What are the best ways to gain experience in LMS administration?

1 Take online courses

One of the easiest and most accessible ways to gain experience in LMS administration is to take online courses that cover the basics of LMS functionality, features, and best practices. There are many free and paid courses available on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, and Skillshare that can teach you how to use popular LMS platforms like Moodle, Canvas, Blackboard, or LearnDash. You can also find courses that focus on specific aspects of LMS administration, such as course design, assessment, analytics, or accessibility. Taking online courses can help you familiarize yourself with the LMS interface, tools, and workflows, as well as give you a certificate of completion that you can add to your resume or portfolio.

2 Volunteer for LMS projects

Another way to gain experience in LMS administration is to volunteer for LMS projects that match your interests and skills. You can look for opportunities to help out with LMS tasks in your current or previous workplace, such as creating or updating courses, enrolling learners, troubleshooting issues, or generating reports. You can also reach out to local or online organizations, such as nonprofits, schools, or community groups, that need LMS support or guidance. Volunteering for LMS projects can help you apply your learning to real-world scenarios, as well as build your network and reputation as an LMS administrator.

3 Join LMS communities

A third way to gain experience in LMS administration is to join LMS communities where you can learn from and interact with other LMS professionals and enthusiasts. You can find LMS communities on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn, as well as on forums, blogs, podcasts, or webinars. You can also attend LMS events, such as conferences, workshops, or meetups, where you can network and share your insights and challenges with LMS experts and peers. Joining LMS communities can help you stay updated on the latest trends and developments in LMS, as well as get feedback and advice on your LMS projects and questions.

4 Experiment with LMS platforms

A fourth way to gain experience in LMS administration is to experiment with different LMS platforms and features that interest you. You can sign up for free trials or demos of various LMS platforms and explore their functionalities and capabilities. You can also create your own LMS projects, such as courses, quizzes, badges, or gamification elements, and test them out on different platforms and devices. You can also use LMS plugins or integrations that enhance or extend the LMS functionality, such as video, audio, animation, or interactivity tools. Experimenting with LMS platforms can help you discover new possibilities and solutions for LMS administration, as well as develop your creativity and problem-solving skills.

5 Seek LMS mentorship

A fifth way to gain experience in LMS administration is to seek LMS mentorship from someone who has more experience and knowledge in the field. You can find an LMS mentor through your existing network, such as your colleagues, managers, or instructors, or through online platforms, such as MentorCruise, MentorCloud, or eMentor. You can also ask for LMS mentorship from someone you admire or follow in the LMS community, such as a blogger, podcaster, or speaker. Seeking LMS mentorship can help you learn from the best practices and mistakes of others, as well as get personalized guidance and support for your LMS goals and challenges.

6 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?