How can you ensure your institution's IT infrastructure is ready for LMS selection?

1 Assess your current IT capabilities

The first step is to assess your current IT capabilities and identify any gaps or challenges that might affect your LMS selection. You need to consider factors such as your network bandwidth, server capacity, security standards, data backup and recovery plans, and IT staff availability and skills. You also need to evaluate your existing software and hardware systems, such as student information systems, academic platforms, communication tools, and devices, and how they will interact with the new LMS. You can use tools such as surveys, audits, benchmarks, and analytics to gather and analyze data on your current IT situation.

2 Define your IT goals and priorities

The next step is to define your IT goals and priorities for the LMS selection process. You need to align your IT goals with your institution's vision, mission, and values, as well as with your pedagogical and administrative objectives. You also need to prioritize your IT needs and preferences, such as scalability, reliability, accessibility, usability, compatibility, and customization. You can use tools such as SWOT analysis, SMART goals, and stakeholder mapping to clarify and communicate your IT goals and priorities.

3 Determine your IT budget and resources

The third step is to determine your IT budget and resources for the LMS selection process. You need to estimate the total cost of ownership of the new LMS, including the initial purchase, installation, maintenance, upgrade, and support costs. You also need to identify the sources of funding and the allocation of resources for the LMS project. You can use tools such as cost-benefit analysis, return on investment, and budget planning to calculate and justify your IT budget and resources.

4 Develop your IT requirements and specifications

The fourth step is to develop your IT requirements and specifications for the LMS selection process. You need to specify the technical features and functions that you expect from the new LMS, such as hosting options, integrations, security, accessibility, performance, and support. You also need to define the standards and criteria that you will use to evaluate and compare different LMS options. You can use tools such as checklists, rubrics, and matrices to document and communicate your IT requirements and specifications.

5 Engage your IT stakeholders and partners

The fifth step is to engage your IT stakeholders and partners in the LMS selection process. You need to involve your IT staff, faculty, students, administrators, and external vendors in the planning, testing, feedback, and decision-making stages of the LMS project. You also need to establish clear roles, responsibilities, and expectations for each IT stakeholder and partner. You can use tools such as surveys, focus groups, interviews, demos, and pilots to solicit and incorporate input and feedback from your IT stakeholders and partners.

6 Monitor and evaluate your IT outcomes and impacts

The final step is to monitor and evaluate your IT outcomes and impacts of the LMS selection process. You need to measure and report on the IT performance, satisfaction, and benefits of the new LMS, such as uptime, speed, usability, security, and learning outcomes. You also need to identify and address any IT issues, risks, or gaps that might arise during or after the LMS implementation and integration. You can use tools such as dashboards, reports, surveys, and analytics to track and assess your IT outcomes and impacts.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?