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A Complete Guide to Learning Management Systems
A learning management system is a web-based technology or software application that helps in planning, implementing, and assessing a particular learning experience. An LMS is used for online learning practices. It includes two elements, that is, the user interface which is operated by administrators, students, and teachers, and a server that executes the base functionality.
Usually, an LMS enables a teacher to develop and deliver course content, monitor the participation of students, and evaluate the performance of learners. Also, an LMS can give learners the capability to utilize interactive features like discussion forums, video conferencing, and threaded discussions.
How a Learning Management System Works
The best way of imagining an LMS is thinking of it as a massive web, which only those individuals with a log-in can access. A learning management system enables the instructor to interact with learners in two approaches: blended and online.
Virtual education is the same as distance learning that is offered by learning organizations whereby learners are based on school, and they associate with their teachers and their fellow students asynchronously.
In blended learning, students and teachers meet physically. A learning management system supports studies by offering space where course materials are organized and stored, instructors and learners can interact through forums and blogs, and tests can be given.
An LMS makes learning flexible, and students can learn using smartphones, tablets, and computers. These channels are becoming common as most schools encourage mobile learning.
Since the main role of an LMS is delivering learning to learners, usually, there are three kinds of log-in. These include a learner log-in, an instructor log-in, and an administrator log-in.
The learner log-in presents users with information concerning programs, courses, links to resources, and outstanding work. Also, it provides a way of getting in touch with the course leader or instructor in case of any query. Students can submit work through student log-in, which is then picked up by the course leader or instructor from the administrator log-in.
The instructor log-in enables instructors to assign work, create courses, and receive work that has been completed by students.
The admin log-in is for administrators. When the administrator logs in, this presents the user with tools to permit users to access some specific areas of an LMS so as to change the setting, remove users and content, and add users and content.
Common Features of an LMS
Many learning management systems are tailored to the needs of learning institutions. Nevertheless, they usually share similar key features.
One standard feature of all LMSs is an internal messaging system. Before the introduction of learning management systems, most learning organizations had internal email; learning management systems make this a thing of the past.
With an LMS, it means messaging all things that relate to learning are located in one place; this, it is safer, without interaction with those outside of the learning institution.
Other popular features of a learning management system consist of self-making tests and quizzes, course management, course creation, the capability to mark work, and student data.
Additionally, the creation of a course is a crucial aspect of your LMS. Course creation entails setting work for your learners, and based on the functionality of your LMS, will assist you in making education enjoyable.
The content of what you intend to teach is included in the course. Most LMSs give users the capability to enable learners to answer questions directly, and depending on the nature of queries, self-marking tests can be easily integrated into the course.
The other common feature of LMSs is student data. Having the data of all learners within your learning management system implies that learners can be sent assignments and contacted when they are arranged according to their classes.
Most learning institutions integrate LMS with their management information systems. This ensures that any changes to student data are automatically updated within their learning management systems.
What are the Advantages of an LMS?
First, a learning management system streamlines the learning process. It makes the marking of work fast and easier, particularly with self-marking tests and quizzes. Also, results, assignment setting, work submission, and messages are in one location.
Technology has the ability to encourage and motivate students than previous years – and with an in-built LMS, users can see collaboration and subsequent improvement of results. To be specific, features that encourage students to make studying enjoyable.
Also, you can track activities on your LMS, like the number of times a specific learner logged in and the student who has finished the work set. The capability to record and track data also implies that things such as exam results are collated and stored in one are automatic; hence they are easier to access and review.
Users can access LMSs from any location, which, coupled with their capability to motivate and engage students more, implies that learners are not restricted by the unavailability of tools to work or completing their assignments without any assistance from instructors.
Students can message their teachers for assistance; hence they do not depend more on seeing them physically. Questions are answered physically. This means that LMSs usually encourage the interaction of teachers and students, which is beneficial to all parties and contributes to more engaged learners, higher results, and high learning quality.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best LMS
You can consider numerous factors when choosing the best learning management system for your learning needs. In order to assist you in this complicated decision-making process, we have listed some of the important things that you need to consider when selecting a learning management system.
Ensure that Your Goals and Objectives are Clear
It is difficult to select the correct learning management system if you are not aware of your learning goals. After you establish these goals and develop a clear learning strategy for your school, you can begin searching for a learning management system that will assist you in achieving your goals.
Talk to Your Learning and Development Team
Your learning and development team will work with your learning management systems each day, hence, ensure that you include them in the process of selection. You should ask them about their goals and needs. In case they’re technical, the team may require a learning management system that enables them to customize online courses. In case they are not technical, a good communication document and an easy user interface will be crucial features to consider when looking for a new learning management system.
Talk to the Users
Implementing a learning management system may fail if learners hate using it. Talk to all stakeholders regarding their needs in regard to online learning. Let the students try demonstrations of the learning management systems that you are considering. Also, surveys regarding what the users liked and disliked about them. A user-friendly learning management system that assists in creating a fun educational experience is important to the success of online learning.
Consider the Experience of the Vendor
A new learning management system vendor can provide many unique functionalities which seem to be exciting. A new learning management vendor should have experience in setting up a learning management system in your school. Also, you should undertake research to establish the satisfaction levels of the vendor’s previous clients. Here, you can explore the reviews of the proposed learning management system or ask your vendor testimonials and case studies.
Consider Help Provided by the Learning Management System Vendo
You require abundant help during and after the implementation of your learning management system, particularly in case you are implementing one in a large learning institution. Explore the support that is included and added support options that the learning management system vendor offers, as well as how much they charge.
Consider Flexibility and Freedom
You might think that you have selected the best learning management system provider and the best platform as per your checklist. Nevertheless, what about if you are not satisfied one year, three years, or more after its implementation?
A proprietary learning management system implies that you are purchasing both the LMS and the provider; thus, you must change both if you intend to change. An open-source learning management system like Totara might be the best option here since it comes with many providers whom you can work with or develop the system further. Moving to a new learning management system provider ought to be quite easy.
Lastly – Do Not Compromise
Typically, after completing the needs analysis and internal consultation process, you need to create a learning management system checklist with requirements and features that you tick off as you communicate to chosen vendors.
You should ensure that all your present, future, and possible requirements can be met by both the LMS and the provider.