We share with you the main uses of LMS used by business organizations, government agencies, traditional educational institutions and online courses.
A Learning Management System (LMS) is a type of software or technology supported online that allows you to create, implement and develop a specific training program or learning process.
In its most common format it employs two elements: a server that supports the course functionality and a user interface operated by instructors, students, and operators.
Although there are hundreds of LMSs on the market, each with different characteristics, generally all are in charge of providing the instructor with a system to create and disseminate content, monitor student participation and evaluate them.
Most of the LMS platforms provide the student with the ability to interact through videoconferences, discussion forums and solving exams or exercises.
These systems are used by business organizations, government agencies, traditional educational institutions, and online courses. Additionally, they can complement or enhance traditional educational methods while saving time and resources.
An efficient LMS software will allow instructors and administrators to manage functions such as user registration, class content, calendars, user access, communication, certifications and notifications.
What is an LMS used for?
The main use of an LMS is learning management. It consists of gathering, managing, distributing and analyzing the total knowledge of an organization in terms of documents, resources and skills. Its specifications may vary according to the objectives and training strategy of an organization.
Training and recruiting staff is one of the main uses for an LMS within a corporate environment. It can be used to assign courses to staff who contribute training activities for specific skills and keep them informed about updates and new tools.
An LMS learning system can also focus on an extensive learning process towards partners, clients or members. Technology companies commonly require to provide training to their customers so that they can correctly use the product they purchased. Keeping an open training system helps improve the customer experience and build brand loyalty.
Another example of using an LMS is sales training that includes creating product awareness seminars, customer interaction, and pre-case study tutorials.
How does an LMS work?
Let’s think of the system as a large repository for users allowing information to be stored, accessed and recorded in one place. Any user with an identification and password may access the educational resources of the system.
Main characteristics of an LMS
Responsive design: Users will be able to access the system from any device they choose, be it desktop computer, smartphone, tablet or laptop. The LMS will automatically deploy the most suitable version for each of the devices. Additionally, users will be able to download content to work offline.
Friendly interface : The user interface will allow students to easily navigate the LMS platform and will keep the objectives and skills of both the user and the organization aligned.
Reports and analytics: It must integrate evaluation tools. Instructors and administrators must have the ability to visualize and review their instructional initiatives to determine their effectiveness and make adjustments if necessary.
Management of courses and catalogs: It must contain all the eLearning courses available and accessible so that administrators and instructors can manage the catalog and direct it towards a learning experience focused on results.
Interoperable and integrated content: Content created and stored in an LMS must be packaged according to educational standards regulated by qualified institutions.
Support service: Different developers should offer different levels of support such as discussion forums, where users can interact with each other, chats and help phone numbers.
Artificial intelligence: It can contribute to generate personalized learning experiences for users, through formats appropriate to their needs or suggest courses that may be interesting according to the previous ones they have taken.
Types of LMS
The different types of systems according to their deployment are:
● Hosted in the cloud
● Self-hosted
● Mobile
applications ● Desktop applications
LMS hosted in the cloud
They commonly follow a software as a service (SaaS) business model, where the provider takes care of maintenance, performance, and any technical updates. Online users can access the system from anywhere and at any time, using identification and password.
Self-hosted LMS
Require software for user download. This platform provides more creative control and customization, but users must take care of maintenance and cover updates.
Desktop Applications
This LMS is installed on the user’s desktop computer. However, the application can be accessible from other devices.
Mobile applications
Accessible from anywhere and at any time, through any mobile device. This platform allows the user to follow up the lessons on the go.
There are different payment methods: access to the basic system with additional charges for advanced functions, subscription or license.
Benefits of an LMS
● Save time and money by avoiding travel
● Time flexibility to take courses
● Elimination of expenses on materials and instructors
● Progress and performance monitoring
● Accessibility of eLearning without geographical limitations
● Personalized online training
● Flexibility to update syllabi, modules and activities
An LMS system has the additional benefit of concentrating all the information in one place, which facilitates the updating, administration and maintenance of materials, obtaining an accurate record of entries and modifications.
At Universidad Anáhuac México we work on our 2020-2024 Strategic Plan, where we seek to promote a university culture of constant innovation focused on the person, with a creative, collaborative, purposeful and open to change vision, which is why we share with you this type of articles, which seek to tell you how to use digital technologies in a strategic, responsible and agile way.
More information:
Innovation and Digital Transformation
Directorate of Effectiveness and Institutional Services
Directorate of Information Technologies