The LMS of the future
A Learning Management Systems (LMS) Administrator hears the phrase, "If you build it, they will come," and laughs. Why? Because this is a fallacy for an LMS, in truth, it is more if you build it, they will come... kicking and screaming. LMSs are not new; many companies have historically used their LMS for class registrations, onboarding new employees, and keeping track of online course completions. However, corporations and training departments often find that their LMS usage is low unless a course or program mandates learners to utilize the LMS to complete requirements. Learners tend to find LMSs outdated, clunky, and not user-friendly. With too many clicks to launch content and confusing navigation to find learning. Although the marketing of training and cultivating a culture of learning within the company is essential - this article is mainly concerned with the tool used for its delivery.
The business landscape has shifted. Living and working in a post-pandemic world has caused numerous businesses to implement - sometimes hastily - remote work and learning initiatives. The LMS is taking center stage in connecting learning to company policies, industries, and professional development programs. Innovation and disruption are catchphrases now constantly used within internal technology team meetings - as most organizations are trying to create a culture where employees can work anytime, anywhere. This driver is pushing Learning and Development (L&D) departments to develop innovative learning solutions that can adapt to this rapidly changing landscape. Here are four factors that you might consider when selecting or evaluating an LMS's ability to adapt to changing business and learner needs.
Mobile Trends
Mobile trends have influenced how we conduct business and communicate with our clients, but it also affects how we wish to learn in the office. Most corporations have adapted and selected their LMS with mobility in mind. However, new trends and technological advances will result in mobile devices becoming the dominant tool for sending, acquiring, and receiving information. As employees begin to create habits of looking up information, viewing Youtube videos, and taking notes on their tablets - their expectations for mobile responsive learning will need to be met with an LMS that can adapt.
Time spent on mobile within the United States trends up compared to time spent on TV.
Copyright © 2020 eMarketer Inc.
An important mobile advancement will likely impact learners in the coming years is 5G, the fifth generation of wireless networks. With 5G, mobile devices will have a faster network speed and greater capacity to support augmented reality and virtual reality learning. Other mobile trends like wearable technologies that synch to mobile devices and companies' Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies will require an LMS that can track and support learning initiatives incorporating these mobile trends.
Millennials
According to Pew Research Center, millennials are the third-largest group within the workforce (Fry, 2018). Yet, you may hear the term millennials thrown around like an invading force. While the youngest millennial is 25, the oldest just turned 40 and are amongst the largest living population in the United States. Millennials are considered tech-savvy and are the early adopters of new technologies who embrace digital life, while the youngest may have never known a world without a mobile device in it. As a result, it is essential to be mindful of how employees interact with technology outside of the office and offer similar user interfaces and experiences through our corporate learning technologies.
Source: Pew Research Center
Artificial Intelligence
When you think of AI, you might think of a sentient robot on your favorite sci-fi tv show or movie (e.g., Data). However, AI can make it more efficient for the learner to access the content or knowledge needed on any digital site, including an LMS. When you interact with a service or website, you will often see a pop-up chatbot asking if you need assistance. It will either gather preliminary information and connect you to the appropriate "live person" or step you through a series of questions, answer prompts, and guide you toward the information you seek. Chatbots can be an incredible resource for corporate training teams, a way to walk the user through an application or direct the user to the correct learning resource (e.g., person, video, or job aid). There are other benefits to AI in terms of an LMS, and that is Machine Learning. An LMS may use algorithms to suggest learning or resources to learners based on their past viewing or search history. Like Netflix provides movie suggestions based on your views and watches, so can an LMS. An AI-powered system can analyze searches, learning preferences, and video selections to create a personalized learning experience that continuously adapts as the learner interacts with the platform (Erba, 2018).
Netflix and Youtube
It is important to note that our goal in developing a user interface for an LMS requires user-friendly navigation. A user should navigate the LMS as intuitively as one would navigate Netflix, YouTube, or Google. These sites adhere to the most modern understanding of user experience and user interface design - no interface tutorial or training required. Learning Management Systems should function the same.
Let's take a look at three learning management systems that meet the current and future needs of the corporate workforce:
Docebo LMS
Docebo is an AI-powered LMS with a sleek and modern interface that provides a social learning experience on both desktop and mobile. Docebo, cannot host augmented reality courses; however, it is device agnostic, so it can support BYOD policies and provides the ability to customize the look of the user interface to make it more appealing to your workforce.
Visit: www.docebo.com
Image: Copyright Google Workspace
EdApp
EdApp is a mobile learning platform that works on all mobile devices; it supports augmented reality courses and chat pods and has built-in AI-powered features. However, you cannot customize the user interface of the mobile LMS.
Visit: www.edapp.com
Image: Copyright EdApp.com
Absorb LMS
Absorb LMS is a traditional LMS that has adapted and enhanced its features more than other conventional corporate systems. It offers machine learning features that provide the best possible search results; as users search for terms, they learn what they select to recommend better results. The LMS is accessible via mobile through a mobile app. However, user experiences may vary depending on the type of mobile device. Its user interface is modern, clean, and fully customizable. Still, the LMS may not fully support augmented reality courses.
Visit: www.absorblms.com
Image: Copyright finacesonline.com
When looking for a new LMS, consider an LMS with a modern user interface that is intuitive and adaptable in design. Ensure it has mobile responsive capabilities - not just having a mobile app, but a site that can offer learners an experience that does not diminish because of a smaller screen. The LMS should provide a personalized learning experience that adapts to the learner as they use the site. This includes virtual training assistance in chatbots, suggested searches, and personalized learning recommendations.
In conclusion, the LMS of the future must simply be capable of meeting the ongoing and future demands of our learners.
Sources:
Erba, C. (2018). Future of LMS: 7 Expert Predictions for 2019. Retrieved from https://www.betterbuys.com/lms/lms-predictions-2019
Fry, C. (2018). Millennials are largest generation in the U.S. labor force. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2018/04/11/millennials-largest-generation-us-labor-force/