Guest Post Written by David Miller, an educational researcher who has several years of experience in the field of teaching, online testing, and training. Currently, he is pursuing research in online knowledgebase software and is also a contributing author with ProProfs.
Learning management systems are web-based or software applications that allow companies and educational institutions to deliver content and resources to their learners and manage their delivery. These systems often provide easy ways for instructors to create and deliver their content while simultaneously monitoring participation and assessing performance.
These systems offer students and teachers the ability to interact with video conferencing, threaded discussions, and forums. They also facilitate administration and course documentation. They track and report on events too. These systems can be used in regulated industries to host compliance training and educational institutions can use it to enhance their classroom teaching. There are more and more courses being offered through learning management systems that provide students around the world access to education.
But what are the main benefits to integrating learning management systems?
Benefit #1: Centralized Learning
The first benefit to using a learning management system is it offers a centralized source of learning. This means that the training, performance, and development content are offered at all times from the same source. Multiple users can access the information at any given time. These systems ensure consistency in the evaluation and delivery of the material, meaning every user sees the same content through the same manner. These systems let the user design customized training modules that can be used to introduce new equipment, update equipment, or modify operating procedures.
Benefit #2: Tracking and Reporting Features
The second benefit to using a learning management system is that you can enhance performance through tracking and reporting tools. Progress of new users can be tracked, records can be reviewed, and users can register for more than one course. Employers are able to offer the courses through web-based training, webinars, and other forms of instructor-led training. Management can then access the records of those who participated to analyze which areas need improvement. The learner can now put in additional efforts in the areas that are difficult for them, because learning management systems give users the ability to manipulate their learning pace.
(With an LMS, you can report your learners scores from ready to use eLearning Game Templates and develop faster than ever before.)
Benefit #3: Evaluation Capabilities
The third benefit to using a learning management system is that it allows users to be evaluated before they take the course, while they are in the course, and when they finish the course. This means that employers can evaluate their retention levels through periodically scheduling assignments. They can then review the records to determine the levels of success. In educational settings, students can review their personal performance based on quizzes and tests that are administered by the professors.
Benefit #4: Easy Upgrades
The fourth benefit to using a learning management system is that the content and information in the course can be easily upgraded. Because the learning management system offers a centralized location for information, it is simple to make a change to the forms, requirements, product descriptions, or specifications. Users will get the same upgraded information at the same time.
Benefit #5: Simplified Learning Process
The fifth and final benefit to using a learning management system is that it simplifies the learning process. The systems are easy to use and new users can figure everything out easily. The systems accommodate multiple features including recording and tracking, documentation and administration, as well as classroom learning. These systems are affordable alternatives that offer scalable and personalized platforms for learning. They deliver integrated and enriched learning experiences for the users that expound upon virtual learning and collaboration modules.
Overall, these are just the top five benefits to using a learning management system. There are many, many more and it is important that companies and educational institutions alike consider all of the benefits before they being complete integration of the systems.