We are in the process of investigating an inexpensive LMS software for our company that we can use with Articulate. We are looking for something that we can purchase and download in house. Our budget is a one time payment of less than $1000. We looked at Training Manager from KZSoftware. Anyone use this one? Or have another that you can recommend. We are not looking for anything that you have to pay monthly and we want to be able to assign trainings and track them.
A lot of our clients use LearnShare (learnshare.com) as their LMS. LearnShare now offers a streamlined version of their LMS which is significantly cheaper. We also do a lot of LMS admin for our clients, and working in this LMS is very intuitive, etc. Good luck.
I use Efront (efrontlearning.com) for most of my projects. They have both Open Source and paid versions. It works very well with Articulate. Many others use Moodle which is also a good Open Source solution.
If you're an independant seller, this might be interesting. I'm not sure how long this pricing will last either, seems too reasonable and too good to be true ($39) I don't need this type of thing and I'm considering signing up just to explore it.
We are looking for an open source LMS that works well with SCORM 1.2 courses generated by Articulate. We don't need any group or learner-learner collaboration because our system provides certificate courses for individuals. Some courses need to meet state/federal requirements like the amount of time learners spending in the course, etc. We have strong software development resources that could customize the open source LMS. However, we would like to select the one that is easy to be customized to meet our business requirements. What LMSs do you think we should consider?
Hi, we use Moodle which works well with Articulate products. Supports SCORM 1.2 and limited 2004. The main investment is time in configuring and customising the LMS. With Module 2.x there are better themes (free!) to help Moodle look a little more exciting then it use to look!
How would one sync a local LMS with an online LMS? Say I have some classes (kids) that access a local moodle install and then I want to sync their information to an online version for their parents to check their results? I don't want to manually post the results because it seems like double work....stupid question?
P.S Moodle 2.x will be slower to adopt than previous iterations because many ISP's don't yet fully support PHP 5.3 (i think that's the version) Which is what the latest version of moodle wants. The main problem with free LMS is that they look, well, to put it bluntly, boring as hell!
Sorry forgot to add that I read this on wikipedia about Blackboard
"A survey conducted by CUNY's undergraduate studies program, involving 1,500 students across New York City, reveals that Blackboard online application is unfavorable. Students only use it because it is the only option, and claim the web application is bloated, not intuitive, and behind on the times in terms of website design. One undergraduate says, "Sure, it gets the job done. I get access documents and notifications from professors. But, there are features in Blackboard that we never use. Mainly because they are hidden within the website, taking as much as 4-5 clicks to reach. Secondly, they seem half-baked, and all-in-all unusable"
Thanks Vispi and Garry for your suggestion. Our resources are more familiar with Java than PHP, therefore if the leading PHP-based LMS is not much better than the leading Java-based one, we prefer to choose the Java LMS. With a little research, we know some open source LMSs like OLAT, SAKAI are in JAVA. Does anyone have experience with customizing those systems with SCORM 1.2 content generated by Articulate?
I think for me the only reason I don't use a Java based system is because of the Java updates. Well let me re-phrase, because some software will work on one version of Java and another will want the newest version. Also some banks tend to use Java. (Yes I know they shouldn't be using an outdated Java version but in reality not everyone has an up to date PC)
So if I've created a course and my LMS uses the latest version of Java does that mean the viewer would need the latest version? Basically the less the clients need to do from their side the better, it's easier for me to deal directly with my ISP and their PHP settings than dealing with a client and their outdated Java (especially if they have other software on their pc's dependent on Java)
Maybe someone can clear that up for me - Does using a LMS with Java mean clients / people using my LMS site will need a correct Java version (I assume yes)?
I think for me the only reason I don't use a Java based system is because of the Java updates. Well let me re-phrase, because some software will work on one version of Java and another will want the newest version. Also some banks tend to use Java. (Yes I know they shouldn't be using an outdated Java version but in reality not everyone has an up to date PC)
So if I've created a course and my LMS uses the latest version of Java does that mean the viewer would need the latest version? Basically the less the clients need to do from their side the better, it's easier for me to deal directly with my ISP and their PHP settings than dealing with a client and their outdated Java (especially if they have other software on their pc's dependent on Java)
Maybe someone can clear that up for me - Does using a LMS with Java mean clients / people using my LMS site will need a correct Java version (I assume yes)?
Brian: I think the Java LMS alone does not require Java update on the client side if the LMS does not use Java Applets (which should only be used to provide sophisticated interactive GUI like gaming to clients). Regardless of the development platform (Java, .NET, PHP, etc.), the client should receive the same HTML web pages (all the platform specific activities are processed on the web servers before the server generates HTML pages to send to client). However, if the course content use Java Applet or needs Java to run then it will require Java update on the client side regardless of the LMS platform.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Amir: Thanks for sharing. Totara seems closed to what we are looking for: focus on individual assessment and compliance rather than group/class/between-learners collaboration. Could we be able to heavily customize Totara based on our specific need? If we could do that, what is the annual subscription fee for (http://www.totaralms.com/services/subscription-options)?
35 Replies
A lot of our clients use LearnShare (learnshare.com) as their LMS. LearnShare now offers a streamlined version of their LMS which is significantly cheaper. We also do a lot of LMS admin for our clients, and working in this LMS is very intuitive, etc. Good luck.
I've used Litmos.com with pretty good success.
Hello there..
as far as I know, Training Manager is not an LMS...
Litmos.com is really good, one of the best quality/price choice. Learnshare is very popular, too...
It really depends on whether you need an hosted LMS, or you have an IT dept wanting to run a LMS inside your company...
take a look to this forum discussion: http://community.articulate.com/forums/p/3469/18780.aspx#18780
Hope it helps
Hi,
I use Efront (efrontlearning.com) for most of my projects. They have both Open Source and paid versions. It works very well with Articulate. Many others use Moodle which is also a good Open Source solution.
Kind regards
Danny
If you're an independant seller, this might be interesting. I'm not sure how long this pricing will last either, seems too reasonable and too good to be true ($39) I don't need this type of thing and I'm considering signing up just to explore it.
http://ruzuku.com/
Moodle is open source with no licensing cost. It might require some initial investment to adapt to corporate requirements.
Totara is a Moodle distribution which is already adapted to corporate needs.
See here:
http://totaralms.com/
Its supports SCORM and AICC content published by Articulate, and enables reporting on e-learning results.
Hi Robert
You mentioned Litmos in your reply, we've been looking at that system. Have you any experience of using it to host elearning for multiple clients?
Hello all,
We are looking for an open source LMS that works well with SCORM 1.2 courses generated by Articulate. We don't need any group or learner-learner collaboration because our system provides certificate courses for individuals. Some courses need to meet state/federal requirements like the amount of time learners spending in the course, etc. We have strong software development resources that could customize the open source LMS. However, we would like to select the one that is easy to be customized to meet our business requirements. What LMSs do you think we should consider?
Many thanks,
-Ha
Hi, we use Moodle which works well with Articulate products. Supports SCORM 1.2 and limited 2004. The main investment is time in configuring and customising the LMS. With Module 2.x there are better themes (free!) to help Moodle look a little more exciting then it use to look!
Vispi.
Hi All,
Can I suggest you look at Dave Moxons' Articulate eLearning Blog at http://daveperso.mediaenglishonline.com/
He has a nice little review of a range of articulate friendly LMS's (including free one's and Moddle)
Here is some LMS information I wrote a while ago - it may help.
Tier 1 LMS
Saba (ThinQ*)
Plateau Systems
SumTotal Systems (Pathlore Software*)
Oracle iLearning
Affiliated Computer Services
Tier 2 LMS
SAP
Peoplesoft - Oracle
Learn.com
KnowledgePlanet
IBM LearningSpace
Meridian KSI
WBT Systems
Cornerstone OnDemand
GeoLearning
Vuepoint
Tier 3 LMS
BlackBoard (WebCT *) Educational specific - (Could be considered Tier 2 for University sector penetration)
OutStart - (Defence penetration)
Breeze * (now called Adobe Connect)
Janison * (TAFE LMS called My.TAFE)
DOTS - Dynamic Online Training System (WebRaven)
Southrock – Talent2
LearnFrame
Sharepoint - Share Point Learning Kit - http://slk.codeplex.com/
GeoMetrix Training Partner 2000:
Question Mark Perception
articulate Online
Avilar
LearnerWeb
Isoph Blue
Intellinex
Open Text
* because we may still find instances of these products in the market place
Extended LMS players
Evolution Learner Manager (ELM) (OutStart Inc.)
IntraLearn XE (IntraLearn Software Corp.)
Intranet U Enterprise Learning Management System (Intranet U)
iPerform (Integrated Performance Systems)
LMSLive (Wizdom Systems Inc.)
Novations Ready Solutions LMS (Novations Learning Technologies)
OnTrack for Training Product Suite (DKSystems)
Syntrio Enterprise LMS (Syntrio)
Tracker.Net (Platte Canyon Multimedia Software Corp.)
Training Partner 2003 (GeoMetrix Data Systems Inc.)
Virtual Training Assistant (RISC)
WebMentor LMS (Avilar Technologies Inc.)
Xtention Learning Management System (Xtention Inc.)
Here is the recommended LCMS List
Adaptive Tutoring Systems
Aspen Learning Experience server
Knowledge producer
Knowledge Planet KP2000:
OutStart Evolution **
Logic Builder
Leading Way
Total Knowledge Management
Vuepoint **
Hive – Harvest road
Blackboard**
** in LMS list also
Open Source (Free) LMS
Moodle
Dokeos
eFront
There is quite a few school/teacher LMS/CMS
Schoology
Nfomedia
Edu2.0
MyiCourse
LectureShare
SchoolRack
eLearning Community 2.0
Ecto
Chalksite
CollegeBrain.net
Yes the list is not perfect and yes I know there has been some LMS consolidations - However, it may start you in the right direction.
Cheers
Gazzzz
I have a question relating to this:
How would one sync a local LMS with an online LMS? Say I have some classes (kids) that access a local moodle install and then I want to sync their information to an online version for their parents to check their results? I don't want to manually post the results because it seems like double work....stupid question?
P.S Moodle 2.x will be slower to adopt than previous iterations because many ISP's don't yet fully support PHP 5.3 (i think that's the version) Which is what the latest version of moodle wants. The main problem with free LMS is that they look, well, to put it bluntly, boring as hell!
Sorry forgot to add that I read this on wikipedia about Blackboard
"A survey conducted by CUNY's undergraduate studies program, involving 1,500 students across New York City, reveals that Blackboard online application is unfavorable. Students only use it because it is the only option, and claim the web application is bloated, not intuitive, and behind on the times in terms of website design. One undergraduate says, "Sure, it gets the job done. I get access documents and notifications from professors. But, there are features in Blackboard that we never use. Mainly because they are hidden within the website, taking as much as 4-5 clicks to reach. Secondly, they seem half-baked, and all-in-all unusable"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackboard_Inc.
Hi ,
Just joined the group - so a bit of a newbie!!
One of my clients has just purchased Knowledge Presenter's LMS. It is an Australian product.
It is great and cheap for what you get ! My client spent about a year looking for an LMS and kept coming back to this one !
They even give you a 30 day free trial:
http://www.knowledgepresenter.com/assets/lmsmain.htm
It actually works great with Articulate and Captivate courses - no problem with SCORM -.
They even host, provide support and training and a helpdesk!
The guys in the UK are even experts in elearning - a perfect one-stop shop !
www.e-learningstudios.com
forgot to mention they have a great online University with lots of while papers :
http://www.knowledgepresenter.com/kpuniversity/x/kplme/KPLMEXThirdPartyLessons.pdf
Thanks Vispi and Garry for your suggestion. Our resources are more familiar with Java than PHP, therefore if the leading PHP-based LMS is not much better than the leading Java-based one, we prefer to choose the Java LMS. With a little research, we know some open source LMSs like OLAT, SAKAI are in JAVA. Does anyone have experience with customizing those systems with SCORM 1.2 content generated by Articulate?
I think for me the only reason I don't use a Java based system is because of the Java updates. Well let me re-phrase, because some software will work on one version of Java and another will want the newest version. Also some banks tend to use Java. (Yes I know they shouldn't be using an outdated Java version but in reality not everyone has an up to date PC)
So if I've created a course and my LMS uses the latest version of Java does that mean the viewer would need the latest version? Basically the less the clients need to do from their side the better, it's easier for me to deal directly with my ISP and their PHP settings than dealing with a client and their outdated Java (especially if they have other software on their pc's dependent on Java)
Maybe someone can clear that up for me - Does using a LMS with Java mean clients / people using my LMS site will need a correct Java version (I assume yes)?
Hi Cori,
Have you checked Moodle?
Its freeware, but needs some customisation. But can be customised to look great. It has lots of functionalities and a great community.
Hi Kulari,
Could you give us some links of good looking moodle installs?
Hi Brian.
You can check out some of the LMS case studies on our site.
http://www.kineo.com/moodle/totara-moodle-lms.html
We use Modole and Totara (a Moodle distribution geared towards the corporate world).
More examples visible in this youtube movie: http://youtu.be/HcmH50uR_s4
Amir
Thanks Amir
You guys look pretty big - I'll definitely keep Kineo in mind. I've bookmarked this site.
Glad to be of help, Brian.
We also work closely with articulate. For instance:
http://www.articulate.com/community/showcase/?page_id=212
http://www.articulate.com/blog/announcing-articulate-presenter-community-skins/
and
http://www.kineo.com/he/kineo-press-releases/kineo-articulate-storyline-event.html
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Brian: I think the Java LMS alone does not require Java update on the client side if the LMS does not use Java Applets (which should only be used to provide sophisticated interactive GUI like gaming to clients). Regardless of the development platform (Java, .NET, PHP, etc.), the client should receive the same HTML web pages (all the platform specific activities are processed on the web servers before the server generates HTML pages to send to client). However, if the course content use Java Applet or needs Java to run then it will require Java update on the client side regardless of the LMS platform.
Amir: Thanks for sharing. Totara seems closed to what we are looking for: focus on individual assessment and compliance rather than group/class/between-learners collaboration. Could we be able to heavily customize Totara based on our specific need? If we could do that, what is the annual subscription fee for (http://www.totaralms.com/services/subscription-options)?
Thanks,
-Ha
Thanks for clearing that up!
I would also be interested to know this.
Does anyone have any experience with or knowledge about LatitudeLearning.com LMS?