Learning may be a lifetime activity that starts from the start of one’s life and only ends when one stops breathing. Although there are different approaches to learning, the important thing is that learning remains administered no matter the approach. When online learning or eLearning became the norm of the day, it is vital to have a better understanding of the different learning management system available out there.
Interestingly, learning management systems have featured in several beginner’s guides, tip sheets and other eLearning articles. However, many still don’t know what the term stands for, its benefits, functions and its features. Hence, through this article, you’ll determine all that is needed to have a clear understanding of Learning Management Systems.
What is an LMS?
A Learning Management System is software used for tracking, documenting, reporting, automating, and delivering educational courses. The system is usually important within the learning and development of programs or training programs or within the purview of an educational institution. The systems are designed to use reporting and analytical data to spot lapses in learning and training programs amongst learners or students.
These management systems are tailor-made for online learnings and that they operate in web-browsers through a secure sign-on process. With these seamless systems, both tutor and students can have access to courses on the go while administrators also can track the progress of the training program simultaneously.
Functions of LMS
While the general use of Learning Management Systems is for tracking and managing learning projects, its functions can differ from one organization to the other. For example, some educational institutions might prefer a practical approach towards learning while the other institutions might be behind the theoretical concepts. Hence, the function of Learning management systems depends majorly on users’ objectives, educational institution’s approach, training strategies and their desired outcomes.
With the adoption of the internet or e-learning by the overall populace, organizations now use LMS to coach and equip their students. Most LMS have in-built eLearning tutoring tools which enable tutors to create online training materials all by themselves.
Some functions of LMS include:
Course Creation
With an LMS, you can easily create courses for students. These include training materials like lesson and course document, video or audio content according to your syllabus, which will be properly arranged into modules that constitute Course Materials for your particular syllabus. It also allows users to take surveys, quizzes and conduct examinations effectively so that the learner’s performance can be assessed diligently and effectively.
Analytics and Reporting
Another important feature of a learning management system involves crunching the data it gathers from its end-users. This enables you to trace online training initiatives and their results. These analytics allows you to form more informed decisions about your courses whether or not they are still on target or they might make need some adjustments.
Responsive Design
One of the essential features of LMS which makes it attractive to current-day students is its Responsive designs. Students are present across various digital mediums like- smartphones, tablets, cell-phones, laptops etc. Hence the has to be designed in a way it seamlessly interacts with the end-user irrespective of the medium the user prefers. The design of LMS should cross-platform and responsive, giving everyone the power to seamlessly interact with the system
Social Learning Support
Most learning management systems make it possible for learners to interact with other learners on an equivalent platform. Discussions about assignments, projects, course videos, teacher-students interactions are possible through Social Learning Support. Social Learning Support ensures that students have an interactive learning platform so that the user experience is enhanced.
Also Read: Socialising the eLearning platform through the new EdNET-Me app.
While almost all Learning Management System in the market offers the above-mentioned features there are only certain Learning Management System that goes a step beyond and offers a 360’ experience to its users. These LMS comes with certain power-packed unique features like Dynamic Digital Library, White Labelled App for colleges, Industry-ready skill courses and Skill-based job opportunities/internship opportunities for fresh graduates. These features enable the end-user to realise all the goals which he/she might have for learning. Choosing such LMS will ensure a better future for your students. After all, Learning Management Systems has become an essential tool in today’s digital world.
Author: Hari Bala Mariappan
Bio: Hari Bala Mariappan is an experienced Digital Marketing Strategist with more than 4+ years of experience across various fields. Having a passion for Gadgets and Technology in general, Hari likes to write about Digital Technology and Transformation. Other than being a Digital Marketing Strategist and writer (from time to time) he likes to explore the field of Photography, Anime and Travel. To get to know him better you can visit his LinkedIn Profile.