The learning management system (LMS) is a software package for managing an e-learning platform. It has two main functions: learning and management.
LMSs are particularly useful for companies, but are also used by learning institutions. These include universities, colleges and training organizations. Learning Management Systems are useful for any organization wishing to prioritize skills development. It also enhances the knowledge of learners, whoever they may be. As a result, students, employees, customers, partners and service providers can learn more effectively. The LMS enables agile, mobile and even playful learning, thanks to the integration of gamification and social learning principles. Social learning is a learning method centered on interaction between different members of the group. It fosters teamwork and the involvement of each student.
How does a Learning Management System work?
An LMS platform is a specialized IT space for hosting e-learning courses and managing learning paths.
LMS platforms are often composed of two parts: the front-office and the back-office. The front-office corresponds to the learner portal, or e-learning portal. Depending on the theme or profile, the learner will be able to find various data, training content and services such as forums, blogs, badges, planning, etc.
The back-office is where administrators and authors manage and create content, and manage learners.
LMSs can be used to design learning content. A wide range of file formats can be integrated into the platform using different software: Word, Excel, Powerpoint, audio, video, etc. It is also possible to import existing learning content in Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) format. The LMS platform hosts the content, which is then made available online to trainees.
Platforms are equipped with a management system that also enables learners to be tracked according to a wide range of criteria. For example, time spent on the platform, number of course modules completed or assessment results. The tracking tool is of great interest to a wide range of organizations. Higher education institutions, for example, can track their students’ progress. Training organizations, meanwhile, can generate proof of their trainees’ activity. Trainees can be tracked via the Internet, either individually or collectively.
What are the objectives of an LMS?
The great advantage of LMSs is that they involve all stakeholders. Trainers, learners, administrative staff, human resources and the manager are all involved in the company’s training process.
For trainers, LMSs offer the advantage of being able to host all their training and teaching resources on a single platform. This makes it easier for them to distribute their training online. Trainers can also organize their lists of learners into groups. Learners benefit from LMSs insofar as they can consult their courses and activities anywhere, anytime. Especially with mobile learning, which enables continuous access to the learning process, on your phone, laptop or tablet.
An LMS is not just a pedagogical solution, as its scope of action is much broader. It facilitates administrative management, can be used as a decision-making tool and enables you to expand your training offer.
How do you choose a learning management system?
As a training management platform, your LMS must be simple, fast and agile to administer. Among the expected functionalities: management of multiple courses, individual or collective, sending invitations to users. You can also create personalized training catalogs, export results and create certificates.
An LMS will therefore help optimize learning management, notably by reducing the time needed to create teaching materials. It will also enable distribution to your employees. Resources are uploaded to the LMS platform, making them easily accessible to remote learners. The tool can interface with the entire information system (IS) within which a company’s employees are identified.
What are the advantages of an LMS?
With an LMS, training managers can quickly create complete courses, without the help of a developer. All important information is stored together in one place, so employees can easily find what they need. Since training modules can be modified and reused ad infinitum, this system adapts easily to your company’s growth.
