6-1 Using an LMS

Advantages of Using a Learning Management System (LMS)

It’s possible to design high levels of interactivity and group collaboration into a Web-based or Web-enhanced course using basic and relatively simple tools like e-mail and mailing lists. But learning management systems have been deliberately engineered to facilitate easy interactivity and expand the range of communication options readily available. Perhaps more important, they provide record keeping features such as a “gradebook” function that keeps automatic records of scores, and they often incorporate monitoring functions that keep track of learners’ progress through the course, how often and when they have accessed the course, and whether they have yet worked on any specific lesson.

Easy for Learners

By providing an environment where communication tools are already engineered in, usually using metaphors from familiar classroom learning spaces, LMSs make it possible for even first-time e-learners to land on their feet quickly and begin having online interactions with instructors and peers without having to deal with the hassles of installing, learning, and navigating between several different specialized software applications.

In addition to the course content, the typical LMS is already equipped with an announcement space, discussion boards, email capability, and tools for user collaboration. Some even have the ability to provide application sharing and live conferencing.

Easy for Designers

LMSs make it possible for even a non-technical designer or one that is working without a team to easily build in a variety of sophisticated interactions, often without needing to know any HTML or JavaScript. The designer can type lesson content using a basic text editor, and the pre-engineered power of the LMS converts the text into functional web pages with working hyperlinks. LMSs make it easy to set up study groups, assign collaborative work space, monitor group activity, facilitate peer review, and conduct both synchronous and asynchronous conferencing, without having to deal directly with the underlying technology.

⭐ Shar’s Note: If your client does not have a dedicated online space for where the e-Learning will live, point them to an LMS and especially if there will be a payment portal attached. While e-Learning on a blog or general website is good for getting attention and bringing people in, e-Learning aimed at changing a behavior needs a way of user tracking or record-keeping.