Is Your University Ready for a New LMS?
If your LMS even remotely brings back memories of Windows 95, you can stop reading the rest of this article and save yourself some time. Why? Because if you answered yes without hesitation, yes, yes, yes, you’re ready!
Taking on another technology project may feel overwhelming, but keep in mind the risk of postponing the inevitable. Not only does an archaic LMS negatively impact student success and satisfaction, it also poorly reflects on your university’s brand.
As you assess whether or not it’s time for your university to move forward with new ed tech, consider the following tips. Oh, and make sure to keep students engaged during the process.
Engage Students and Faculty in the Decision Making Process
It can be easy for administrators to make decisions in a vacuum when time is of the essence, but slow down and poll the people who are or were actual users. Talk to the people who are actually using your learning technology. Set up focus groups and survey current students, ask your alumni and do user testing. Having your own primary research data on your LMS will be even more compelling to make your case for change.
Mobile First
Mobile is life as the Gen Z’ers and Millennials would say. If your LMS isn’t mobile responsive or you don’t have an app your students and faculty can log into, you are falling behind. Students want the ability to check assignment due dates, respond to an email, engage in a discussion and get push notification reminders whether they’re on the go or on the couch. Mobile first is the mantra for technology providers today, and it should be yours, too.
Is Your Current Platform Social?
Sure there are discussion forums on most LMS platforms. But don’t confuse that as being social. Today, students demand modern, simplistic and interactive social learning platforms that feel like the social channels they’ve been using for more than a decade.
University administrators should hop on Instagram, Facebook, and even Snapchat. Explore the social media sites students (and faculty) are using. A social learning platform with customizable features, personalized photos and a Facebook-like experience is what students demand today. Especially in a 100 percent online program, it’s important for students to feel a sense of community. “Seeing” their peers and faculty connects them and facilitates engagement.
Email is Old School
If your faculty members feel like it’s pulling teeth getting students to respond to emails, don’t worry. It’s not you; it’s them. Students barely check email! Today, they retrieve information from social news feeds, push notifications and messenger platforms.
Social learning platforms can transform how faculty and students communicate. Reduce email communication when possible. Notebowl allows many features that cut down on redundant emails between faculty and students. Allowing anonymous classroom participation is one way to reduce communication redundancies.
Make the Investment Now
EBITDA, profits and revenues, oh my! University administrators have financial goals and KPIs to hit each year. While a large upfront investment might pinch an annual budget, don’t think short term. Make the case for change and the investment now. Strive for the long-term improvements in student success, satisfaction, retention and completion rates.
Explore Outside of the LMS Industry Vets
There are no doubt a few gorillas in the learning management world with a large share of the market and brand recognition. But before you narrow your next RFP to these “big names,” explore the new solutions on the market today. Newer platforms like Notebowl are disrupting the old regime with user-friendly interfaces that feel more like social media than a learning management system. Request a demo of the Notebowl social learning platform to get a sense of the features that integrate with the tech students use everyday like Gmail and more.
It Doesn’t Have to Be as Daunting as You May Think
Thinking about implementing a new LMS for one course let alone an entire university can seem daunting. But don’t feel intimidated.
Modern platforms like Notebowl have simple API integrations. Our integration program is fast and easy, and clients get hands-on support with an implementation partner and dedicated customer support team.
With the proliferation of online universities and more traditional schools offering 100 percent online programs, it’s imperative to have a social learning platform that aligns with the technology trends and advancements of today. Those who invest in the student experience now will reap the rewards of increased student engagement, better student outcomes and happy alumni.
