Discovering Learning Management Systems: Basic Functions And Benefits

Discovering Learning Management Systems 

A Learning Management System (LMS) is an online system or software which is used to plan, execute, and assess a specific learning process. In simple words, software used in eLearning programs and which helps in administration, documentation, tracking, and recording. Learning Management Systems are used to maintain online collaboration over the internet. Colleges and companies use them to deliver online training; corporates use them for training purposes, as well as for maintaining employee records. Some use them to offer courses that provide students access to education, and some others as an online system which staff use to support course delivery and provide online learning and blended learning opportunities for students and employees.

Purpose 

The main objective of Learning Management Systems is to enhance the learning process. A Learning Management System not only delivers content, but also handles registering courses, course administration, skill gap analysis, tracking, and reporting. Most LMSs are web based and are used in various educational institutes and companies to improve classroom teaching, learning methodology, and company records. They are used in various industries and scenarios like in financial services, compliance training, computer based training, online assessment, collaborative learning, application sharing, and so on. Some LMSs also include a performance management system which encompasses employee appraisal, competency management, and skill gap analysis.

11 Benefits Of Learning Management Systems

1. Stream lined training process.
   Using a Learning Management System makes things easier for you, as it helps plan the training activities calendar which you can share with your learners, trainer, and co-administrators. By doing this you can maintain and improve your training process. An LMS also helps in getting trainer reports, which is a time consuming process when done manually.
2. Ability to deliver engaging and motivating training.
   This is a fact that each individual learns in a unique manner. If you apply different learning approaches, they increase your success rate. LMSs help in communication and balance the whole system.
3. Technology leverage.
   In this digital world the working system has totally changed. Today every employee is engaged with a laptop or desktop, and with the help of Learning Management Systems you make the training future ready; plus it becomes interesting and exciting for your target audience.
4. Centralized learning.
   It becomes easy to offer centralized source of learning to multiple users and the training, performance, and content can be accessed from the same source.
5. Tracking and reporting features.
   Another benefit of using an LMS is that you can enhance performance through tracking and reporting tools. New users’ progress can be tracked, records can be reviewed, and users can register for more than one course. Learning can be done through web based training. Management can access the records and calculate which area needs improvement. The learners also become aware of the areas that need improvement and additional efforts, as the weak performance areas, can be identified easily.
6. Evaluation capabilities.
   Users can evaluate courses before joining, and employers can keep a track of the retention levels and real time performance by periodically scheduling assignments.
7. Easy upgrades.
   Content and information can be easily upgraded, as Learning Management Systems offer a centralized location for information which makes it simple to implement changes; plus, all users get the same upgraded information at the same time.
8. Simplified learning process.
   An LMS refines the learning process. The systems are easy to use and a new user can figure out everything very easily, since help is built into the system.
9. Reduced cost and time saved.
   The right LMS can reduce the training costs in multiple ways as the trainer doesn’t need to travel now, so there are no boarding and lodging charges involved. The teaching cost reduces to great extent. Learning Management Systems save organizations’ and instructors’ valuable time and money through web based training.
10. Interactive environment.
    Through new online tools, the interaction and communication part improves. Learners get the answers in real time and the engagement is more geared toward being interactive.
11. Anytime, anywhere learning.
    Centralized uploading and online access ensures this. You can learn whenever and wherever you want to.

8 Learning Management System Features

Finally, some common features found in the majority of Learning Management Systems include:

1. Managing users, courses, roles, and generating reports.
   This helps uploading courses, assigning roles, and generating various reports.
2. Making a course calendar.
   This feature helps in managing the course activities.
3. Messaging and notifications.
   Users and trainers can send reminders and notifications, including upcoming training and events.
4. Assessments that can handle pre/post testing. 
5. Certification and display employees’ score and transcripts.
   This helps in maintaining training records of the learners, performance of the individual, and providing certificates to those who have completed training successfully.
6. Instructor-led course management. 
7. Administration. 
8. Competency management.
   With the help of this feature one can track and check the skills set of the team members and compare then against business goals.