A learning management system (LMS) streamlines and facilitates online learning. It is an e-learning application that can be used to teach processes or skills, saving time and effort.
Organizations of all sizes use LMS to provide training to employees, ensuring legislative and internal requirements are met.
A LMS has a user-friendly interface that instructors and students use for the learning process. Through this (usually) web-based programme, instructors are able to deliver teaching content and assess student performance every step of the way. Some LMS applications are even able to host interactive features like video conferencing and chat forums.
How Does a Learning Management System Work?
Think of an LMS as a storehouse where relevant information can be deposited, tracked and accessed. All the user needs to engage with the learning material is an ID and password.
An LMS platform is primarily used by an organization to manage knowledge (often referred to as KM or knowledge management). With an LMS, companies can collect, organize as well as share their data and knowledge on an online hub. This knowledge can be accessed and analysed by various members of the company. An LMS can be designed to fulfil different roles for different companies. So, the final design could vary depending on the training strategies and aims of that particular organization.
What Are LMS Platforms Used For?
Employee Onboarding
A popular use of LMS platforms is to train new employees. Recruits are able to access training material through a range of devices. Employers can assess their performance and identify areas where their trainees excel or where they may need assistance.
Extended Enterprise Training
Beyond the onboarding process, these systems are often used for ongoing training. For instance, customer training is a key area for many organizations. Here, users need to learn how the system operates before they can confidently use a new product. Customer training is quite important as it improves the customer’s overall experience and subsequently, contributes to brand loyalty.
Employee Development and Retention
Learning and upskilling are important for employees. An LMS can be helpful here as well. Current employees can be assigned courses to upgrade relevant job skills. It can also be used to ensure that employees are up to date on any changes that have been made to a product or to brush up on existing features.
For example, if new privacy legislation is introduced, trainers can create a section about that, add it to the onboarding process, and also require all existing employees to complete that module too.
Benefits of an LMS
Learning management systems are used by organizations and businesses of all sizes to help their employees learn company-specific skills or to upskill in their field. Besides saving time and money, this form of e-learning is an improvement on traditional teaching methods as it allows instructors to easily manage a range of elements like user engagement, calendar, and content.
It Overcomes the Limitations of Traditional Learning Methods
Trainees don’t need to spend the entire day at a center to sit through lessons. Instead, they go through their courses on their own schedules. In turn, employers don’t have to spend time and effort to set up physical training centres with full-time instructors. With these systems, learning material is distributed effectively.
Generally, LMS can come in a variety of languages and also play information so that visually impaired people can still access what they need to.
Instructors Can Keep Tabs on Learner Progress
Besides being able to transcend the limitations of traditional teaching practices, instructors can monitor each learner’s progress at every stage. Updates to the material can be made with minimal hassle and personalisation of the training is also possible.
It Eliminates Several Administrative Tasks
Several mundane and time-consuming administrative functions can be eliminated with this process. Instead of time being spent on tasks like enrolment and certifications, the focus is on the learning itself.
It Provides a Single Source of Accurate Data
Companies are able to securely organize their big data in one place. This centralized system makes it easier to update learning material and put together an effective and consistent training pathway across the organization, no matter its size. To ensure that all this data remains secure, learning management systems use encryption.
What are the Different Types of Learning Management Systems?
- Cloud-based learning management systems are hosted on the cloud. Vendors are in charge of the maintenance and technical updates. These systems operate on the ‘Software as a Service’ model and offer users access to their systems from anywhere with just a few login details.
- Self-hosted LMS platforms require users to download software onto their device. Here, the users have more control and can customise the system to a greater degree. But they are also in charge of all the maintenance. Updates to the software may incur additional charges.
- Desktop and mobile application LMS platforms are installed on the user’s desktop or mobile device, respectively. A desktop LMS could be accessed on other devices as well. A mobile LMS enables users to engage with their learning material from almost anywhere.
Payment models for learning management systems can include freemium, subscription and licencing. In the freemium pricing model, the basic features are available for free and a fee is charged to access the advanced features. The subscription model charges a recurring fee at pre-determined intervals. This could be a blanket fee for the entire organization or charged per system user. The licensing model could be charged annually or as a sum that is paid upfront to grant the organization lifetime access.