The dizzying selection of LMS sizes and functions available on the market may be a little overwhelming. But with a little forethought and planning, choosing one shouldn't be difficult.

Write down the number of courses, faculty, administrators, and sessions that will be included in the LMS course. Consider also, will the course be exclusively for internal use, or will you be vending it to outsiders? Do you need it to be standards compliant, and what information do you want to track on the LMS?

In narrowing the list of LMS providers, modification and self-assessment features are a must. Strong LMSs offer not only physical and online training, but also help organizations evaluate procedures and practices.

An LMS can stimulate the growth of your organization. By causing you to reassess your approach to training, you may also find that some business procedures and practices are due for an update or redefinition.

The other way to wrap your brain around the seemingly endless array of LMS providers, besides getting clear on what your organizational needs are, is taking the time to understand precisely what each system provides. Each LMS is created differently.

Now let's say you've chosen a LMS, and training is in process. Creating an interactive learning experience will carry a greater impact for your students. Also, be sure to establish early communication between learners and the trainer, including pre-course basic training on how to make one's way through the online course and LMS.

Many elearning software providers, like Coggno, offer video tours of different functions and features within the system. These serve to orient users and create a comfort level with the software. The same technique is effective with elearners; videos can aid students in their early navigation of the LMS and online course.

In conclusion, even the most cutting-edge technology is only worth something if it offers something real and valuable to an organization. In order to benefit from what an LMS can offer, its features need to be grasped by the trainers and administrators themselves. Effective LMS online courses require familiarity with the user interface and features, and with your organization's specific goals for the training system.