A learning management system or LMS is a software-based platform that provides the infrastructure, framework and tools needed for the administration, documentation, tracking, reporting, and delivery of online educational courses or training programs. Simply put, a learning management system is the backbone of online learning.
With the right learning management system, teachers can benefit from the numerous advantages LMS has to offer. Here are eleven benefits of having a learning management system in place:
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Efficient Training Process
With a learning management system, there is a seamless management of every teacher’s training administration process. In effect, there is a significant reduction of time and effort in implementing various tasks, such as creating online courses, planning the activity calendar, running assessments, and sharing documents with the learners, because all the training functions are centralized within one system.
Consolidated Training Information
Everything a teacher and their learner needs can all be found in one place, since all training materials and tools are located in one consolidated system. Learners’ progress can be accessed from a central location, which enables teachers to accurately evaluate and report on organization-wide e-learning training programs. Also, all the course files are stored in one location, so all the users access the same course content thereby guaranteeing consistency in the course delivery and evaluation.
Scalability and Wider Reach
The absence of a traditional, physical classroom makes it possible for online teachers to accommodate a large number of learners from practically anywhere all over the globe. Through a learning management system, teachers can deliver their course lessons and modules to a wider audience because these students are allowed to access their online course anytime that is convenient to them and at any place they feel comfortable taking their lessons.
Ease of Tracking and Reporting
Users can view a required learning path, monitor development within the learning path, review records of success, and sign up for additional online courses. LMS allows employers to offer e-learning courses through different forms of media, such as instructor-led training, web-based training, and webinars. Management is also able to access the same records of success and analyze these information to identify areas of success and those that need to be improved.
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Centralized Platform
Having a centralized platform makes it easier for teachers to change or update the content and format within an e-learning program, including documents, online forms, course requirements, and course descriptions. Another advantage of having a centralized platform is, all learners participating in an online learning program are able to receive the updates in real-time.
Technological Leverage
Technology is constantly evolving and with it comes more sophisticated means of presenting information. Learners are no longer confined to desktop computers; there are laptops, smartphones, and tablets which can all be used to access and work on their course lessons and modules. LMS provides easier creation and accessibility of online learning programs without investing too much time, effort, and resources.
Flexible Access to Resources
Time and geographical restrictions are usually the main obstacles that keep learners from attending a scheduled class. With a learning management system, employers can offer online classes which can be distributed across different departments and office locations. In the online environment, participation in live group discussions, social learning, and collaborative activities is possible regardless of geographical and time zone differences. Learners can participate remotely as long as there is internet connection.
Diverse Learning Channels
Every online learner is unique and so is the way they absorb knowledge. It is a fact that there are learners that are able to digest information better by listening to audio recordings, while others prefer visuals. LMS allows educators to accommodate the various needs and preferences of individual students by offering different types of learning materials, including text content, videos, podcasts, infographics, and audio recordings. As online teachers are not confined to verbal discussions and printed learning materials, the overall online learning environment makes it easier, more fun, and more effective for them to provide students with information in the form of more engaging and interesting media.
Higher Success Rate
In a traditional classroom setting, when a student is sick or the weather prevents them from attending a class session, then that student would have missed out on all of the information discussed for that day. In order to ensure that they pass the next quiz or exam, they would need to borrow notes; otherwise, they are likely to have a low score which may have a bearing on their overall grade. In an e-learning platform, however, learning is self-paced and there are no classes to be missed. There is increased knowledge retention because learners can always go back to lessons they feel they need to get a better understanding of. Whenever they are sick or are incapable of fully focusing on the course modules, they have the option of going online to study once they feel they are physically and mentally capable to do so.
Cost Efficiency
As mentioned earlier, investing in a learning management system results to huge savings in terms of time and money. Through LMS, training programs can be easily organized, scheduled, and implemented by instructors. Information can be saved, backed up, shared, and reused as needed. And because there is no physical classroom, there are no additional costs incurred from the use of facilities, printing of training materials, food allowance, instructor’s hourly rate, and other administrative expenses.
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Compliance with Regulatory Requirements
For companies in highly regulated industries, investing in a learning management system ensures their compliance with regulatory requirements which can save them from incurring penalties. With LMS, companies can easily add new compliance standards and laws directly into the online courses, so all the learners are properly informed, trained, and certified on the latest standards and requirements in a timely manner.
Without a doubt, investing in a learning management system not only results to significant cost savings but, more importantly, ensures that quality online education is provided to learners. This leads to a positive learning experience, greater knowledge and skills retention, and better performing individuals.
About the Author
Eduardo Yi is the lead content marketer at Teachable, a leading e learning platform that allows everyone, from individual entrepreneurs to established educational institutions, to easily create, sell, and manage their own professional online courses.
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