Instructional Design

Why Emerging LMS Platforms are Disrupting the Learning Experience

If you were to compare a Learning Management System (LMS) to home entertainment, then a traditional LMS would be a DVD and a modern LMS would be streaming HD media (Netflix or Hulu.) Just like Netflix completely revolutionized the home entertainment industry, the digital learning industry is seeing more corporations turn to the newer LMS products. By improving the user experience, emerging LMS platforms are disrupting the learning experience.

An LMS With Enhanced User Experience

The goal of an LMS is to attract users, retain them, and train them. This can only be done through optimal user experience (UX), i.e. an enjoyable, intuitive interaction between the software and end user. Traditional platforms are large, complex and have unsatisfactory UX. They often, ironically, have to train users so they can access the training, as the software is extremely convoluted. Corporations spend valuable resources on content and want to make sure it gets used, not only for compliance but to homogenize and strengthen company culture. Declining user adoption numbers from the traditional LMS platforms prove that the more natural the experience for the user, the more likely the user will use it.

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An LMS With Seamless Integration

The more you can integrate LMS eLearning into daily work, the better it is for user adoption. Content for an LMS often comes from multiple sources. If this content is aggregated holistically into the LMS, and that LMS is embedded into the company intranet, it becomes a readily accessible part of the employees’ daily routine.  Everything the employees need is right there, without having to close out of one thing and log into another. Emerging LMS platforms are also cloud based and accessible on any device, anywhere, making the content immediately available to employees who need answers in the field.

An LMS With Customization

The new LMS integrates seamlessly within the company’s intranet, looking exactly like the company and reflecting its culture. The traditional LMS lacks design, resembling straightforward message boards like Craigslist or Reddit. With newer LMS eLearning, companies can brand their learning with colors, logos, and fonts, so it feels like an extension of the company and not an outside training.

An LMS with Measurable Results

The reporting capabilities on the emerging LMS platforms are much more detailed and robust, not to mention, again, easy to access and use. While in the LMS, users are able to give feedback and ask questions, thus chat or messaging capability or integration with third party products like Yammer or Slack is helpful for learners to stay engaged.

Learning should be easy, fun and part of daily work life. The emerging LMS platforms are disrupting the learning experience that older, traditional LMS systems provided. With better user experience, the learning experience is an integrated, holistic part of company culture.

For more information about LMS platforms please use the following links:

5 Features an LMS Needs

Cost or Investment? Measuring the Impact of Your LMS

5 Reasons You Need an LMS