Introduction Have you ever stopped and asked yourself what is a Learning Management System? Simply put it is a comprehensive software platform designed to facilitate the delivery, administration, and tracking of online learning courses and training programs, adding an eLMS into your eLearning program can have many benefits. I’m sure eLearning already plays a crucial role in your workplace by offering cost-effective and scalable training delivery. This has the knock on effect of fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability in your ever-evolving workplace. In this article, we will delve into the diverse range of LMS available in the modern business world, exploring the essential features to consider when choosing an LMS. We also provide you with valuable insights on optimising the LMS use within your organization and how your LMS administrators can effectively implement both new and existing LMS platforms. Types of Learning Management Systems There are three main types of Learning Management Systems (LMS) available in the market, each catering your different needs and preferences. Some common types of LMS include: Cloud-based LMS: These LMS solutions are hosted on the cloud, allowing your LMS administrator(s) to access and manage learning content remotely. They offer you scalability, easy updates, and reduced infrastructure requirements. These systems rapidly became the most common LMS solution for SMEs to large corporations. Examples include Cornerstone, Saba and Open eLMS. Self-hosted LMS: Self-hosted LMS systems are installed on local servers, giving organizations full control over the software and data. They offer customization options but require your LMS administrators to have technical expertise for setup and maintenance. Such systems are often open-source as there is no limitation on their distribution. This low cost option is common in academic institutions where there is often available resources to set up and manage such systems. Although often nominally free, you will find hidden costs however with interface add-ons and support, so free is not always 100% free. The most popular example would be Moodle. Mobile LMS: Mobile LMS solutions will suit you if your learners prefer accessing training content on mobile devices. They provide responsive interfaces, offline access, and mobile-specific features like push notifications and in-app assessments. An example of such a system would be EdApp or TalentCards, although many LMSs also provide mobile apps for offline learning. It’s important to assess your organization’s specific requirements and choose an LMS type that aligns with your goals and learning objectives. Roughly speaking Cloud-based LMS are a B2B solution, Self-hosted are B2E and Mobile are B2C – where there is a strong mobile learning requirement. We would highly recommend that you opt for a cloud-based solution for the following reasons: Accessibility: Cloud-based LMS allows each learner and LMS administrator to access the system and training content from anywhere with an internet connection. This flexibility is especially beneficial for remote employees, distributed teams, or learners on the go. Scalability: Cloud-based LMS solutions offer scalability, allowing you to flex with growing training needs. You can quickly scale up or down based on the number of users, courses, and content without requiring significant hardware or infrastructure investments. Reduced IT burden: With a cloud-based LMS, the vendor handles maintenance, updates, and system upgrades. This relieves your IT department from the responsibility of managing and maintaining hardware, software, and server infrastructure. Cost-effectiveness: Cloud-based LMS typically operates on a subscription-based pricing model, eliminating you needing to address hardware and software expenses up front. You will find that when you consider initial setup costs, ongoing maintenance, and IT support, it is a more cost-effective option. Seamless updates and feature enhancements: Cloud-based LMS providers regularly release updates and new features to enhance the platform’s functionality. These updates are seamlessly delivered you, ensuring you have access to the latest features and improvements without any manual intervention. Data security and backups: Cloud-based LMS providers prioritize data security and often employ advanced security measures, including encryption, secure data centers, and regular backups. This ensures that your PII data is protected and can be restored in case of any unforeseen events. Cloud-based LMSs offers you convenience, scalability, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to focus on your core training activities rather than IT infrastructure management. Key Features of e-Learning Management Systems So we have discussed what type of LMS to choose, so what can you expect from your brand new LMS: Course Authoring: Course authoring is the process of creating and designing educational content within an LMS. LMSs typically offer tools and features that allow your LMS administrator to create courses. These authoring features may include: Content Curation: LMSs often provide tools for compiling multimedia-rich content such as text, images, videos, and audio) for use within the LMS. eLearning Authoring: Some LMSs may also include authoring tools for creating and editing online training which combine text, quizzes, images, video and animation into a single learning experience. Some LMS’s even integrate with AI to create eLearning courses from text prompts e.g. openelms.ai. Course Structure: LMSs allows the LMS administrator to organize content into modules, lessons, or chapters, making it easier for learners to navigate through the course. Multimedia Integration: LMSs support the integration of various multimedia elements to enhance the learning experience, such as embedding videos, audio recordings, or interactive simulations. Assessments and Quizzes: LMSs often include tools which allow your LMS administrator to create quizzes, tests, or assessments to gauge learners’ understanding of the course material. Assessments: Assessment features in an LMS enable you to evaluate learners’ progress and knowledge acquisition. Some common assessment features include: Quizzes and Tests: LMSs provide tools for creating and delivering online quizzes and tests. These assessments can be in the form of multiple-choice questions, true/false statements, fill-in-the-blanks, or essay questions. Grading and Feedback: LMSs allow you to automatically grade assessments or manually grade subjective questions. They also provide options for providing feedback to learners on their performance. Rubrics: LMSs may support the use of rubrics, which provide a set of criteria for evaluating learners’ assignments or projects. Rubrics can help ensure consistency in grading and provide clear expectations
