So, now you’ve concluded, after much deliberation, that yes, e-learning is right for your organization. But as you were searching for e-learning solutions, you frequently see this term coming up—the learning management system. What is a learning management system and is it necessary for your organization to have?
What is a Learning Management System?
Before you determine if you need a learning management system, you first need to know what it is. A learning management system, or LMS, is “a software application for the administration, documentation, tracking, reporting, and delivery of educational courses, training programs, or learning and development programs“. Simply put, it’s your centralized platform to deploy and track your e-learning initiatives.
Of course, not all LMS are created equal. Some LMS roles can be modified depending on your organization’s requirements. But the main function remains the same. You can also think of it as a vast repository where you can store and track information for your online learning.
Why Should You Have a Learning Management System for Your Organization?
Now that you know what an LMS is, you may be wondering if you should get it. Here are some reasons why you need to have a learning management system for your organization!
Keep all your content in one place
As previously mentioned, you can think of an LMS as a vast repository where you can store and track information for your online learning. It’s a big hassle to track and monitor your online learning initiatives if they’re not in the same place. By having a learning management system, you store your content in one place, reduce the risk of losing important data, and make it easy to organize. It also makes it easy to update the content you have. Just upload the updated information or material in the LMS, and everyone can only access only the new content. You don’t have to worry about whether each learner is up-to-date with the information they need to have.
Ease of access
Since an LMS serves as the host for all of your content, once you upload the material, all users (unless specified) can access it. Plus points if you can connect your LMS to cloud storage. This allows any user to access information, data, or anything else through the cloud storage system.
Another advantage of having a learning management system for your organization is that, generally, you can access it through any device. You—or your learners—don’t have to worry if they don’t have a computer. Most LMS can be accessed even through devices such as smartphones or tablets.
Real-time updates and advanced reporting
One feature of LMS is that it gives you real-time updates. You can track the progress of learners in the course material. You are updated once they take an assessment and what are the learners’ results.
These systems can also create, personalize, and download detailed reports of a learner’s progress and performance. It can give you even details such as how long did a learner finishes the course, track their understanding of the material, etc. And, depending on your LMS, you can also get reports for groups.
Multi-media learning
There are different types of learners. Some learn better through visual aids such as videos and images. Others, however, learn better by listening. Some learners prefer to read materials to better understand them. Having an LMS will allow you to have more learning methods. You can upload content in various formats such as text, images, videos, and audio. Some learning management systems also have discussion boards or forums, where learners can interact and discuss with their co-learners and even mentors regarding the topic. Multi-media learning increases comprehension, practicality, and engagement.
Cost and Time Efficiency
Just like with e-learning for students, the cost is reduced when you use an LMS. You don’t have to spend on things such as location rentals, food, and printing of materials. You also get a lot of mobility to attend lectures since the actual presence of the teacher and learners can be bypassed at the same time.
Since an LMS provides mobility to learners, it’s also more efficient for their time. For example, your learner may already have the knowledge or skills of some course content. The LMS allows them direct access to a different course so that they can have more efficient learning time. If you’re worried that a learner skips a valuable course part, you can integrate tests to test their knowledge of a certain topic, and if they pass, they can move on from that part.
And because a learning management system can be accessed anytime and anywhere, your learners don’t waste time commuting (plus traffic) to the training location. Learners can also take the course at a time most convenient for them.
Now you know the reasons why you should have a learning management system for your organization. It’s time to start looking for one! Just make sure that you carefully evaluate each option to make sure that it will help you achieve your goals.
If you’re looking for an alternative learning system or an e-learning system for your organization, the LearnED, a learning management system powered by People Dynamics, is just for you! Match your remote learning needs using LearnED. For more information, email us at solutions@peopledynamics.ph or contact us through our website.
