The organization of distance learning is a complex process that everyone who launches courses faces. Create content, think through logic, work out interactive tasks, prepare tests or other methods of verification, structure, and place it all — there is a lot of work hidden behind each product. LMS platforms help to cope with many tasks.
LMS systems, competing with each other, are constantly evolving and adding new features for learning. Branding, micro-learning, calendars, chats, tools for mentoring or pairing — these and other features can be found on different platforms. Technology and functionality are one of the main criteria that you need to rely on when choosing services. In this article, we’ll talk about what does LMS mean and discuss its features and use cases.
What is LMS?
LMS or learning management system is a SaaS platform that helps to administer, automate the learning process, and deliver courses, training, or programs to the audience. Technology is an important component of effective learning around the world: it allows you to close most of the requests of students and helps to perceive information better.
From a practical point of view, you are creating an educational environment. Depending on the functions of the service, different training systems and features can be implemented. For example, gamification allows you to increase the percentage of completion of the course, increase the results and productivity of students. Entertaining elements help overcome previous negative learning experiences and stimulate development.
LMS is something like your own online university. The system helps you create and store courses and study materials, makes them available to students, and helps you and your students evaluate your results and adjust the process accordingly.
Types of LMS platforms
Modern Learning Management Systems are divided into 2 types:
- Cloud LMS. An online platform that is used on a subscription basis. This is a popular option among e-learning companies as it is very cost-effective. Benefits include reduced IT costs, need of fewer resources to manage and operate, scalability options, and low hosting fees.
- “Boxed” LMS. Designed from the ground up, the learning management system fully controls the features and data available on the LMS platform and makes it easy to add new ones. The disadvantage is that such software will require a lot of time to work, and technical knowledge to configure, maintain and make changes.
LMS features
The set of LMS features depends on the specific service. However, on most modern systems, you will see the following items:
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Course management
A good service allows you to organize LMS, categorize them, add materials, connect users, prepare quick reports, etc.
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Task automation
Many learning management tasks can be automated, from testing and sending notifications to onboarding new users and deactivating accounts.
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Certification
Tracking the professional growth of an employee is one of the main responsibilities of an HR manager. Pre-designed tests and assessments that can be taken online help to simplify it.
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Content preparation
Course builder, program structure analysis, tasks addition, automatic tasks checks — the LMS should have all the tools for content development.
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Elements of artificial intelligence
Big data and AI help personalize learning.
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Intuitive interface
A good LMS focuses not only on ease of development, but also on the UI for the audience to deliver the best UX.
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Gamification
Even if training is aimed at adults, game mechanics are one of the main factors in improving its effectiveness.
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Reporting and analytics
In order for the learning process with LMS systems to be effective, you need to constantly work with statistics, track student results, and check how the material of different lessons is learned.
How can you use LMS?
Here are some examples where using a learning management system would be a good idea:
1. Onboarding new employees
With an LMS, you can automate employee onboarding. You just need to create an immersion program in your corporate realities once, and then assign it to all newcomers.
2. Compliance training
An LMS can help you keep your employees up to date on regulatory requirements. With the learning platform, it’s easy to update your curriculum — you can add new compliance standards to your online course in just a few minutes.
3. Increasing employee awareness of your products
The system allows you to conduct training on products just in time, immediately after the release of new products, as well as update previously created courses.
4. Sales training
A learning management system can help you teach sales reps in different offices and regions how to sell better. You can develop their hard and soft skills through dialogue simulations and SCORM courses (a collection of specifications and standards developed for distance learning systems).
5. Knowledge base
All learning materials are stored in one place. Even if employees don’t take the course, they can easily find the information they need on demand. This is especially useful for companies that need to train salespeople on a wide range of products.
Conclusion
Explore the features and functionality of these systems to improve and innovate digital learning activities in your business. Continuing education through software has a number of positive effects on any business. Employees can constantly boost their skills and stay on par with their peers. Learning both management and content management systems help increase the knowledge of your team, improving your business as a whole.