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Effective LMS Features
Choosing to use a hosted LMS service provider is easy. Finding the right provider is the truly difficult task. With hundreds of service providers in the LMS provider market, it can become a monumental task to sift through the mediocre LMS providers to find the LMS gem that will meet the needs as well as the goals of your training program. Knowing what to look for will make all the difference.
When evaluating different LMS systems, it is important to consider such components as modularization, intuitiveness, interactivity, flexibility, and overall traceability.
Modularization
Organizing and delivering training content is the most important aspect of a training program. Logical content flow, from one subject to the next, is a vital component to training courseware. Breaking subjects down into individual concepts, supported with the right context, is what really makes courses effective in their delivery. Additionally, modularized courses allow learners to quickly reference content and ensure they apply the principles according to training initiatives.
Intuitiveness
Guiding a learner from concept learning to knowledge mastery is the key to increasing individual performance. As a learner progresses through a training course, supported by quizzes, tests, games, reviews and other materials, they will feel their competency increase and enjoy training more. An effective LMS will allow clients to import various types of learning tools to guide their learners to knowledge mastery and performance, measuring individual progress throughout the training experience.
Interactivity
Maintaining learners' attention during training is as important as the training content itself. Each individual is unique in their style of learning and an effective LMS will adapt to and offer various learning styles. By illustrating content using various perspectives and learning formats, the training for each individual becomes more personalized and valuable. Content should be rich, delivered using such elements as scenarios, problem solving exercises, 3D models, videos, graphics, audio segments, and games. An effective LMS will help customers combine these elements and make memorable the training experience for learners.
Flexibility
Most organizations want to deliver training their own way. An LMS provider that most cultivates this forethought will provide more value to training programs. Knowing how to implement training, be it a primary training solution or part of a blended training program, will produce the most results. The most important flexibility in an LMS is its ability to cross-convert various mediums and deliver training using multiple platforms and formats. For example, converting a PowerPoint presentation to Flash and adding audio, video, and graphical interfaces to the presentation is what can bring a standard training module into a knowledge building, custom learning experience.
Traceability
Tracking and measuring the effectiveness of training programs is what separates an average LMS from an LMS focused on results. Individualized reports, measuring what an individual learned, how long it took them to take the training, and how well they achieved knowledge mastery is what validates training programs. An effective LMS provider gives clients the ability to see reports, in real-time, shows the information on an individual level, and how well the training was received. Knowing this information opens the door to individual customized training, as administrators recognize the skills of each person as well as their skill gaps. The administrator can then help each individual focus on the training that will help them do their jobs more effectively and efficiently, and/or implement change within the organization to hone the skills of individuals.
It is important to analyze the various components of LMS products. Knowing what to look for will help you make a more informed decision and, hopefully, one that will enhance your training program and training goals.
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