As a small training provider, we’ve been exploring various tools to streamline our program delivery. Already users of Asana for organizational project management, we decided to test its capabilities as a learning management system (LMS). Initially, Asana seemed promising for managing module program details, sharing resources, and facilitating project group collaboration and communication among participants. We used it to provide module programs, instructions, resources via links and attachments, and as a platform for project groups to manage their work and communication.
However, our trial has revealed several challenges that are causing us to reconsider whether Asana is the right platform for our Learning Management System Training needs.
These are the key issues we’ve encountered:
User Confusion
Firstly, we found that Asana can be confusing for new users. Ironically, those who are less tech-savvy and could benefit most from clear guidance are also less likely to seek out tutorials or help resources.
Formatting Limitations
Basic formatting within tasks and subtasks is surprisingly limited. The lack of bold text and other formatting options makes it difficult to emphasize important information within task descriptions.
Subtask Hierarchy Visibility
The subtask hierarchy is not readily visible. Users can only see the first level of subtasks, requiring extra steps and instructions (like “CLICK ON SPEECH BUBBLE”) to indicate the presence of deeper subtasks. A hover menu or a clear display of hierarchy would greatly improve usability.
Attachment Limitations in Subtasks
Attaching files directly to subtasks is not straightforward. Workarounds are needed to link attachments within subtask descriptions, adding to the clunkiness and potential for user confusion.
Collaborator Limits
Asana’s limit of 15 guests/collaborators per project/task is restrictive for larger training programs. We had to split our group of 20 participants into separate projects, hindering cross-group interaction within the platform.
User Experience and Design
Finally, Asana’s interface, while functional, feels somewhat dated. Modernizing elements like hover menus and overall design could significantly enhance the user experience for learning management system training.
In conclusion, while Asana offers some flexibility, its limitations in user-friendliness, formatting, subtask management, and scalability are significant drawbacks for effective learning management system training. We are now evaluating dedicated LMS platforms to better meet our training delivery needs.
