LMS - Evolving Into A Unified Learning System

Accommodating different learning styles in Learning Management Systems (LMSs) represents an important step towards providing a wholesome learning experience to the learners. Most of the LMSs to date are based on a single learning style - catering to a specific channel of learning or a specific technology option. The lack of a comprehensive learning style model in an LMS is what holds it back from becoming a learning management powerhouse. But this is changing.

As mentioned in our previous blog post on unified learning, current organizational challenges in managing learning demand a system that understands that different technology options (web/ mobile) and different channels of learning (classroom/social/informal/self-paced) are a part of the whole learning experience a learner needs and, in these times, almost demands.

Moving towards a unified learning system

A unified learning system frees you up from broken workflows of disjointed applications by removing the barriers to learning with seamless, unified learning workflows. It seamlessly weaves different channels of learning and technology options in a single cohesive solution to enable effective learning.

So the LMSs are now finding new ways to exploit and incorporate different technology and learning channel related preferences. How?

Blended Learning

• The rise in the learning retention rates of the learners by pairing an LMS with classroom training are being increasingly taken into consideration by organizations. Almost every learning endeavor now uses new technologies with traditional classroom teaching practices to give a blended learning experience to their learners. We had shared 5 Tips For Managing Effective Blended Learning Through An LMS.

Social Learning

• Learning Management Systems have started offering tools that mimic social media/network software. The LMS and SNS – now have a fine balance with systems handling both- the elements of training and the ‘networkedness’ of the social learning. So whether you want FaceBook in your LMS or a Wiki, LMSs today make it all possible.

Mobile Learning

• Mobile LMSs now go beyond notifications and quick-follow-up assessments for users.  Critical learner and administrator side LMS functions are being ported to mobile platform/devices. While a good mobile LMS needs to have 10 key features as listed in one of our earlier blog posts, tools that enable collaboration, social, and informal learning, available in the main LMS, are now moving to the mobile LMS too.

Besides this, single sign on into the LMS from the mobile device or the desktop, easy assignment of eLearning or mLearning courses to learners, all add to creating a unified approach to learning management.

If you are looking forward to transform your own approach to managing learning at your organization, we urge you to attend our webinar (in association with Brandon Hall Group) on ‘A Unified Approach to Learning Management’. The webinar will be held on 17^th July 2012 at 1 PM EDT. Register now (free).