Learning Today

SKILLED WORKFORCE – 5 Features of the Best Learning Management System – LMS

We live in a world where a workforce is key to the smooth operation and profitability of every industry. Most of us also realize that the importance of a well-trained staff is immeasurable, hence a suitable Learning Management System (LMS) is immeasurable.  Training and retraining staff is extremely important in order to minimize turnover, keep the Work/Life Balance quality as high as possible, and to demonstrate that the company wants its staff to grow, not stagnate.  This is where a Learning Management System (LMS) comes into play.  In the era of technology, there’s more connection than ever before, and with that comes some new challenges. Learning Management Systems have come a long way, but certain features are less nicety and more necessity as follows:

1. Data protection and encryption

• As you deal with more and more staff members, you’re dealing with more and more personal data. Data is one of, if not THE hottest commodity around. However, we don’t live in a perfect world, so we have to face the reality of people trying to steal data for malicious purposes. You can see what kind of data is stolen and how much it’s worth here to help understand just how lucrative and vulnerable all types of data are. That’s why encryption is so important, and why your Learning Management System absolutely needs it. You wouldn’t want personally identifiable information (PII) to be vulnerable in any way, so look for a Learning Management System which has at least a basic level of encryption. But when it comes to encryption, the more the merrier!

2. Multilingual

• It’s no secret that we’re exposed to multitudes of languages, some of us are even lucky enough to speak more than one. As our global-economy increases, we need a way to make sure that all of our staff are included in the learning process. According to the US Census, there are 350 languages reportedly spoken in the USA, a truly spectacular number to show just how many different corners of the world find themselves piecing together the fabric of today’s workforce.  Today’s workforce includes staff from a very diverse pool, so make sure your choice Learning Management Systems covers at least the 6 most common forms of language.

3. User-Friendly Interface

• No one likes navigating an unattractive, unfriendly website. It wastes time and tries our patience.  Users are looking for updated websites with friendly user experience (UX) options. Ease-of-use makes a world of difference in today’s busy environments and this can clearly be shown in something we use every day, our smartphones.  Smartphone giants, Apple and Android, have been at war over UX since the first days of iOS and Android.   In addition to them, now Google is jumping in with its own operating system which tends to land somewhere right between the two giants. Why have these massive companies invested so much time and money into R&D into the smallest nooks and crannies of the user interface of their operating systems? They have done so because UX is pivotal to the success of a system due to user retention. This is very important to keep in mind when looking for a Learning Management System. Keeping your staff involved in the content is obviously something everyone would benefit from, so make sure it’s pretty and user friendly.

4. Online AND Offline

• Internet connectivity is like life and death sometimes, yet we still have to go without it every once in a while. Some industries however, spend a long time without Internet Connectivity, like the maritime and aviation industries. Imagine if you needed to train or certify your staff but some are traveling and have no Internet Connectivity while doing so. Then what? Well, a Learning Management System with an offline feature would offer those staff members the ability to complete their training or certification requirements while traveling, even without an Internet Connection.  Another example is that of a crew on a cargo ship, oil tanker or cruise ship which go across the oceans without access to Internet for weeks at a time.   These ocean-going vessels have Satellite technology, however, it is extremely expensive, so typically crews are extremely limited in its usage for Internet connectivity.  This is why an LMS with an offline feature is so important to them.  With such, they can complete their training requirements and earn or update certifications while offline, at sea.  When they reach a port with Internet connectivity, all of their work will be uploaded back to HQ via the cloud.

5. Dynamic Course Structure

• Last but certainly not least is something we all could use, and it’s the ability to make a wide variety of courses as well as ways to test and earn certifications. Course and lesson level testing within a Learning Management System are necessary because these assessments allow for testing immediately after material is reviewed, but also provides a test similar to an exam in school covering cumulative material. Course and lesson-level assessments put you in control and give your staff an online opportunity to learn and understand their requirements. Also, these assessment types provide a fantastic method for them to prove they really know their content and deserve the certification(s).

Conclusion

While some of these may seem simple, there’s undeniable evidence that they’re necessary and effective in creating a more engaging work environment for employees who are eager to conduct and complete (or update) their training and/or certifications. Some of these features can be found in some Learning Management Systems but one Learning Management System that offers them all is GraspU.   What Learning Management System (LMS) are you using and does it offer these features to help you better engage your workforce?

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