There can be a host of reasons why you’d want to get a learning management system (LMS) for your organization. Perhaps it has grown to a point that traditional, class-bound tutorials or training sessions are now unworkable – the number of participants has become too great or they’re living and working remotely. Perhaps you want to lift the game strategically or simply want to move into a digital space.
Whatever your situation, an LMS is one of the most effective and efficient ways to deliver training materials and organize skills development. Of course, that only happens when you get the most from your learning management system which means you need to choose wisely when deciding what’s right for your organization. Let’s explore features to consider when making a learning content management system.
Go Offline
Not all students follow the same learning curve. Paced or asynchronous learning lets pupils complete coursework in their own time and is one of the most valuable reasons to use an LMS. Going offline frees them from being present for a lecture, and frees the lecturer to complete more coursework. Leveraging online resources and self-learning modules gives students control over their study time and improves engagement.
Go Mobile
Another reason that makes an LMS invaluable is mobile functionality. Students who can participate in courses from any location can take their studies with them wherever they go. This is especially helpful for distributed teams where learning can continue between appointments and in different time zones.
Go Video
Digital communications facilitate one-on-one tutoring and enhance learning experiences. Integrated, onboard video conferencing is a valuable communication tool that will help stimulate student interaction and improve results. Housed within the LMS, you avoid the cost of an external communications service.
Get Creative
From interactive video presentations to gamification, an LMS presents an opportunity to get creative with classes and courses. By stepping into a digital space, your training becomes dynamic and engaging in ways a classroom simply isn’t.
Perform and Track
Data is everything when understanding how effective your courses are. Being able to chart performance, skills, certification, progress, and completion is one of the most important tools an LMS can offer. It lets you analyze the success of your course, adapt as required, and measure the return on your investment.
Pricing Comparison
Don’t jump at the cheapest option or get an LMS that is so feature-rich it over-complicates the experience. Think about what’s right for your organization and your students, and make use of an LMS pricing comparison website.
LMS v LCMS
Finally, what’s in an acronym? Quite a lot. Surprisingly, an LMS requires external software for course creation whereas an LCMS (the C stands for Content) has this feature built-in. Choosing between an LMS or LCMS depends on how you create eLearning modules, and what you’re willing to spend.
These are just a few of the reasons why a learning management system will help you get the most from the training programs at your organization. Take the time to unlock the full potential of an LMS because when you do, everyone benefits.
