Choosing The Right LMS For Every eLearning Course Format
Is your online course geared toward gamification? Or are you trying to boost group collaboration with in-course discussions and social learning? There's a tool for every type of eLearning strategy. But how do you know which Learning Management System (LMS) is best for your go-to method? The eLearning course format dictates which features and functions to consider for your new software. While live video calls for conferencing tools, weekly courses require calendars and virtual classrooms to facilitate knowledge sharing. So, let's look at tips to find the right LMS for 8 popular training course formats.
1. Social Format
A social learning LMS features discussion boards, social media integration, and group collaboration tools built in, which allow learners to interact with peers and exchange feedback from anywhere in the world. This also includes other features you'll see later in the list, such as live chat, discussions, and video conferencing or webinars, since these functions facilitate knowledge sharing and enable trainees to build a stronger team dynamic. Surveys and polls even fall into this category because they get trainees actively involved and spark conversation.
2. Weekly Format
If you opt for a weekly eLearning course format, you need an LMS with calendar features and possibly even virtual classrooms. This enables you to host weekly sessions with your team to bring them up to date. Automatic reminders and notifications are other crucial selling points to look for. You must ensure that trainees save the date and are notified of courses or discussions that resonate with them.
3. Topics Format
The topics LMS course format is more generalized. There are numerous features to consider when investing in a new tool. Among them are self-registration so that learners can create their own accounts and see what the LMS has to offer, as well as built-in course catalogs to organize your content and automated reporting to keep track of knowledge or performance gaps. Certification may even be valuable since it allows you to develop certifications based on relevant topics that align with organizational objectives.
4. Gamification
A gamification LMS must have templates for easy reward creation and advanced reporting to monitor employee progress. Since it can also be a social affair, make sure your new system has discussions so that trainees can engage in friendly competition. Another feature to add to your shopping list is offline mobile access. Employees should be able to participate in activities and earn incentives anytime, even when Wi-Fi is a problem. Lastly, verify that the system supports a wide range of rewards to cater to different preferences and interests, ranging from leaderboards to badges. Some trainees may be put off by steep competition, while others relish the thought of showing off and moving up in the ranks.
5. Live Video Conferencing/Webinar
Some LMS solutions feature built-in video conferencing tools, which is the ideal option for live events, workshops, and online meetings. You should also consider a tool with editing functionality to turn recorded events into library resources, as well as integrated assets to quickly incorporate images and background music into your video clips. In fact, why not take it a step further and invest in an LMS with authoring tools so that you can revamp all those outdated demo videos? Finally, make sure the system is intuitive since you might call on guest hosts (AKA staffers) to host training sessions.
6. Live Chat Option
The live chat training course format is one of the most interactive approaches, but it's usually paired with another delivery method. For example, you might pair chats with the weekly eLearning course format to provide ongoing peer-based support. The LMS should also have learning upload support, as mentors/coaches may have to share resources with their peers to achieve common goals. Plus, it's a great way to cut costs, since trainees provide much of the content. You can then recycle and repurpose what you already have to stretch your budget.
7. Course Discussions
The course discussions training course format is another collaborative strategy. Trainees chat with peers to expand their experience and knowledge base. But it's also a beneficial support system for struggling learners. They're able to log in to the system and ask questions to improve understanding. Course discussions are even a welcome addition to your live video conferencing events. Attendees interact with their peers during the session and provide feedback.
8. Learner Upload
We mentioned this eLearning course format briefly, but it deserves its own section. The learner upload LMS course format is all about employee contributions. Trainees generate their own content and add it to the LMS for the benefit of their peers. Be sure to look for an LMS with admin approval. That way, you know the content is accurate and in line with your training objectives and brand image. A tie-in feature that can boost your ROI is reusable content, where employees can use existing assets or the LMS resource library to develop new content and reduce spending.
Conclusion
There's a Learning Management System for every training course format. You just have to identify your needs and objectives beforehand to find a tool that's worth the investment. It's also a good idea to get input from your L&D team regarding their preferences and expectations. Then compile a list of must-have features and develop a realistic budget to guide your research efforts. Don't forget to sign up for a free trial or demo, too. It's the best way to gauge the usability of the platform and its overall user experience.
Search by features, use case, and industry to find the LMS that's just right for your course format. Our online directory has listings for all the leading platforms. You can even read reviews to cross items off your list or expand it with new, cost-effective solutions.
