For organizations, using a learning management system (LMS) is an integral component of recruiting new members, training volunteers and staff, and offering value to existing members. Since 2020, organizations have seen an increased shift in the use of LMS platforms. This can be seen as partially due to the pandemic, and the resulting shift toward remote work and education.
In fact, the LMS global market saw an increase in nearly 24% in 2020—much more than its past average year-to-year growth. Additionally, a study by Capterra reported that 74% of users felt that their LMS has played a large part in productivity, satisfaction, and teaching during COVID-19.
The success and accessibility of LMS platforms make them common in a variety of environments, including higher education institutions, large corporations, associations, and smaller not-for-profit groups.
If you’re thinking about improving your organization’s learning and training technology, a learning management system can offer several advantages.
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What is a Learning Management System (LMS)?
To put it plainly, a learning management system is a software platform that assists your organization in creating, managing, and delivering online training and learning materials. An LMS consists of two parts, an administrative or admin interface and a user interface.
The admin interface allows managers to create, manage, and organize all training materials. It also offers data that can be gathered for reports based on individuals or group performance. This interface presents multiple options so that your organization can completely customize the training materials.
The user interface is front-facing. This is what a member, staff, or volunteer can see and use on their side. Participants in a LMS can access the materials from their personal computer, regardless of where they are located.
An LMS can also either be cloud-based or hosted locally. A cloud-based LMS means that your server is hosted on an Internet server rather than a physical hard drive. Cloud-based hosting is usually preferred since it’s considered more secure and much more accessible.
A locally-hosted LMS is stored on your organization’s server, making your organization completely responsible for the security and upkeep.
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Benefits of Using an LMS for Your Organization
If you’re considering using an LMS for your organization, you may be swayed by the following benefits.
Saves Time
Since an LMS system contains all of the training and learning materials in one place, participants can work through it at their own pace. Allowing your users to access the LMS at different times eliminates travel and commute time.
It also reduces time you may have set aside for training conferences. Instead of sitting through a lengthy course, participants can use the LMS to absorb and assess the information provided.
Easy to Update Information and Evolve Classes
The use of an LMS makes it easy to update information and evolve your training classes whenever you need to. Simply log in to the admin interface and make the necessary modifications, which are then instantly available to your members, volunteers, and staff.
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Accessibility
An LMS provides unlimited access for all of your members, volunteers, and staff, regardless of where they are located. Since it is available online, even those located hundreds (or thousands) of miles away can login via their personal device. This is why an LMS is crucial for organizations with global audiences and members worldwide.
Gives You Valuable Data
The best learning management systems can give you extremely valuable data. They show which individuals have completed certain trainings and what their skills and competencies are. You can track the professional development of your users, access compliance statistics, and see which areas of your training may be lacking in information or extra resources. An LMS can help you make the right modifications quickly to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Finding the ideal LMS for your organization can be an essential component to your success. Not only will an LMS save you valuable time and money, but you can offer unprecedented accessibility and value to your members.
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Contact Dennison & Associates Today!
Still curious about the benefits of an LMS for your organization? Are you interested in organizational and digital strategy assessments and other tailored services that can help you reach your goals?
Request a consultation from Dennison and Associates today.
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