Learning Management Systems of today offer several features. While this objectively a good thing, it tends to be confusing in terms of picking the best LMS software for your organization.
Blended learning combines techniques of both online and offline learning. The LMS that follows a blended learning approach supports mobile capabilities to allow you to train remote workers and administer offline sessions. Blended learning also requires the use of web tools for real-time audio- and video- calls, both personal and group. Likewise, the blended learning experience requires separate log-ins for different learners, so they can take the lessons at their own pace.
Blended learning is all about providing your learners with the best of both worlds and giving them a chance to learn in an ecosystem that suits them the most. In this article, let’s take a closer look at some of the features that are required to facilitate such a blended experience:
1. Analytics and report generation
Data analytics is a much-needed requirement of today, especially when everything is essentially just about understanding data. Whether it is about finding your learners’ pain points, creating personalized course content, or understanding the learners’ journey – robust data analytics features help you make data-driven decisions in all these scenarios. The LMS must also have an automated report generation functionality, with the reports including both online and offline elements.
2. Collaborative abilities
In today’s work environment, where companies have either switched to a completely work-from-home model or are working in a blended setting, the need for a collaborative environment has increased. The best LMS software for your organization must offer at least the basic collaboration abilities like sharing, commenting, talking to one another, forming chat groups, file sharing, and other such features. Such a social learning environment is immensely beneficial for the overall enhancement of the learners’ efficiency.
3. Scalable hosting
Since the LMS system will act as a central repository for all your course content, the best LMS software must have scalable hosting features. This essentially means that there should not be a strict upper cap on the amount of content you can host. As you get comfortable with the eLearning environment, your hosting requirements are bound to increase. The LMS should allow you the flexibility to scale up the hosting requirements as per your business needs. Even in the future, depending on how much of a blended approach you want to take, your LMS requirements will vary. So, it’s always wiser to select a scalable option to begin with!
4. Third-party integrations
An LMS should not operate independently. You’ll probably be using HR software, CRM, analytics software, and other such tools to track and manage your business. The best LMS software should seamlessly integrate with such third-party tools so that information can be exchanged between the apps for a holistic overview. Without proper third-party integration, your LMS will be working in isolation for the most part, and will not be able to provide the blended experience we’re talking about.
5. Cloud-based
“On-the-go” is important in today’s world. Being cloud-based, your LMS software will be accessible by your learners from anywhere at all, just with an internet and a compatible device. Further, the tool will be personalized for the different screens that the learners can be on – thereby making the content easier to content on the go.
In conclusion
Engaging and personalized learning is the need of the hour today, especially in the context of corporate training – where every employee has different strengths, weaknesses, objectives, and targets. Any LMS software that contains at least the features listed above will help you easily get started with offering engaging learning modules to your learners and provide a true blended learning experience. To know more about learning solutions from GCube, write to us here.