Conventional training methods like in-person group training can be problematic, as not everyone learns at the same pace; it also necessitates more expenditure and resources. Moreover, your organization may not get the desired results either.A Learning management system can deliver the results you desire, and is quicker and more economical than offline training. And also a LMS can improve online training by providing a centralized platform for delivering and managing educational content which also increase the learning experience. The shift to online learning was also precipitated by the global COVIS-19 pandemic.
An LMS is an online learning platform that is becoming increasingly popular with businesses of all sizes as it allows employees to learn and gain skills at any time and from anywhere. Well-defined training materials like videos, PDF files, and presentations can be made available for on-demand training. Online LMS is also becoming popular in education, especially where one-on-one training has to be provided, government organizations, and so on. LMS software contains many features which make it an enjoyable activity, and allows users and trainers to evaluate trainee performance.. As it offers better and easier access to learning, an LMS improves learner engagement significantly.
An online training management system allows instructors to create and deliver content, to supervise trainee participation and evaluate their performance. An LMs is primarily used for knowledge management. However, the specific function of the software in any organization will vary as per its training goals and strategies. Employee training and onboarding, enterprise training including training for partners and customers are some of the most common applications of learning management systems. Of course, an LMS should be user-friendly and platform agnostic; those are given. What other features should an LMS ideally contain? Let us take a look:
Dashboards allow trainers and learners to see important information regarding the courses and student progress, based on their access rights. Admins can configure settings, and allocate courses, and managers can see things like course status and progress KPIs, and manage learners. Trainees can see what courses they have enrolled for, courses coming up and their status, tests required for course completion and getting certificates, and so on. Students can also open a virtual classroom and attend a lecture.
Mobile phones are an extension of individuals today, and you simply cannot ignore this medium. Continuous learning is crucial now and if you do not make your LMS mobile friendly or have an app for LMS, you are losing the opportunity to reach trainees on the device they prefer. By offering this additional channel for learning, you can definitely reach a wider audience, and make it super convenient for them.
SCORM stands for Sharable Content Object Reference Model, and it is one of the most used methods to standardize content in Learning Management System. SCORM references the existing standards and informs developers how they can used together. Ensure that your LMS can upload SCORM course files instantaneously, and the entire process must be simple. Different SCORM versions govern two things mainly-packaging content and run-time communication. It allows you to create content just once and use it in different situations and systems..
As the name suggests, this is a combination method. It incorporates some elements of conventional learning along with modern methods via technology in LMS. Classroom sessions can be replaced by webinars or podcasts, for example. This multi-dimensional approach helps deliver content for trainees with different needs.
How will you know how well your trainees are learning? With assessment tools of course. These will enable tracking progress and ensure that your learners complete the course satisfactorily. Different types of tools include essays, true/false assessments, quizzes, short answers, multiple choice questions, etc.
Learning, when incentivized with gamification, will deliver engaging experiences that will motivate trainees to complete the course in time. Gamification helps in goal setting, uses milestones and recognizes achievements. It also promotes healthy competition with elements like leaderboards, badges, points, and more. LMS gamification can promote knowledge retention, engage learners, and move them through the modules quicker, helping you maintain compliance and attaining your training objectives as well.
Let us take a quick look at Gamification elements:
AI enables learning and development teams to work smart, with content suggestion, virtual coaching, auto-tagging, and so on. It facilitates self-sufficient learning, with paths being more personalized. Admins can focus more on program improvement rather than implementation. Virtual coaching are actually proactive tools that assist learners and guide them in the learning activities, delivering tailored experiences. AI chatbots can converse with learners and direct them towards content that is relevant for them
Video conferencing is essential for training programs in the post-pandemic scenario, as remote working and remote learning have become more commonplace. It is not possible for employees living far away to travel just to learn some new information or regulation. With video conferencing integration in LMS learning management system, you can overcome this problem easily.
Social media is an inextricable part of our lives, and most of us are connected to the world through LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or other sites. Ergo, it is desirable to have an LMS that engages trainees through social learning; not only does it make the process more engaging, but it also delivers a superior learning experience. Learners are encouraged to share training experiences and knowledge, facilitating communication between trainers and trainees. This communication enables learners to support one another and increase knowledge, and helps them to learn the company values and culture
This is a very valuable feature of a learning management system, which lets you understand the impact your training has. Reports can highlight data on learner progress, test results, survey responses, and other assessments. You should be able to schedule or export reports to be sent straight to your inbox, and use the reports to recognize trends and highlight improvement opportunities. Reports can also help you understand what users want to learn, and the method of learning.
An LMS can offer several benefits to both learners and trainers, and of course, organizations:
A learning management system is an online learning platform mainly used by businesses to train employees about company rules, government regulations, products, etc., and by educational and government institutions as well.
We are likely to see a greater use of AI and automation, more video conferencing, blended learning, mobile learning, and globalization (multiple language localizations, currencies in payment gateways, etc.), and growing communities of learners.
LMS offers several benefits like savings in cost and time, compliance maintenance, tailored training experiences, engaging learning experiences, and higher staff retention.
Some of the best solutions in the e-learning market are Docebo, Swift LMS, IPIX LMS, Lessonly, Paradiso, Abara, and Paycor.