LMS for the Next Generation of Corporate Learners: An Insight

As the technology around us evolves, the way we learn also evolves along with it. Learning and Technology are closely linked than ever before in schools, higher education institutions as well as corporate houses. A survey by leading community of IT professionals, EDUCAUSE surveyed more than 17,000 faculty members from 151 institutions and more than 75,000 students from 213 institutions on their experiences as well as expectations from higher education technology. Analyzing the findings, we can create better learning experiences for students as well as the future corporate learners.

• Use and the Lack of Use: There is no doubt whatsoever about the utility of an LMS in creating an avenue for perennial learning. For most teachers and instructors, the LMS is a great platform to conduct or support their teaching activities. The prime utility of an LMS is the fact that it makes sharing learning content easier and more accessible. Though newer LMSs have additional features, which encourage interaction or engagement activities, they are not utilized as much. Students echo this view and believe that an LMS helps them access content better and as per their needs. But additional features go ignored for most learners. Thus, LMS satisfaction ratings are highest for basic features such as storing content as well making it accessible, and lowest for advanced features such as using the LMS for social learning through collaboration. So, while implementing evolved LMSs of the future, we have to make sure that users are duly aware of system features, and provide training support to help the instructors as well as the learners to adapt themselves to the utilities of newer features.
• Intuitive LMS Design and Interface: LMS design and interface plays a pivotal role in how it is accepted or not accepted among the instructors and learners alike. Intuitive design and user interface, which does not present too many variations in the way that the audiences are accustomed to handling technology-enabled platforms. Here, the role of instructors is to implement a system that they perceive as best aligning to the needs of the learners. Professionals who design LMS are experts in their area – they know the best technology practices that can be utilized in learning. But they are often swayed by what all technology can provide, not dwelling too much on how much of it can be actually utilized. The LMSs of future thus have to make sure that they create intuitive interfaces to minimize the need for training and optimize the learning.
• The LMS Learning Curve: Though most learners of the modern generation have heightened knowledge and experience of technology-enabled platforms, their own perceptions of technology literacy may not necessarily align with their actual digital skills. Although, more students are familiar with basic software products and applications, there remains room for student training to utilize technology in learning. Just as there are initiation programs that prepare students to assess the courses available, a thorough LMS initiation training should be conducted – irrespective of the technology know-how of the learners. With time and consistent training, which takes out the fear of the ‘new’ from the learner’s mind, the learning curve can be slowly reduced.
• Mobile-enabled LMS: Among learners and instructors alike, mobile devices are ubiquitous. Most users utilize the devices to shop, bank, look up information, chat through IM as well as do Video chat and of course, use it to make audio calls. Mobile devices are no longer a luxury, but a lifeline for the modern world. Having an LMS that is mobile-enabled aligns with students’ expectations – making the experience of learning just like other mobile-friendly aspects of their lives including banking, shopping, accessing information, listening to music and so on. This successfully removes any misgivings that learners may have as to the utilization of the learning platform in their lives. Thus learning environments for the gen-next will have to meet demands for anytime, anywhere access to course materials and 24×7 engagement by being mobile optimized and mobile friendly.
• Personized LMS, Personalized Learning: Students and Instructors both believe that  an evolved LMS with room for personalization – in the way that the LMS looks, in the way that it creates the learning path as well as the way it uses learning analytics to enhance learner experiences with the platform. Simple features within the LMS design can ensure that the learners are able to choose colors, background or fonts as per their individual or group preferences. This provides a personalized flavor in learning, increasing its appeal and impact. With skill-gap analysis and feedback from the leaners themselves, evolved LMSs can create individual learning curriculum within the available course material available within the system. Most modern LMSs’ built-in analytics capabilities such as course alerts and learner progress tracking, there is much more that modern students now demand from a technology-enabled learning platform. With personalized reports on usage and performance, students can better understand how well they are learning. Students can also be provided with personalized quizzes or practice questions oriented to their strengths or weaknesses – with feedback from instructors or the learners themselves.

The global LMS market is expected to approach nearly $8 billion in the short span of next three years. With huge investments in the sector, the buyers will be seeking to improve, change, or enhance their LMS experiences. Learning Management Systems will have to be efficient, effective, as well as strategically priced. In addition, the expectations of the institution, the instructors as well as the Learners will have to be met in order to ensure enhanced learning.