A Learning Management System is a LMS software application used to document, track, report, manage, automate and deliver training courses, learning and program or training development.
These systems are designed to identify training and learning gaps using reports and analytics. These systems focus on delivering online learning, but support a range of uses.
Most of the time, a LMS software runs in a web browser, behind a secure login process. This feature offers students and the instructor easy access to online courses.
Functions of LMS software
The role of a LMS software depends on the organization’s goals. It also depends on your online training strategy and desired results.
A Learning Management System helps develop and track online training initiatives and comes with built-in E-Learning authoring tools. These tools allow you to develop online learning materials without additional third-party software.
Organizations are using LMS software instead of traditional training to train their employees. This is because it engages students to produce, deliver and monitor worker training.
Who Uses a LMS software?
You may be wondering who the LMS software is for. Well, the simple answer to that is, whoever is involved in providing training. An LMS is a great tool that helps make the processes involved in delivering online education a manageable task.
Benefits of the LMS software
Learning Management System comes with impressive benefits and thus the rate of its use is increasing today. These benefits include:
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It helps organize and store large data securely
LMS software allow you to collect all your big data in one place. Thus, making it easier to maintain and update your training material. Also, the advanced encryption feature that comes with most of this software helps prevent your data from falling into the wrong hands.
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It offers varieties of training methods
The LMS software allows you to choose a variety of training methods . Then you use the most appropriate one for the topic or situation. That is, you can choose from different types of media, reviews, content on demand, as well as combine live with your business needs.
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It personalizes online education
By using an LMS software, you can assign different online learning resources or learning paths for individual students. This feature helps each student get the personalized online training needed for work assignments, learning goals, and other criteria.
There is another feature which is the option to unlock courses. This allows students to choose their online training activities and courses. This feature provides more effective online learning experiences and greater student satisfaction.
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Improves eLearning accessibility
Information is readily available these days due to the digital age we live in and the ability to get instant information with the help of smartphones and all portable technology.
LMS software are therefore one of the tools that help meet the needs of today’s learners. This software allows you to develop and attend online training courses without geographical restrictions. With this tool, students can expand their knowledge and improve their skills as long as they can log into the system.
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Monitors student performance and progress
All Learning Management System platforms have built-in reporting and analytics. This feature of the software allows you to monitor different aspects of your online training program.
It is possible to purchase add-ons to enhance the functionality of the Learning Management System, in case it does not have enough reporting capabilities.
With this system, you can track everything from how engaged students are to eLearning assessment results. Thus, you can identify patterns and trends as most of the systems offer data visualizations such as charts and graphs.
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Automation
The LMS software makes laborious tasks such as training organization, learner notification, registrations as well as completion tracking automated.
That is, the system enables you to add students automatically, enroll them in the appropriate courses, take exams, give certifications and also access reports. So you have enough free time to move on to more important tasks.
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Central education
Using a LMS software allows for centralized training as your course content, data and learning materials are placed in one convenient place. This allows your students to access lessons without stress. It also allows you to provide consistent and effective training to everyone throughout your organization.
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Enhances resource allocation
Learning management system platforms help you in many ways to effectively distribute educational resources. It helps you identify aspects of your teaching. For example, low student engagement usually indicates that you need to reevaluate an online learning activity or module.
The ability to deploy online learning resources on a global scale is another benefit of an LMS. That is, using this single tool enables you to keep students informed.
Characteristics of a Learning Management System
There are varieties of LMS software available in the market covering different use cases and organizations. Each Learning Management System has a different set of features.
Courtesy of Quizlet
Quizlet is a simple free LMS: primarily, it allows users to create their own flashcards and quizzes for note-taking, memos, studies, and quizzes. But its narrow goals make it the best of its kind. Learners and Education Using Quizlet can create flashcards for themselves or their students, or search the set archive (which includes millions of cards) for the information they may need.
If you’re teaching advanced learners, you can use Quizlet diagrams to help you learn everything from anatomy to geography. Quizlet is awesome and quick. It is the most popular among language learners and tutors.