What People Hate About Learning Management Systems
Without a doubt, Learning Management Systems are an essential tool for L&D professionals. Likewise, they give online learners constant access to the resources they need and facilitate personalized eLearning experience. However, there are some things that eLearning pros and audience loath about LMS solutions. Here are the 5 most common complaints about Learning Management Systems, as well as tips to overcome them.
1. Navigability Is An Afterthought
One of the top reasons why people hate Learning Management Systems is the challenging navigation. The controls aren't intuitive, and the interface leaves much to be desired. And this applies to both ends of the spectrum. eLearning professionals aren't able to use the system to design eLearning courses. While online learners struggle to progress through the eLearning course or access the online training materials they need.
Top tip: This tip is a two-parter. Firstly, you need to start with an LMS that offers a user-friendly interface that aligns with your team's needs. For example, some platforms feature a single-page design, while others have side panels to streamline navigation. Once you've found an intuitive UI, you need to focus on customization. For instance, integrating brand imaging and familiar navigation icons. This ensures that your online learners can get the information they require without having to search for hidden buttons and links.
2. Lack Of Social Interactivity
Online training can be lonely. Some online learners may even feel isolated from their peers, or that they are disconnected from the community. This can all be attributed to a lack of social interactivity. Humans are social creatures. We like to communicate and collaborate with others, as well as share our experiences. However, a locally hosted LMS that doesn't support social learning may stand in the way of an effective training culture.
Top tip: Choose an LMS that seamlessly integrates with social media and other online collaboration platforms. For example, some cloud-based options allow you to integrate blogs, online discussions, and online group collaboration projects into your eLearning course design. You can also encourage social interactivity by hosting virtual webinars and other live events.
3. Boring User Experience
Online learners need to be engaged in order to get the most out of the Learning Management System. They need interactivity and immersion to truly connect with the subject matter. Unfortunately, some LMS solutions don't support these dynamic course elements, and this leads to learner boredom and frustration. As a result, they are unable to absorb and assimilate the main takeaways.
Top tip: The key is to invest in a Learning Management System that has a rich asset library. For example, serious game templates or cut-out characters, online learners can relate to. At the very least, your new platform should be able to support interactive online training content, like branching scenarios and simulations. In addition, you have to research your audience to find out what makes them tick. What motivates and inspires them to achieve their goals? How can you incorporate their interests into your eLearning course design? Once you have the answers to these all-important questions, you can develop engaging content that grabs their attention.
4. Lack Of Accessibility
Modern online learners use their mobile devices on a daily basis. In fact, most of them spend a great deal of time with their smartphones and tablets. Therefore, the LMS must be able to keep up with their busy lives and provide mobile-friendly resources. Otherwise, online learners may not have the opportunity to develop their skills or expand their knowledge. Especially if they're always on the go.
Top tip: Responsive Learning Management Systems allow you to deploy multiplatform-friendly online training content that's accessible on any device. You create a single layout with breakpoints, and the system automatically displays the version that's suitable for the device. For example, laptop learners see a version with larger buttons and text blocks. Smartphone users get an eLearning course with optimized images and more compact text, which is ideal for smaller screens. It's also wise to survey your audience to gauge their accessibility preferences. This allows you to create specific breakpoints based on common devices, instead of having to create versions for every screen size and resolution.
5. Inadequate Tracking And Reporting Features
This LMS pitfall affects online learners and eLearning pros, alike. Online learners aren't able to track their own progress and identify personal gaps, while eLearning professionals can't gauge their effectiveness of their course design or monitor the online learner’s performance. As a result, inadequate reporting and tracking features has a negative impact on every aspect of the eLearning experience. Nobody gets the measurable data they need to make meaningful changes or pinpoint training pain points.
Top tip: Reporting and analytics are an important consideration when choosing an LMS platform. Make sure that your new system has the metrics you need. Preferably, customizable reports that enable you to track your learning objectives. The tool should also give online learners the opportunity to monitor their progress. For example, personal learner dashboards that provide a detailed overview of the scores, completed courses, and badges. Lastly, ask the vendor how the reports are delivered. Can you view them quickly via your admin dashboard? Do they send them via email? Can you download them as PDF files, or convert them into graphs and charts?
As is the case with anything, there are some downsides to using an LMS platform. However, you can turn the hate around and make the eLearning experience great with the help of these tips. It all starts with the right LMS that is feature-rich and offers an intuitive UI. This allows you to lay the groundwork for a successful eLearning course.
Adobe Captivate Prime LMS helps you deliver stimulating learner experiences. Go live instantly with the Fluidic Player that plays virtually any eLearning content seamlessly regardless of what format may be; PPTX, video, PDF, and DOCX files, or AICC, xAPI, SCORM packages. Improve retention by allowing learners to make revision notes in the Fluidic Player for future referencing. Enable learners to consume content in online or offline mode, on any device, and track their progress using a personalized dashboard. Apply your enterprise brand colors to key interface elements or choose from attractive themes to change the look and feel of your UI.
