What Is A Learning Management System?
A Learning Management System (LMS) is a content management platform that streamlines learning plans, delivery, performance tracking, and outcome evaluation. Companies typically use an LMS platform for employee training initiatives, but several educational institutions also leverage it for seamless learning and development.
Given how online learning has become synonymous with upskilling in almost every industry, the applications of LMS platforms are practically limitless. From creating and managing course content to reviewing advanced reporting for detailed insights, LMS makes the learning process simpler, impact-driven, and easily deployable. This streamlines upskilling for organizations as they can seamlessly provide the same training to different teams as needed
The Top Learning Management Systems Benefits
Learning Management Systems are an integral part of the eLearning design and development process, especially if you have a large audience and a great deal of subject matter to deliver. If you’re still undecided about whether a Learning Management System is right for you, here are just a few of the most convincing reasons why every learning professional should have a Learning Management System (LMS) at the ready.
1. Organizes eLearning Content In One Location
Instead of having your eLearning content spread out over different hard drives and devices, you can store all of your eLearning materials in one location. This reduces the risk of losing important data and makes it easier to create your eLearning course. Every member of your eLearning team can also access the information if you’re using a cloud-based Learning Management System, thanks to the fact that it’s all stored on the remote server. This makes Learning Management Systems a natural fit for online collaboration.
2. Provides Unlimited Access To eLearning Materials
Once you upload your eLearning course materials onto the LMS and publish them, your audience has unlimited access to the information they need. Even those who are on the go can log in to the eLearning platform via their smartphones and tablets, so they don’t have to wait until their next online training session to develop skills and perfect work-related tasks. This is one of the main reasons why an LMS is essential for global audiences in different time zones.
3. Easily Tracks Learner Progress And Performance
The best Learning Management System gives you the ability to keep track of learner progress and ensure they are meeting their performance milestones. For instance, if an online learner is not able to successfully complete an eLearning scenario, you can offer them supplemental resources to improve their performance or learning behaviors. Most Learning Management Systems feature reporting and analytics tools that allow you to pinpoint areas of your eLearning course that may be lacking and where it excels. If you discover that many of your online learners are struggling throughout a specific online lesson, for example, you can assess the eLearning content and make modifications if necessary.
4. Reduces Learning And Development Costs
A Learning Management System gives you the power to do away with instructor travel costs, online training site rentals, and printed eLearning materials. Your online learners can carry out all of their training online, which means that you can save a sizable sum on your Learning and Development budget. For example, you won’t have to worry about printing out 500 manuals and booking a hotel room for your instructor, because all the information your online learners require is right in the LMS.
5. Reduces Learning And Development Time
A Learning Management System can even reduce online training times, thanks to the fact that it gives online learners the information they need in a direct and organized manner. Instead of having to sit through a lengthy half-hour online training course, online learners can simply click on the online modules they need and absorb the knowledge in a fraction of the time. They can also assess their understanding by taking online exams or quizzes, participating in interactive scenarios and simulations, and watching eLearning videos that highlight complex processes or tasks. The result? Higher employee satisfaction and more efficient learning while saving time.
6. Keeps Organizations Up-To-Date With Compliance Regulations
If your organization must stay up-to-date with current compliance regulations, then a Learning Management System can be an invaluable tool. Compliance laws change regularly, and updating a traditional course to reflect these changes can be time-consuming. However, using a corporate Learning Management System allows you to add new compliance standards to your online training course within minutes. As such, your corporate learners can always be aware of the latest compliance rules that they need to be aware of, so that your organization avoids costly penalties. In addition, you have the power to ensure that every employee is on the same page regarding expectations and company policies, which boosts customer satisfaction and decreases employee turnover rates.
7. Quickly And Conveniently Expands eLearning Courses
If you want to add additional online modules to your eLearning course to update information based on new trends or scientific evidence, you can simply log in to the Learning Management System and make the necessary modifications without redoing your entire eLearning course. All of the content is in one location, which allows you to change only the master eLearning course and then deploy it to all your online learners. This feature is in stark contrast to a traditional course, where you would have to send every member of your audience an updated manual or updated handouts.
8. Integrates Social Learning Experiences
A Learning Management System makes it easy to integrate social learning into your eLearning strategy. Since the LMS is already online, you can include links to Facebook and Twitter pages, LinkedIn groups, and online forums that may benefit your learners. You can also market your eLearning course on social media to attract new learners and create eLearning exercises that center on peer collaboration.
Remember that finding the ideal LMS for your needs is the only way to reap the benefits of a Learning Management System. So, take advantage of free trials, research the features and pricing options, and read reviews from other eLearning professionals who have had experience with the tool. Doing this will allow you to get the most out of the Learning Management System and create successful eLearning courses. You can also get an LMS quote tailored to your needs in about three minutes. This simple 5-step process will help you find the user-friendly Learning Management System that works best for you.
Looking for cloud-based LMS solutions for your eLearning project? Read the article Top 10 Cloud-Based Learning Management Systems For Corporate Training to discover cloud-based Learning Management Systems worth checking out.
Conclusion
All the aforementioned benefits point to one thing: yes, LMS saves time, but it also enhances the learning experience to aid both learners and their organizations. Learners upskill quickly, have immediate access to any eLearning material they need, and can explore related topics on other online forums to expand their knowledge. Meanwhile, organizations save resources on Learning and Development (L&D) efforts, upscale teams consistently, and build a workforce with a deep understanding of compliance, company policies, and their industry standards.
If you’ve been on the fence about implementing an LMS platform for your eLearning initiatives, these top benefits indicate that you must make changes. Whether you work with remote or in-office teams, these benefits clearly indicate how an LMS can help you streamline your L&D strategies and deliver learning experiences aligned to your organization's goals and employee structures. And if you need help, here’s a list of top LMS options to get started.
