Learning management systems (LMS) have been around for a while. Restricted mobility and the need for social distancing have amplified their demand. If you are in the market looking for LMS software, you must have come across several options. Here we compare the three most popular options – Moodle, Edmodo, and SuccessFactors.
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How’s Moodle as LMS?
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Moodle-logo.svg
Of the three, Moodle is the only one that is free and open-source – an advantage the other two can’t match.
With an array of modules and plug-ins, educators can configure Moodle to suit their requirements. Its interface, although a bit dated, is easy to use and intuitive. The drag-and-drop functionality is a favorite among the less-technical users.
It’s when you encounter a technical issue the weaknesses of Moodle start to surface. The free and open-source software that it is, it doesn’t have the same level of customer support as a paid service. The lack of support means you need to have an internal team to deal with technical issues that may arise.
The other downside is its inability to cater to large groups. If you have multiple courses or learning tracks, you wouldn’t be too happy with Moodle.
So, to who will Moodle make perfect sense?
If you are a startup with a limited budget and a small team, Moodle is the best choice. However, you must enough in-house talent to configure an open-source software to meet your requirement.
What’s Edmodo like?
Edmodo’s got a clear USP – collaborative learning. If you are looking for an LMS that facilitates it with features like file sharing, content storage, and communication tools, look no further.
Its unlimited content storage feature saves the effort of using a different system. Administrators can better invest their time, otherwise spent on paperwork.
The icing on the cake for its collaboration-seeking users is its brilliant interface. It’s unmistakably familiar to popular social media platforms. It encourages student participation and allows them to connect and interact with each other. Therefore, in many aspects, Edmodo bridges the gap between digital and physical classrooms.
Although it’s user-friendly, it does have a few sharp edges. It does not allow users to reorganize the files once they auto-sort them. The slow image upload speed is another area of concern.
Even as the learners have several ways to upload their assignments, it doesn’t offer the instructor a convenient way to track submissions.
The cost is another deterrent for smaller businesses. For $2,500 a year, it is expensive for new players in emerging markets. To get the users started, it offers a free version with limited features and analytics.
Is Edmodo the right choice for you?
If your training demands collaboration, Edmodo is the LMS for you. If you are unsure, familiarize yourself with the free version before paying for it.
How do users like the SuccessFactors LMS?
Unlike the other two, SuccessFactors’ LMS finds its origin in an HR platform – founded in 2001 and acquired by SAP America in 2011. It’s now called SAP SuccessFactors and Learning is its training platform.
If you use the SuccessFactors suite for the HR function, Learning is your best bet to offer employee training programs. It comes with a ready KPI system and can easily integrate with the SuccessFactors suite.
Given its origin, Learning is focused solely on employee training programs. If you wish to run academic courses, it isn’t the one for you.
Also, the UX is far from intuitive. To its credit, it offers enough customization options. However, finding your way around will take time and effort. Unless you are familiar with SuccessFactors, you might have to spend a lot of time learning about the ‘Learning’ platform.
Like all things business, you need to shell out quite a bit to use the Learning for the employee training program. At $55 per user per month, it isn’t cheap.
Can SuccessFactors’ Learning LMS help your business?
If you are a SuccessFactors customer, the answer is a resounding yes. Else you must be prepared to invest time and money to extract the best that Learning offers.
Which is the best LMS?
Moodle, Edmodo, and SuccessFactors have different strengths.
| LMS | Moodle | Edmodo | SuccessFactors Learning |
| Strengths | Free and open source Customizable Easy UI | Enables social learning Intuitive social media like UI Unlimited content storage Makes interaction within users possible | Focused on employee training KPIs are linked to SF HR platform and is easy to integrate |
| Weaknesses | Customer support isn’t great Best for smaller groups and limited courses | Paid version is expensive Lack of flexibility | Sub-par user experience Not suitable for academic course Expensive as a standalone tool |
| It’s for you, if | You are a small startup and have an in-house tech support | You are a relatively large player and require social learning features | You are an existing user of SuccessFactors platform |
If you aren’t a SuccessFactors’ HR platform user already (and do not plan to), Learning makes little sense. That leaves us with Moodle and Edmodo.
Moodle is the one to go for if you have a depth of software talent but not deep pockets. Its best suited for startups with small teams. With customization options, you can use it for academic courses also.
If collaborative learning is your top-most priority, pick Edmodo. With its unlimited content storage feature, you can easily cater to the needs of a relatively large team. It helps you save time spent on administrative work. It’s the most complete of the three but comes at a cost. Considering the feature list, it’s money well spent!
If you wish to explore more options, please check out the list of LMS software here.
