and your association’s membership base–continue to thrive!

3. Two Birds, One Stone: the Value of the Hybrid Events 

As the world becomes increasingly mobile and virtual, it can be difficult to know how to best engage your members; is it better to do in-person or online sessions?

The answer is simple: host a hybrid event!

Hybrid events are a combination of in-person and virtual courses, and they offer several benefits to both bar associations and their members. There are a number of ways to make your event hybrid, like livestreaming the session on your association’s website, or else recording and posting it online after the event–or, even better, both!

Hybrid CLE courses allow members who cannot attend in-person to still participate and receive credit. This is especially beneficial for members who have busy schedules. Livestreamed courses take care of geographical limitations, and on-demand recorded courses open the field up to everyone.

Hybrid CLE courses allow bar associations to further their reach and increase their earning potential at the same time. You’re making your session accessible to an entire second audience–without losing the first–and bypassing the most common barriers to entry for in-person events. This means you can earn more revenue than from an in-person event alone!

The use of hybrid CLE courses is a win-win for both bar associations and their members. By offering these courses, bar associations can ensure that their members are able to receive the education they need–while simultaneously expanding their reach and non-dues revenue!

You may also like: The Top 5 Strategies for Bar Associations to Increase CLE Revenue in 2021 and Beyond

When it comes to building better CLE for your bar association, it’s best to pay attention to the basics: focus on tailoring your content, attracting new members, and increasing accessibility. You want solid, quality courses that no one else offers; you want to attract new members with your value and ease of use; and you want to reach as wide an audience as possible. Follow ACLEA’s footsteps and “Adjust, Collaborate, and Elevate”!

The post Building Better CLE: Tips for Bar Associations appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

The real work begins after you’ve purchased your LMS.

The first hurdle is learning how to ensure your LMS implementation runs smoothly.

The second hurdle is managing the ongoing relationship with your vendor. This is where the importance of the post-purchase service shines.

Vendors typically have a client services team in place to help manage your LMS on an ongoing basis.

The vendor’s client services team will help you with any technical issues you may have, assist you with LMS user support, and train you on how to use the LMS. They’ll also be your advocate within their organization, helping you ensure your needs are met.

In this article, we’ll explore why your member-based organization should focus on post-purchase service, as well as highlight what to look for to ensure that your LMS platform is successful long-term.

1. What should you look for in a client services team?

Post-purchase service is important because it can make or break your return-on-investment projections for your organization.

When selecting a vendor to work with, you should look for a vendor with a client services team that is responsive, knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful–as well as committed to your success!

In addition, the vendor should have clear processes for handling support issues and training on new features so that you can be confident you’ll always have resources to turn to when you need help.

Here are some characteristics you should look for when it comes to a vendor’s post-purchase service:

• A responsive team will be available when you need them and will be quick to respond to your inquiries.
• A knowledgeable team will be able to answer your questions and help you troubleshoot issues.
• A friendly and helpful team will make you feel like a valued customer.
• And a committed team will want to help you get the most out of your investment. They’re pulling for everyone’s success in the project: both you and them!

When considering a post-purchase service team, make sure to find one that meets all of these criteria. By working with a vendor that is committed to providing you with excellent service, you can be confident that you’ll be able to get the most out of your LMS for years to come.

2. What is a service-level agreement (SLA), and why should you care about it?

When considering an LMS, it is vital to ensure you review your service-level agreement (also called an SLA) before signing on with a vendor. This is a legal agreement between you and the vendor that outlines the level of service you can expect from them.

SLAs are important because they give you a clear understanding of what to expect from the team regarding response times, issue resolution, training, and support. There are various levels of service that can be outlined in an SLA, so it’s important to select the one that meets the needs of your member-based organization.

For example, if you need 24/7 support, ensure that the vendor you’re considering has an SLA that meets this requirement.

Here is an overview of what to look for in an SLA:

• Response times: How quickly can you expect a response to your inquiry?
• Hours of operation: When will someone be available to help you?
• Issue resolution time frames: How long will it take for an issue to be resolved?
• Training and support: What kind of training and support are available?
• Security and compliance: What kind of security and compliance measures are in place?

When considering an LMS’ post-purchase service, be sure to ask about the team’s SLAs. This will give you a clear understanding of the level of service you can expect from your vendor in the future.

3. How can you track the level of service you’re currently receiving from your vendor?

It’s crucial to keep track of your vendor’s current level of service so that you can identify areas for improvement. Evaluation reports are only effective if they are shared between both parties and then properly acted upon. This is a normal part of the vendor management process.

Vendor management KPIs (key performance indicators) help you understand whether you’re receiving the level of service you expect from your vendor according to your SLA (which should list them). KPIs should be established for each critical element of the product and/or service.

In order to measure if you’re getting the level of service you purchase from your vendor, you need to establish a process that tracks KPI performance.

This can be done in a number of ways, including reviewing data from:

• Response times: Conduct an audit to measure how long it actually takes to get a response.
• Hours of operation: Send a message and see if someone gets back to you within the allotted period.
• Issue resolution time frames: Track how long it takes your vendor to respond to your inquiries/issues.
• Training and support: Evaluate the quality of training by asking your staff for feedback.

By implementing a process to track vendor performance, you’ll be able to work with your vendor to address any issues that may arise, as well as improve your system together. Remember to keep your vendor management KPIs in mind when purchasing an LMS; you need to be aware of the service you’re getting!

In order to ensure that you’re getting the best value for your money, be sure to ask about the vendor’s different SLAs and then examine how they measure up against other vendors in the market.

Conclusion

If you want to be sure that you’re getting the best possible service from your vendor, be sure to look for a quality client service team.

Make sure that you examine their service level agreements to ensure that they can satisfy your requirements.

Most importantly, continue to track the quality of your vendor’s service using the key performance indicators we discussed earlier.

By taking these steps, you can be confident that you’re getting the most out of your vendor relationship, even long after you’ve made your purchase!

The post Post-Purchase Service: Why It’s Crucial When Picking an LMS Vendor appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

While there are pros and cons to each approach (third-party programs, your own programs, or a combination), hosting your own programs is often the best option for member-based organizations.

We’ll review the four main reasons why in this article:

1. You can significantly increase member engagement.

Offering continuing education is a great way for member-based organizations to create meaningful interactions that provide value for their members.

Offering CE increases the number of touchpoints an organization has with its members and can help create a sense of community and connection.

Additionally, CE can aid in the development of your member’s professional development. When members improve their skills through your organization, the value they get from being a member increases.

Associations and similar organizations exist to help their members thrive, so the more opportunities you provide to update their skills, the better your member-based organization will be!

2. You can generate more non-dues revenue.

The ability to offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs) is a valuable perk that can help member-based organizations attract and retain members. Not just that–by not sending your members to third-party learning websites, you get to keep that valuable non-dues revenue within your own organization!

Online courses are generally more affordable to produce than traditional in-person courses. However, even in-person sessions can be useful when building your member-based organization’s CE program; they can be recorded and placed online!

Recording in-person CE courses is often a more affordable option than building an entire online course from scratch, and it provides the chance for a greater audience to access your original sessions.

Not only does this produce a better experience for members, but it can also generate more non-dues revenue for the organization. Organizations can charge members a fee to access courses, and they can also sell advertising space on the course pages (or even offer sponsored courses!) to earn additional income.

The perks don’t end here, though! By hosting their own continuing education programs, organizations can provide their members with valuable content that’s geared towards their industry. This can include certification programs, which can be a major selling point for memberships!

If your member-based organization is looking for ways to generate additional non-dues revenue, consider creating your own continuing education program online; when you host your own CE program, both you and your members win!

3. You can gain insight into your members’ learning experience and translate it into better courses.

The online learning experience of your members is vital to the success of their professional development endeavors. When you send your members to third-party sites, you are no longer an active participant in their learning, which decreases the connection between an organization and its audience!

The solution, however, is simple: by hosting your own courses, you can ensure your members have the best possible learning experience–the one you curate just for them!

When you host your own online program, your member-based organization gains access to valuable data in the form of various analytics, such as course completion rates, average time spent on each course, and course popularity.

Having access to analytics will also help you improve your courses and make them more engaging for your members.

By analyzing the data from your learning management system, you’ll be able to target any weak areas in the program and allocate resources exactly where they’re needed. Even further, by understanding how your members learn online, you can tailor content to their unique needs!

The insight your organization can gain into the experience of its members can be invaluable. When properly utilized, it can help you improve the quality of your courses, better assess member engagement, and make decisions about the future of your programs. Once again, everyone wins!

4. You can provide a more valuable, tailored learning experience.

Third-party learning sites offer a wide variety of courses, but they may not cover the specific topics that members are interested in. These sites are made to cater to audiences in multiple industries, so the content that’s relevant to your members may end up few and far between.

By hosting their own continuing education programs, organizations can provide their members with a more customized experience. Each course is tailored to the needs of the member base, so it’s guaranteed to be useful and applicable!

Tailored content is not only more relevant, but it’s also more engaging. When members know that the content is created with their career goals and aspirations in mind, they are more likely to enjoy the learning experience your organization provides.

A more personalized learning experience might also be beneficial to your member-based organization because it may help you attract new members!

When potential members see that your organization offers courses that are relevant and industry-specific, they will see the value in joining your organization.

Conclusion

When member-based organizations create their own CE content, members are given the ability to learn about valuable, niche topics, while also allowing them to network with other professionals and members in their field–meaning your member-based organization can hit multiple birds with one stone!

You may also like: How to Improve Continuing Education for Your Association

At their core, member-based organizations exist to help their members engage, learn, and thrive. Don’t let your member-based organization fall behind when it comes to continuing education resources; aim for the top and create your own perfect program! Your organization’s members will be glad you did.

The post Why Member-Based Organizations Are Choosing to Host Their Own Continuing Education Programs appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

For some associations, they choose to send their members to third-party eLearning sites for their CE courses. This is largely due to the convenience and affordability of these sites.

However, when associations choose to send their members to third-party learning sites, they are inadvertently doing more harm than good.

In this article, we’ll be examining why you may want to rethink directing your members away.

1. You’re losing out on valuable member engagement opportunities.

When members are sent to third-party learning sites, their overall engagement with your association decreases; they’re less likely to interact with your website (their courses aren’t there, after all!) and other communication channels.

You are inadvertently restricting your member’s ability to interact with your association by sending them to another site.

Remember–members are often drawn to associations because of their professional development opportunities.

If you aren’t providing these yourself, you’re distancing yourself from your audience. This makes it harder to engage with them and keep them up to date with your initiatives. It can even lead to member attrition!

2. You’re missing out on revenue.

When your members take courses on third-party eLearning sites, your association loses a huge area of potential for generating non-dues revenue.

You’re directing your audience away from your site–and any of its other possible revenue paths–into the hands of a likely unaffiliated entity.

These other organizations then have the opportunity to upsell and cross-sell products and services to your members–some of which may even overlap with your own offerings!

The convenience of being able to buy multiple products on one platform should not be discounted.

Consider: would you rather purchase several products on several sites, or several products on one site?

It’s easier for your members to buy from one place, and it’s easier for your association to sell products when you can upsell and cross-sell.

3. You’re losing out on valuable data.

When members take courses on third-party eLearning sites, your association loses out on valuable data that could be used to improve your services. Gathering useful data (including what courses are being taken, how members are progressing, and what their overall satisfaction levels are) is crucial for understanding the wants and needs of members, as well as how you can better cater to them in the future.

Don’t look down on analytics–they can pinpoint areas of weakness in your programs, as well as provide key insight on what makes your more successful products work. Information is valuable for a reason!

4. You’re sacrificing quality.

It may be cliche to say “quality over quantity”, but it’s a truism that applies here.

When you send members to take courses on third-party eLearning sites, you have no control over the course quality. This means that your members could be taking low-quality (or even inaccurate!) courses that do not meet their needs.

Additionally, third-party programs are typically created to appeal to the widest audience possible; they may not even offer courses that cater to the more niche needs of your member base.

As an association, you know your members better than anyone–so when it comes to offering quality, relevant content, it doesn’t make sense to send them anywhere else!

You may also like: Never Stop Learning: Continuing Education Inside and Out

Conclusion

So, while it may seem like a good idea to send your members to third-party eLearning sites, in reality, it does more harm than good.

If you want to keep your members close and nurture your relationship with them, it’s best to keep them within your organization. Not only does this allow you to better serve them–it also helps you grow your association as a whole in the long run.

The post The Inadvertent Dangers of Outsourcing Your Continuing Education to Third-Parties appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

1. Academic LMS focus on grades; associations focus on professional development

First, let’s look at the core reason for each LMS. What is the purpose of each?

Academic LMS

Academic LMS are used to accept assignments from students, answer questions, and grade work. They can host syllabi, unit information, due dates, teacher feedback, final marks–anything and everything a child needs to thrive!

Students can start a video course and walk away from the computer–learning is gauged through assignments and exams and conveyed with grades, so an academic LMS has no need to track student progress at a granular level.

Association LMS

Association learning management systems, while still made to educate, focus more on professional development. Associations must track their member’s progress in order to meet the rigorous requirements of offering professional development courses online.

Association LMS includes regular participation checks while completing a course.

To offer continuing education credits online, associations need to ensure that learners are actively engaged in the course content. Checks can come in the form of video hurdles, where members have to correctly answer a question related to the course content to continue watching the video. This is a form of knowledge reinforcement–which also helps with learning retention!

2. Academic LMS are for school communities; association LMS are for members

It stands to reason that one of the main differences between academic and association LMS lies in their target audiences. That being said, let’s delve into this idea for a moment:

Academic LMS

Academic learning management systems are used to help school communities–namely school staff, students, and parents.

Academic LMS allow children to ask for help outside of school hours by posting on forums, while parents can check in to see what their children are learning, thereby taking on a more active role in their development.

Academic systems also allow teachers to collaborate with each other easily and efficiently. They’re great for sharing resources and bridging the divide between technology and reality when it comes to education.

Association LMS

Association learning management systems exist to help their members. While association members can participate in continuing education courses, they are not students in the same way elementary, high school, or university students are.

Association members are professional, and they require a professional environment for their continuing education (CE). Referring to them as students can cast a negative, even infantilizing light because it suggests that these people aren’t capable of handling themselves professionally–something that is obviously NOT true!

Association learning management systems provide resources, forums, and continuing education courses for their members, allowing them to keep their existing skills sharp while also gaining new ones.

3. Academic courses are paid with tuition; association courses are pay-per-course

The next main difference between academic and association learning management systems lies in their finance systems.

Academic LMS

While not all academic LMS require fees, those that do typically come packaged as part of the course. When you pay tuition for your courses (e.g. at university), you are paying upfront to access the relevant material on the school’s LMS. Because the finances are taken care of outside the system, academic LMS doesn’t require eCommerce functionality.

Association LMS

Associations, on the other hand, sell and deliver numerous continuing education courses that members can opt to purchase. These are paid by the course through the association’s LMS; this means that, unlike with school LMS, their system requires eCommerce functionality.

Additionally, associations can offer different pricing options for different member types; for instance, a non-member may have to pay $80, while a member could pay $60. This could be broken down further if the association offers different tiers; perhaps a member pays $60, a retired member pays $55, and a student member pays $30–it’s all up to the association to decide how to market and price their products.

Regardless of the pricing structure, selling continuing education courses is how associations earn non-dues revenue, so when it comes to buying an LMS, eCommerce functionality is crucial!

4. Academic institutions aren’t required to promote their education courses; associations are

Promotion can be an important part of an LMS platform; let’s delve into the needs of each!

Academic LMS

Schools don’t particularly need to market or promote their specific courses; once a student enrolls in a program, they can select their preferred courses and proceed with their education.

While courses do occasionally require a minimum number of students to enroll, this doesn’t affect the school’s revenue. Instead, unpopular courses are simply swapped out for their more desirable counterparts.

Association LMS

On the other hand, associations must promote their continuing education courses in order to generate non-dues revenue. Without constant and effective marketing, opportunities for members to find and purchase relevant courses are missed and the association loses out. Associations make the bulk of their non-dues revenue through education and events. Every course must be valuable, desirable, and known–you can’t take a course that you never knew existed!

Related: 3 Ways to Increase Non-dues Revenue for Your Association’s Online Continuing Education Program

While there are many kinds of learning management systems to choose from, it’s important to pick the one that’s right for your organization. Whether you’re a school or an association, there’s an LMS out there for you–all you have to do is lay out your needs and find the one that fits them all!

The post Academic vs Association LMS: 4 Key Differences appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

In this article, we’ll go over each option, as well as give you some tips to help you choose: custom-built or SaaS?

1. Customization Options

First, we’ll be looking at the main draw of custom LMS compared to SaaS LMS: the customization factor.

Custom-Built Enterprise LMS

The term “custom-built LMS” is often tossed around in association circles as a catch-all for enterprise-level learning management systems. As the name suggests, this type of software solution is custom-tailored to your organization’s unique needs and requirements. In theory, this makes perfect sense. After all, why wouldn’t you want an LMS that fits your association like a glove?

Unfortunately, in practice, things are often not so simple.

A custom-built enterprise-level software solution is a complex beast, and it can be difficult to know upfront what exactly you’ll need, or what features will provide your members with the best learning experience. Scope creep is a problem that can lead to spending money on developing features that your members/users don’t end up using.

If you build an LMS that is complex and feature-heavy, you will limit user efficiency and diminish the benefits of having it custom-made. In order to avoid this problem, it is important to carefully consider your needs and requirements before embarking on the process of custom-building an LMS. An experienced and knowledgeable vendor can help guide you through these decisions, ensuring that you get the most out of your software solution without wasting money on features that won’t be used.

Software as a Service LMS

A SaaS learning management system is a “ready-made” solution that can be quickly implemented and deployed. Modern SaaS learning management systems offer a variety of features, including content management, reporting and analytics, personalized learning experiences, and mobile accessibility. They are also scalable, meaning they can be sized to fit the needs of any association or organization.

The main advantage of a SaaS LMS is its simplicity. Users can be up and running with the software in a matter of weeks, and there is no need for complex customization that costs money and takes time to implement. Associations should focus on configuration over customization when it comes to their LMS technology philosophy.

Configuration is key when working with SaaS LMS. The user interface should be intuitive and easy to use so that users can change security privileges, page layouts, and more without any difficulty. This focus on configuration over customization allows associations to get the most out of their SaaS LMS!

2. Cost and Speed of Implementation

Comparing the cost and speed of implementation of custom and SaaS learning management systems is another way to help you make your decision; sometimes, it all comes down to the bottom line, after all!

Custom-Built Enterprise LMS

Custom-built enterprise software is significantly more expensive than Saas LMS. Many associations learn this the hard way when they invest exorbitant time and resources into building a customized LMS.

Investing in custom-built can be tempting; however, these cost-intensive programs usually require additional setup fees, maintenance costs, and licensing fees–adding up to a hefty price tag! An industry-standard custom-built enterprise LMS starts at 1 million dollars. Yikes!

The speed of implementation is also something of concern when it comes to custom-built enterprise LMS; this option will take months or even years to implement. This makes sense, of course; it must be created from scratch. Rome wasn’t built in a day!

Software as a Service LMS

SaaS LMS is a much more affordable alternative. With a SaaS LMS, you pay a monthly or annual fee to use the software, and there’s usually no need to pay for extra maintenance or support. As your business grows, you can easily scale your subscription up or down to meet your changing needs.

When it comes to implementation speed, SaaS also has custom LMS beat; a SaaS LMS can be up and running in just a few weeks, leaving plenty of time to test, update, and test again! User training plays an important role in implementation; typically, a SaaS vendor will ensure your staff is trained and comfortable using the new LMS before launch. By ensuring your staff is savvy with the new system, you can avoid many potential hiccups down the road.

3. Cybersecurity

Another important consideration when making your choice is cybersecurity. You want to make sure your organization is safe and protected!

Custom-Built Enterprise LMS

It’s crucial for organizations to implement effective cybersecurity measures to protect their data and network from threats like hacking, malware, and unauthorized access. Because of this, some key steps in improving cybersecurity for your custom-built enterprise LMS include using strong passwords, encrypting sensitive data, updating online security with patches regularly, and implementing two-factor authentication whenever possible.

Additionally, it’s important to monitor your network traffic and user behaviour to identify any suspicious or unusual activity; make sure to have an incident response plan in place in case of a breach. By investing time and effort into protecting your LMS, you can help ensure the security and success of your organization!

Software as a Service LMS

With a SaaS LMS, you’re limited to relying on the security measures of the provider. While many providers take steps to secure their platform, it’s important to be proactive and implement additional security measures yourself.

Ask your SaaS vendor what steps will be taken to protect your organization, and decide whether you judge their answer to be adequate. Some of the questions you may want to ask include:

• What type of data encryption do you use?
• How do you protect user data?
• What type of security measures do you have in place to prevent data breaches?

Once you’ve gotten the answers you need, you can decide whether you’re satisfied with the protection they can provide. If yes, great! If not—keep shopping until you are!

You may also like: How to Protect Your Association from Cyber Attacks

So, which option is the best for your organization? The answer to that question depends on a number of factors, including your budget, organization size, and existing infrastructure. If you’re still not sure which option is right for you, or if you have any other questions about enterprise or SaaS learning management systems, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d be happy to help you make the decision that’s right for your association!

Once you’ve made your choice, it’s time to purchase and prepare your new LMS. Then–get ready for rollout!

The post SaaS vs Custom LMS: Which is Right for Your Association? appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

Your LMS project can quickly go off the rails if it isn’t adequately planned and executed. According to the Project Management Institute, 30% of projects fail to achieve their original goals, and almost 40% exceed their budget. Neither of these is a category you want your association to fall into!

So, how can you ensure your LMS project is set up for success? With the right project management approach, you can avoid common pitfalls and launch your LMS with minimal disruption.

Without further ado, here are 6 simple steps to help you get started:

1. Establish Your Goals and Objectives

Before you even start looking at LMS software, it’s essential to take a step back and define your goals and objectives. What do you hope to achieve with your new LMS? How will it benefit your association and its members? Answering these questions will help you choose the right software and set realistic expectations.

Make a list of your objectives and turn them into SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals. Once you’ve decided on your objectives, you can map a timeline to reach your targets. Make sure to use an iterative, Agile approach; as your project progresses, you may need to adjust your goals and objectives.

Related: See 5 Things NOT to Leave Out of Your LMS!

2. Choose Your Vendor

Not all LMS vendors are created equal! When evaluating potential providers, it’s important to consider more than just the software itself. You’ll also want to look at the vendor’s reputation, customer service performance history, and implementation process. Make sure you choose a vendor that’s a good fit your organization and has a proven track record you can verify with their existing clients.

As you research different vendors, it’s important to make sure that they specialize in learning management systems for associations. University and corporate learning management systems are not a good fit for associations because they do not include built-in e-commerce functionality and they’re not designed to be compliant with continuing education regulations.

3. Promote Your New LMS Early and Often

When you’re launching your new LMS, make sure to give your members a heads up! Educate them on the benefits of the new learning management system, how easy it will be to use, and how technical support will be readily available. Then, continue promoting your platform even after launch to ensure that your members (and the public) know about it.
There are a few cost-effective marketing and promotion tools that can help your association do more with less.

Jasper AI (Artificial Intelligence Marketing): Jasper is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) writing assistant that can generate an array of different works, including persuasive blog posts, marketing emails, landing pages, and more! If you find yourself having trouble coming up with advertising copy, you may find Jasper a great help. You can find Jasper AI here.

Canva for Nonprofits: Canva is a website that hosts graphic design templates that can be tailored to fit your association’s needs. If you tend to require a plethora of custom graphics, check it out! You can find Canva for Nonprofits here.

4. Test, Test, Test!

You want to make sure everything functions properly on your new system. Run through each course several times, checking as many different variables as possible. You want to find all the bugs you can before you launch. Whatever you can think of, test it! Quality assurance is a vital step in the process, so give it the attention it deserves.

5. Train (and Test—Again)

Your vendor should teach your staff how to use the new system. This will act as an internal soft launch for the platform, where your staff can experiment with the LMS.

This step also doubles as another round of testing, so make sure to listen to any feedback your staff offers during this time; try to incorporate it before going live.

6. Launch! (and Provide Ongoing Support)

After testing the LMS and training your staff, it is time to launch your new LMS officially–but the work doesn’t end here! You (or your vendor) will need to provide ongoing support for your LMS. This may include providing technical support for your members and staff, uploading new courses, and preventing cyberattacks from hackers.

Technology is constantly changing, and your LMS will need to change with it. LMS vendors typically offer a subscription model (software as a service, or “SAAS”) that includes regular updates. Make sure to understand the terms of your agreement so you can budget for LMS support on an ongoing basis.

Conclusion

Launching your new LMS can seem like a daunting task, but by following these 6 simple steps, you’ll be able to avoid common pitfalls and ensure a successful launch. Keep in mind that proper planning and execution are key, so make sure to allocate the necessary time and resources upfront.

With careful preparation and a focus on detail, you’ll be able to confidently launch your new LMS and reap the benefits in no time!

The post Launching Your New LMS: 6 Steps for a Successful Rollout appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

Not All Learning Management Systems Are Created Equal

Any type of organization can use an LMS. For instance, corporations may use them to train employees, while schools use them to teach their students; in both of these cases, the LMS used doesn’t need to have eCommerce functionality built in.

Associations, on the other hand, use learning management systems to host and sell their continuing education courses–meaning eCommerce components are required! No two associations are alike, so no two learning management systems should be, either. Pick the one that’s right for your association.

Essential Features of a Learning Management System

When looking at an LMS for your association, you’ll want to make sure it incorporates the following:

• A clean and user-friendly layout: You want your LMS to be as welcoming and easy-to-use as possible. If your members don’t find your layout intuitive, you’ll lose out on sales.
• Continuing education credit tracking: Learning management systems make it easy to track continuing education credits –a crucial feature for associations!
• eCommerce functionality: Perhaps the most important function of all for generating non-dues revenue–if you’re selling courses, you want your members to actually be able to buy them!
• Progress tracking: If you’ve ever watched a video on an online streaming service, you’ll be familiar with this feature; it allows members to pause and resume courses at any time, without forcing them to redo the lesson.
• Technical support: When choosing your LMS, you want one that comes with great support services, for both your members and your staff. Make sure you pick one that can help both front- and back-end users!
• Reporting: One of the most important tools an LMS can provide is its analytics. Use reporting functions to track completion rates, sales, member usage, and more! If used effectively, you’ll be able to pinpoint and repair any weaknesses in your courses
• Assessments: When it comes to continuing education courses, you want to make sure your members are actually learning as they go. Your LMS should incorporate various assessment steps, such as quizzes, knowledge reinforcement, and final “exams”.
• Certification: To ease the burden on your administrative staff, it’s best to select an LMS that automatically provides certificates to members who have passed their courses.

So, Now What?

Choosing an LMS is only half the battle; successful implementation of your LMS is just as significant as finding the right LMS for you! From planning to release and beyond, you want to ensure a smooth transition. Don’t fret–our next article will cover the basics of implementation and help you prepare for the switch!

Contact Vocalmeet to speak with one of our association development consultants–we’re always available to answer your LMS and eLearning questions!

The post Learning Management Systems for Associations: An Overview appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.