LMS

Why implement an LMS?

The main purpose of a learning platform is to organize training provision within a company. An LMS can be used to manage every aspect of a training strategy: supporting a learner community, integrating a training team and managing the various budget items. In addition, LMS platforms are scalable and some features can be acquired “à la carte” according to the company’s needs.

Last but not least, the LMS centralizes the entire documentation system for a company’s training department.

Deploying an LMS platform

To reap the full benefit of an LMS, it is important to choose the right way to deploy it. Two basic categories of user will have access to the system:

1. The training team (including trainers, the training manager, the learning community manager, etc. ), who will lead the community and share content.
2. Learners, who will interact with the teaching team and other trainees (if the LMS incorporates internal social networking functionality) and upload content.

There are several ways to deploy an LMS platform:

• Cloud-based system, in SaaS mode: all data will be stored on IT servers hosted by the provider of the e-learning platform. This eliminates the need for the company to buy or lease infrastructure. In addition, this type of system is easier to maintain on a daily basis, reducing costs. Also, there are no technical updates to implement, as these are handled by the provider. Another benefit is that cloud-hosted platforms are easier to use for learners, who have no software to install and need just a username and password to log in and access their personal space.
• Self-hosted or “on premise” mode: with this option, you host your e-learning platform on your own servers. While this solution may seem attractive, as it offers the company greater flexibility, it is very expensive. Technical maintenance will require additional IT infrastructure, including hiring specialist personnel (who must be trained by the IT department), all with hosting resources, security, backups for saved resources etc.

Main benefits of an LMS platform

We have produced a (non-exhaustive) list of the main benefits of an LMS for an individual trainer or a training team:

For the trainer / administrator:

– The learning platform allows secure data storage and management.
– Trainers are able to tweak the their training content for learners. Using indicators tracked by the LMS (such as the document download rate), they can choose to modify and share particular resources according to learners’ expectations.
– Learners’ progress is regularly monitored, with reporting features that the trainer can customize to suit their objectives.
– Many LMS platforms provide a technical support service for e-learning training teams.
– As most LMS platforms are scalable, trainers can add new features (internal social network, email, etc.) to enhance the learning experience

For learners:

– E-learning is customized for individual learners and its interface is easy to use.
– The online platform is easily accessible, any time, anywhere. All you need is an Internet connection.
– The e-learning platform uses “responsive design”, automatically adapting to the user’s device (tablet, laptop, desktop PC, etc.) to optimize text formats and video playback settings. This means learners can train from any location.
– Learners can find all the information and content they need on a single platform.
– Trainees can easily interact with the training team, meaning they don’t need to access their email

Features of an LMS platform

Most LMS features relate to learning and/or to management of the learner community. LMS software publishers and platform providers offer multiple options that can be configured or activated according to a company’s needs. All learning management systems host educational content and make it available to learners. Trainers can also connect to the platform and access this information.

In addition to this core functionality, many solutions include features such as:

• lesson design: many LMS platforms support the direct creation of lessons, evaluations, quizzes, exams, etc. In addition, access to some lessons may be restricted. Similarly, other training can be integrated, with no need for hyperlinks.
• student monitoring: an LMS platform provides accurate information about your students, along with performance indicators that let you monitor their progress.
• Diversified training offer
• Gamification: A growing number of LMS platforms support functions to gamify training, making courses more fun. The platform typically implements a reward system based on points, badges, stars, titles or other rankings.

An LMS functions using “bricks”, making it easier for a trainer or training team to incorporate new activities such as e-tutoring.

Additional management features

As the LMS market diversifies and publishers innovate to offer new options and features, there are now too many functions to count. We have simply listed some of the most frequently offered features;

• Integrated reporting system: accurate statistics per learner or per learner group, allowing you to evaluate your courses.
• Compliance and/or certification system: some online platforms retain proof of certifications or qualifications issued after a training course. The company can retrieve this information at a later date, in the event of an audit.
• E-learning evaluation software: LMS platforms typically support multiple, complementary evaluation methods. Many offer e-learning templates (equivalent to course assessment tools) directly integrated into the LMS platform.
• Ancillary services: The leading e-learning platforms assist training managers by providing value-added document resources such as white papers, online conferences, etc.
  Some LMS publishers offer solutions specific to a particular sector of activity (e.g. banking, trade, healthcare, etc.).