Learning Management System Comparison

In a world filled with an abundance of high-tech options and products, making the choice of a Learning Management System (LMS) to support online learning may feel overwhelming. However, school administrators and teachers can avoid being intimidated by the wide variety of choices if they focus on a couple of key variables when comparing LMS vendors. Another wise approach is to look for a complete platform that meets all your needs. Many school districts that sign up to use IQity discover that choosing a comprehensive LMS like the IQity Learning Management Suite makes offering online courses simple and easy.

Key Variables: Cost and Content

In today's tough economic times, schools are feeling the pinch. So it makes sense that a big consideration when comparing LMS vendors is cost. But a second key variable is just as important and that's content. In other words, what's included with the LMS you choose? If you have to make several purchases to get everything you need, costs will add up. You can simplify your choice among LMS vendors by focusing on what you get for what you pay.

LMS Cost Considerations

It's important to consider the cost for buying and installing an LMS and the cost for maintaining and upgrading it. These costs differ depending on what type of LMS you select. There are two major types of Learning Management System Ð the hosted LMS and the installed LMS. When comparing LMS vendors, be sure you know what type of software they offer.

An installed Learning Management System is purchased from an LMS vendor and installed on your own computer hardware. You are then responsible for managing and maintaining the system. In addition, these purchased software systems periodically need to be upgraded as the software evolves, another potential expense to consider when comparing LMS vendors.

An installed Learning Management System can be difficult to manage in terms of personnel costs and resources. School Information Technology (IT) staff will be expected to keep the system up and running 24-7 so teachers, students and parents can access the online classroom whenever they choose. Additionally, if the software is difficult to navigate, school IT personnel must also serve as a help desk for confused users.

Cost Containment

A less labor-intensive option is the use of a hosted Learning Management System. Hosted Learning Management Systems are operated, supported and maintained by a hosting provider located off site. This can be a great feature especially if your location is prone to disruptions in electrical service. With a hosted system, all your school needs for equipment are an Internet connection and classroom computers.

When comparing LMS vendors, find out if the vendor hosts its own software. Some LMS vendors will sell their software directly to you, but refer you to a hosting service. This service will charge you a per-user fee to host and support the LMS. Be sure you know what you are getting for this fee. Most hosting services have various pricing levels. For the lowest fee, they will host the software on their servers, but provide no technical support. In that case, you will still need to pay school IT staff to provide the "help desk" function. If you want technical support from the hosting service, you will pay more.

Only one LMS vendor provides free hosting and a comprehensive platform of online learning tools. That is IQity. IQity's Learning Management Suite is fully hosted. This means that there is nothing for schools to install, and no need for special equipment like a dedicated server. There is also no need for additional IT staff to monitor and run the system. Since IQity provides the hosting service, there is no additional fee to an outside vendor.

A Complete E-Learning Package

IQity is much more than simply a hosted Learning Management System. It has many features that make it ideal for both online schools and blended-learning situations in more traditional classrooms. For example, IQity has an extensive Learning Object Repository, Reactor, which teachers can use to find content for their online classes. Reactor is filled with materials aligned with state standards and available in a variety of formats, from videos to maps to audio files and virtual labs. Also included in the IQity Learning Management Suite is an online interactive webcasting tool for teachers and a messaging system that provides secure communication between teachers, students and parents.

To see how your school district can use IQity's complete Learning Management System, request an online demonstration guided by one of our e-learning experts.