A learning management system (LMS) is a software application that handles all aspects of the learning process – housing, creating, delivering and tracking learning. An LMS has 3 core functionalities:
- Learning facilitation and goalsetting (user-based intention).
- Learning assessment and management (instructor-led process).
- Supporting learning as part of workforce plans (organisational).
The learning needs of adults are incredibly diverse and directly impacted by personal priorities, lifestyle, health and employers, among other things. To ensure learning is a priority and engaging, you need to think about how an LMS can help facilitate, motivate and engage its users. This can be achieved in two ways:
- Self-directed learning. Also known as asynchronous learning, self-directed learning involves an LMS providing a framework for individuals to undertake training at any time on any device. It encourages the creation of a thorough understanding for oneself, not just for an assessor. It helps make learning a meaningful experience and not something mechanical.
- Social learning. Studies have found that regular interaction through a learning platform creates more meaningful learning opportunities and fosters learning communities. Also known as synchronous learning, social learning is informal and sees learners validate new knowledge by sharing it and affirming it against others’ understanding.
We’ve moved from an educational dynamic in which the learner-teacher relationship is outcome-oriented and based on a power structure, to one that is rooted in collaboration and process focused. The core ethos of the LMS has always been that the learner is not a passive actor, but rather the driver of learning.
This evolution meant that early LMSs couldn’t outrun their user-related limitations. The most innovative changes in LMS technology have occurred as the first tech-savvy generation entered the workforce (yes, we mean millennials). Today, rather than being a tool solely for learning, the LMS supports all areas of the business. The future is less about learning environments and more about human-centred learning experiences.
Understanding what differentiates an LMS from other eLearning systems comes down to what the LMS can actually do. The features of an LMS are what drive its functionality. Most LMS vendors service certain industries, so they are more comfortable with or focus energy on the features that complement those industry activities. As such, think about your own business needs and goals and what functionality you might need to support them.
While the following is not an exhaustive list, it’s a jumping off point of features you should think about when shopping around.
- Learning pathways: These are an individualised approach where instead of creating a course load for an entire learner cohort, you create one to address the skills or knowledge gaps of one. They group content in increments so learners can obtain knowledge in a logical way. Alongside addressing skills gaps, pathways can be designed to address the needs of specific job roles.
- Reporting analytics: A user-friendly dashboard for reporting and performance tracking helps you monitor things like training initiatives, progression and completion rates. Reporting gives you the data to determine the impact and effectiveness of your current resources and pathways. Robust reporting capabilities can be used to forecast the learning resources you may need in future or to mitigate future problems.
- Gamification: Essentially a tool for motivation, gamification incentivises the learning process and seeks to change behaviours. Successful gamification triggers a desire for mastery, autonomy and completion amongst peers through real-time feedback, which drives behavioural change. The more learners are rewarded for innovative problem solving, the more it will become an intrinsic skill to think outside the box.
- Anytime, anywhere accessibility: Bring-your-own-device compatibility is key to ensuring learners can actually complete training at their own convenience. Screen and device-friendly design isn’t just about serving the needs of a dispersed workforce, it’s also crucial for learners with disabilities. Many organisations are using legacy intranets or old networks that are no longer supported by new software products.
While there are a lot of things you should ‘do’ when comparing LMS features, there are some things you should ‘not do’ as well.
- Judge by hype: Innovation for innovation’s sake is not valuable. For example, virtual reality may be enticing, but it isn’t easy to develop nor particularly affordable. It is best reserved for things like flight or emergency training.
- Expect the same result as others: Reading case studies, success stories and use cases are an excellent gauge of what an LMS and its vendor could do for you. Keep in mind that every client is different, and their results need to be considered in context.
- Consider every feature a ‘must have’: You’re only setting yourself up for failure if you decide all features are crucial. Features should serve a functional purpose and address your needs and goals in some form. By cramming all features in, you end up with a bloated system that over-complicates the user experience
- Rely on brand: Just because the brand isn’t famous, doesn’t mean a product isn’t right for your needs and budget. Judge by their reputation amongst current clients to gauge their quality of service.
- Resist foreign processes: Fear of change and growing pains are universal and normal. They can be mitigated with buy-in, training and a demonstration of exactly how the new process will improve users’ lives.
- Unknowingly hold bias for current system: If you believe your current LMS is the worst out there, even the most average LMS will look great. Likewise, thinking you have the best LMS obscures your ability to see a better fit for your evolving needs.
For a more in-depth look at learning management systems and comparing their features, have a read of our full eBook here.
