Learning management systems: overview, key facts and features

If you search for “LMS” on Google, you will likely see over 300 million results. It is impressive because this approach has undergone significant changes since the early 90s – people have always been interested in the techniques of rapid memory and reproduction of information because it allows them to compete in the labor market. 

LMS was originally an educational pattern, which with the advent of mass digitalization of society, modified and took the form of software. In this article, we will discuss the features of such apps, their administration, and the opportunities that the student, tutor, and entrepreneur receive.  

What is an LMS, and what does it do? 

LMS is an acronym for learning management system. The shortest explanation of this approach in the modern interpretation may be the following: a web application that allows you to create materials, administer training, evaluate results and create reports. 

Online platforms and official organizations use them (e.g., the same higher educational institutions). The mission of technology is to identify knowledge gaps and reduce costs. Nevertheless, to become attractive to users, such an application must have a well-thought-out interface design and unique functionality. In addition, LMS can be complemented by other learning technologies, such as a training management system to manage instructor-led training or a learning record store to track data. 

A few statistics or what you should be thinking about 

According to a recent Global Opportunity Analysis study, the LMS market will be worth $28.1 billion by the end of 2025. Nevertheless, the Asia-Pacific region’s CAGR may increase by 19.75% from 2019 to 2027 (Inkwood Research, 2019). 

More generalized data comes from eLearning Industry research – they announced that as early as 2017, 77% of U.S. brands were utilizing the method, making them even more competitive in the marketplace. In addition, after such training in 66% of cases, specialists said that their importance in the infrastructure of companies had increased significantly. 

Such statistics give a clear view of the rapid interest in the LMS because what was five years ago is no longer comparable with today’s progress. Even COVID-19 could not affect eLearning – it became clear that most students prefer watching videos to reading. This trend reflects not only global digitalization but also a change in the perception of information as visual objects, experiences supplemented by elements of gamification that have created a whole new level of accessibility.

Key features of the LMS 

Indeed, all predictions agree – eLearning continues to gain momentum and create an incredible multilingual experience for various populations. However, when it comes to its comparison with ILT, many begin to doubt the correctness of the chosen path. It is like the eternal struggle between Android and iOS, where each participant has an equal chance of winning, but with new updates, someone wins, and someone loses. For example, when a student is given more freedom in choosing the schedule, the teacher, and the learning system, it positively impacts the learning process more than adhering to a specific framework (US DOE). 

In addition, online learning does not replace instructors. It just makes them more valuable. Interacting in real-time, participating in social media correspondence, and communicating with people from remote regions in different languages allow you to improve your skills quickly.  

One of the essential features of an LMS is the ability to store all data and materials in one place. This gets rid of chaos, which can subsequently lead to a lack of motivation and procrastination. Usually, such applications are based on cloud storage, simplifying maintenance and serving as a single ordered knowledge system with unlimited possibilities. In addition, from an entrepreneurial standpoint, it allows you to reduce costs, such as instructor travel costs, online training site rentals, and printed eLearning materials. 

In studying something new, it is essential to understand progress and achievement. The analytical calculations that LMSs usually provide are a precious resource that does not rely on subjective evaluation. In addition, the student receives only the necessary information, reinforced by online exams, quizzes, and other interactive simulations. When working in tandem, teachers can quickly understand gaps in knowledge and fill them. 

All sorts of integrations (e.g., with a payment gateway) make the whole procedure seamless. That is what we will discuss next: read about what users want to see on platforms with courses and what functionality gives the best results. 

LMS customization 

Multilingualism 

In what language should the content of your courses be developed? This is one of the basic questions entrepreneurs ask when creating platforms based on LMS. After all, the audience’s age, demographics, and localization determine the finished MVP model’s international market entry. However, delivering curriculum in a language your users do not understand or struggle with adds an unwanted strain on them, making an already hard task even more difficult. So if most of your audience speaks English, you should consider the minority that speaks French. 

Sometimes, technical jargon is inevitable, but obscure idioms can also hurt comprehension. Therefore, context clues and universal language constructions may be unavoidable. 

Graphic and video elements 

Interactivity is the foundation of an LMS application. As a rule, a minimum of text and sounding out the information leads to better assimilation. However, if students absorb content through their smartphones (where there is not always enough screen expansion), it is necessary to display text correctly. That is why many developers focus much attention on integrating an adaptive media player. 

Gamified and story-based learning 

Gamification elements have been leading the e-learning market for many years – they capture the student’s attention as much as possible and help them understand the material more efficiently and faster. Nevertheless, text games, quizzes, or tests may not always be appropriate. Often bright graphics can be supplemented with large chunks of text, simulating storytelling. So learners can participate in the narrative and still consume much content. 

Integrations with business systems

A human resource information system (HRIS) is software for staff member training, HR processes, payroll, and accounting. Integration of human capital management (HCM) organizes and manages an overall workforce. Implementing these systems can transform the traditional approach to learning and achieve good results. In addition, it closes more than 31% of staff knowledge gaps and increases overall efficiency by 36%. LMS – customer relationship management (CRM) integration can provide a detailed view of learning status and develop a personnel development path created around real organization needs. It makes communication with clients more effective by optimizing sales – the organization can easily define strategic goals and, based on them, build marketing campaigns. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) allows you to better manage payments – for example, to generate transaction reports and automatically impose a fine. However, beyond the financial part, this integration allows you to track student attendance, progress, and grades, with the ability to get two-way feedback.  

Custom course-building tools 

The LMS can provide a designer for the tutor to easily create a curriculum. It modifies the creation process from multiple steps utilizing different tools to one-step actions in one website. For example, Google Course Builder is an application that allows you to manage digital content. Niche players often use such software to develop advanced projects. However, this kind of experience is rare in universities or government agencies. 

Conclusions 

Today, the LMS is an adaptive application for online training staff, students, and self-acquisition skills. They also support mentoring, accommodate several necessary integrations that facilitate interaction between student and tutor, and create unique opportunities to make money. What role to choose – you decide, but in any case, follow the call of the heart and technological trends! 

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