Published on: 05 Jul , 2023

What is A No-code LMS and How to Build Your Own LMS?

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Sinduja Krishnakumar

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Once upon a time, in the land of learning, there was a problem. Organizations struggled to create engaging, custom learning platforms. They needed a wizard to wave a magic wand and conjure the perfect custom Learning Management System (LMS). Yet, only a few know how to build an LMS without coding.

We are here to lift the curse. No-Code LMS makes creating a cutting-edge learning platform easy. It also improves course management. This handbook is your magic wand, casting a spell to turn your learning program into Hogwarts!

Join us to discover more about No-Code LMS and learn how to build your learning management system. So, summon your curiosity, fasten your seat belts, and dive into the mystical world of No-Code LMS!

What is No-Code LMS?

A No-Code LMS is a platform where you can create your own LMS without coding or any tech stack expertise. This DIY approach to LMS enables anyone to build LMS from scratch.

Without any coding tools, you can develop an LMS tailored to your target audience. All you need is a development team that knows its way around the user interface, and you're good to go!

But, how does it fare against other types of LMSs?

What Are The Different Types of LMS?

LMSs can be classified into No-code SaaS LMS, On-premise, and Open-source LMS. Let's see how these three types of LMSs differentiate:

Category Open SaaS LMS On-premise LMS Open-source LMS
Setup Installation-free quick setup Setup by installation. Cannot build without a dev team.
Maintenance Maintained by the vendor through auto-updates. Install new updated versions. Self-maintained.
Customization Standard but a lot of options for customization. Cannot be highly customized without the vendor’s help. Fully customizable.
Costs Involved Flexible monthly and annual subscriptions. High upfront one-time payment. Free to build on, but needs dev resources.
Best For Companies that want a hassle-free, scalable solution. Companies who want the LMS in their local network. Companies with a high customization priority and huge dev team.

Step-by-step Guide to Building Your Own LMS

Building your own LMS doesn't have to be complicated. In fact, with the right approach, you can implement a powerful learning platform in just 6 strategic steps. Let's walk through the complete LMS implementation process:

Step 1: Define Your Customer Training Goals

The foundation of any successful LMS begins with clear objectives. Ask yourself:

  • What specific problems are you trying to solve?
  • What metrics will determine success?
  • Who are your target learners?

For example, if you're struggling with an inefficient customer onboarding process, set a measurable goal like "reduce onboarding time by 20% within the next quarter." This clarity will guide every subsequent decision in your LMS journey.

In the meantime, do a deep-dive analysis to identify your audience's requirements, preferences, and potential challenges. This research phase is akin to finding the perfect recipe for your gourmet dish.

Step 2: Choosing the Right LMS Platform

Selecting the perfect platform requires careful evaluation of your options. This is where creating a formal LMS Request for Proposal (RFP) becomes invaluable. An RFP helps you:

  • Define exactly what you need in an LMS solution
  • Evaluate vendors systematically
  • Compare features and pricing across platforms

As John Leh, CEO and LMS selection consultant at Talented Learning, explains:

"Think of an RFP as an invitation to participate in the purchasing process... It is a document that buyers send to relevant suppliers, outlining the business need, buying parameters, and requirements."

Step 3: Create Structured Learning Paths

Now that you've selected your platform, it's time to design the learning journey. Create structured courses that guide learners from basic concepts to advanced skills in a logical progression.

An effective approach combines multiple learning methodologies:

  • Structured course pathways: Organize related content into sequential modules that build upon each other
  • Learning levels: Create beginner, intermediate, and advanced tracks based on user roles and expertise
  • Flexible progression: Allow learners to move at their own pace while maintaining a coherent learning journey

Consider implementing a multimodal learning or blended learning strategy that engages different learning styles through varied content formats.

This approach recognizes that people learn differently - some prefer visual demonstrations, others learn by reading, and some need live sessions to learn better.

Step 4: Develop Engaging LMS Content

The quality of your eLearning content will ultimately determine the success of your LMS. A study by Gloria Mark found that the average attention span of a human is 47 seconds.

In an era where short-form videos rule social media, it only makes sense for customer educators to adopt microlearning content to increase engagement and not bore their learners with loads of information at one go.

Interesting fact: Out of 44,570 videos created on Trainn in the past 2 years, 55% (24,604) are bite-sized learning content between 2-5 minutes in length.

Step 5: Setup Critical LMS Integrations

LMS integrations transform your LMS from a standalone platform into a central hub in your customer education ecosystem, enhancing both functionality and user experience.

Examples of LMS Integrations include:

  • Single Sign-On (SSO): Provides seamless access without additional login requirements
  • CRM integration: Connects customer data with learning pathways
  • Video conferencing: Enables live training sessions within your platform
  • Analytics tools: Helps track learning effectiveness and ROI

Check out our LMS Integrations article to learn more about it.

Step 6: Test and Launch

Before serving your gourmet dish, you need to taste it. Similarly, conduct thorough testing of your LMS before launching. Check functionality, usability, and availability across devices.

Ensure that everything works as intended and that the learning experience is seamless.

Step 7: Gather Feedback and Improve

Launching your LMS isn't enough. Just as a chef listens to their customer's feedback, they play the same role. Monitor your users' experiences, gather feedback, and make the necessary tweaks.

Continuous improvement is key to keeping your LMS engaging and relevant.

Best Practices for Building Your Own LMS

Here are some tried-and-true recommendations:

User-Centric Design

Keep users in mind throughout the learning management system development process. Make it easy to navigate and provide information that is useful to them.

Keep It Simple

Less is more when it comes to e-learning. Focus on creating a learning management system that is easy to use. Maintain a neat, uncluttered, and straightforward layout.

Make it interactive

Add games, quizzes, or discussion boards to increase interest. You can expect better learning outcomes from gamified learning systems.

Leave room for future LMS growth

Prepare for expansion. Make sure your LMS can grow with your company and your training needs.

Consistent Updating

Regular updates will ensure your content remains current and useful. Your users will be more interested and likely to return if you do this.

Make it available

Create your own LMS available on various devices and operating systems to attract more people.

With the help of the ground-breaking No-Code LMS, organizations, trainers, and employees can take charge of their online learning initiatives.

Creating your own No-Code LMS might seem like a Herculean task. But it's more of an exciting adventure with the right approach. It's a journey of discovery, creativity, and learning - like the process we're trying to facilitate!

Remember, your LMS aims to create an enriching, engaging, and effective learning experience for your users. With a user-centered approach, a pinch of creativity, and a dash of patience, you're good to build your own LMS masterpiece.

You need a pro partner to help you with video content to achieve these. Let Trainn help you to shoulder your LMS journey!

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