The last few decades have been marked by the emergence of technologies such as the LMS ( Learning Management System ) that, in a way, have revolutionized our lives. Whether in personal life or at work, they are capable of optimizing time and boosting strategies, adding value to the most diverse activities in our routine.
The LMS system technology, which we are going to discuss in this article, is an example of a corporate tool that has been developing and generating a series of benefits for companies from different sectors.
It is used for learning management , streamlining employee training and contributing to the development of the company and its human capital .
As technologies can still be very intimidating for many people (especially because they are always associated with acronyms and difficult names), the objective of this content is to simplify the subject.
That is, at the end of this text you will know more clearly what are the LMS system features and functionalities in a practical way, not only the technical characteristics of this feature, but how it can actually generate a positive impact on your company.
Our content is divided into the following topics:
- What is LMS
- How the LMS ( Learning Management System ) works
- Types of LMS Learning System
- LMS role in people management
- Benefits of an LMS ( Learning Management System ) training platform
- Features that make LMS a trend
- LMS functionalities and features
Do you think this information will be useful to you? So go ahead and happy reading!
What is LMS system?
LMS system is the acronym for Learning Management System or Learning Management System . It sounds complex, but trust me, it’s not. This system is a technology that allows you to manage certain teaching content, monitoring the progress of students and evaluating their performance .
You’ve certainly heard of EAD , right? The distance learning model has had a lot of support over the last few years, especially because people have an increasingly busy routine and need a learning method that fits their daily lives, not the other way around.
With technological evolution, it is natural that distance learning ended up benefiting. Have you ever thought about how many things we can do without leaving home these days?
Follow events in real time via online transmissions, order food via apps, buy clothes at e-commerce stores and even drive around the streets of various cities around the world in a virtual car .
Technology came to add to EAD , creating what we call e-learning . This is the distance learning model that uses technological tools to pass the content on in a practical, accessible and dynamic way, transmitting valuable content and with the best experience for the student .
In other words, it’s the online or virtual courses that are so common around today. Amazing, isn’t it? But where does the LMS fit into this story?
Well, the LMS is the technology that allows all this to happen, the basis of e-learning . You will get to know and understand both concepts better throughout this article, don’t worry.
How does the LMS system work?
In general terms, the LMS system ( Learning Management System ) works in the online environment, as a virtual space in which the company can host and distribute content in different formats ( videos , podcasts, texts, quizzes, etc.).
But not only that! The tool is also made up of management resources, which collect, organize and allow data analysis, enabling the monitoring of each student and their respective evolution within a learning path.
Therefore, we can say that an LMS learning system has a structure that is divided into two parts:
admin interface
The so-called administrator interface is the management side of the LMS ( Learning Management System ) platform . In this space, the person responsible for the content can create and organize all the materials, as well as collect data and generate reports (individual or by group of students).
user interface
The user interface, on the other hand, is intended for students , a space to access material made available by the administrator. This area of the system has responsive designs that allow navigation through different devices, such as computers, smartphones and tablets.
Types of LMS System
Another important aspect about LMS system technology is how it will be used by the company. Some are the types of systems you can find on the market related to their structure and distribution and we will highlight cloud software and hosted software .
Understanding the differences between them is not that difficult and makes all the difference when thinking about how this learning model will be applied to the context of your organization.
cloud LMS system
Cloud software is sold as a service, also known as SaaS ( Software as a Service ) . This model is nothing more than an online LMS, which is available on the internet and requires a connection to access it.
In this case, the company providing the LMS ( Learning Management System ) will be responsible for the system settings, such as uptime, data storage and management of new features and errors.
This model is cheaper, has a simpler implementation and allows employees to access training from any device.
Hosted LMS
Here the software is installed on the company’s local server , that is, the program is hosted directly on a computer.
Despite demanding a greater investment, this model gives the company autonomy to take care of all system configurations, from its development to data storage.
LMS system role in people management
There’s no denying that distance learning and e-learning have made people’s routine (and a lot!) easier. In addition to being a more flexible model that better meets the needs of the modern public, this learning method is what has allowed many people to continue learning even with social distancing , for example.
But what about in the context of companies? How can this be helpful? Those who work with people management know that one of the biggest challenges in the area is to keep professionals engaged with the company and motivated to grow with it.
Recently, companies that already use LMS system platforms to train employees have noticed positive results in relation to high performance teams .
According to an article published by Voc RH , entrepreneurs and managers of major brands (such as C&A, Coca-Cola, Google and Nike) are already betting on the model as a way to transform the training of their employees.
The LMS system allows the application of several active methodologies, such as microlearning , a technique that distributes content in quick, dynamic and easy-to-assimilate learning pills, gamification, the way of teaching to transform learning into games and learning trails, for example.
Benefits of LMS system training platform
Well, so far you’ve seen that distance learning has been improved with new technologies, paving the way for elearning and several other teaching techniques.
Likewise, you already know how an LMS system platform works and why companies have found this resource an opportunity to engage their employees : it allows you to use internal skills to develop human capital and pass on the organization’s values. All this in a simple and dynamic way.
If it’s still clear to you the reasons that lead companies to invest in this, how about we move on to the benefits that LMS system technology provides? We list the main ones below:
Agility in the creation and application of training
In the traditional training model, creating content and then passing it on to employees can take longer than management would like. With the LMS this is very fast, since there is not always the need to start something completely from scratch.
The learning platform is equipped with features that take advantage of quality content that already exists in your planning, reorganizing the information and building personalized and high-value content . This makes the process much faster.
Engagement
As we mentioned before, one of the main advantages of using the LMS system in corporate learning is the engagement that this method provides. But why does this happen?
First, there is the gamification factor . This is a strategy that uses the principles of games to build a learning journey that keeps the participant attentive and interested from beginning to end, offering challenges and rewards at each step.
Furthermore, when the company knows the behavioral profile of its employees well, it manages to create training that talks to these people, which creates a connection. This makes teams identify with the content presented and, indirectly, feel part of the organizational culture.
cost reduction
Traditional and face-to-face training is naturally more expensive than e-learning training . Costs with instructors, displacement and space for classes, for example, are some of the amounts reduced or eliminated when planning an online training course.
Also, once the content is structured, it can be distributed to multiple contributors, who can be anywhere.
decision making
As the LMS ( Learning Management System ) platform allows you to monitor the development of each employee, decision-making is much more assertive and based on real data.
When considering a promotion, for example, people management will have solid information in hand to define which employee is best prepared to move up in position.
Features that make LMS a trend
In addition to the benefits mentioned above, there is another factor that explains the growing demand for learning systems as a tool for corporate training: the digital transformation .
The current context is demanding that companies invest in innovation to remain competitive in the market. This is because optimizing time, integrating sectors, automating processes and granting autonomy to employees are some of the goals that allow for enhancing the performance of the organization compared to others.
This, of course, is not an easy task. It is necessary to invest in the right technology and ensure that employees will adhere to it, creating what is called an innovation culture .
In addition to being a technology that brings employees and companies together through engagement, as we have mentioned here several times, there are other characteristics that consolidate the LMS learning system as innovative. Are they:
Integration and collaboration
The LMS allows the training set up by the organization itself to create a dynamic of integration between employees and their respective sectors, in addition to including modules that reinforce the brand’s values and stimulate internal communication.
Gamification
Learning in a light and uncomplicated way , having fun. By applying game principles in corporate training , professionals are encouraged to complete tasks and overcome challenges, with their efforts always recognized and rewarded.
Gamification has a lot of potential in the e-learning market and the LMS system has a structure that allows you to apply this active methodology at an excellent cost-benefit ratio .
Artificial intelligence and machine learning
These two concepts are related to intelligence and machine learning , which today are already able to perform actions based on acquired knowledge.
This makes teaching adaptive, meeting the specific needs of each student and building an individualized and more profitable journey for its employees.
Big Data and Analytics
These are also two other very important tools for companies in times of digital transformation. Decision-making needs to be driven by data, that is, real information.
E-learning gives training management the power to retain , organize and analyze student information , as well as generate complete analyzes on the evolution of each one throughout the training.
cloud computing
Cloud computing technology refers to software hosted in the cloud, which has a huge growth potential in the market.
For a much better cost-benefit ratio than software installed on a system, all employees involved can access the training remotely . That is, wherever they are and using whatever device they have at their fingertips.
LMS system functionalities and features
Now that you already know the benefits of using the LMS system for corporate learning management, how about going deeper into the features and functionality that this tool provides? Below you will find an explanatory list of the main ones:
Complete management
An LMS system platform has as its main objective the distribution of content to a certain audience. The most striking aspect of this tool, however, is that it allows you to manage this content in a completely innovative way.
In addition to the possibility of dividing management between administrators in different areas, it is possible to monitor the performance of each user in real time, correct online activities and generate reports in a few minutes . That is, the performance management of the participants is also improved and becomes more strategic.
Support for content in multiple formats
Another very interesting point among the functional characteristics of the LMS system is its ability to support different formats.
Therefore, you can insert video, audio, and PDF materials into the platform, as well as animations, external links, HTML pages and SCORM packages (which is the standard format for e-learning content ) .
Some LMS system even come equipped with resources that allow the creation of content directly in the system , further expanding the format possibilities. Working with the gamification methodology, you can, for example:
- Apply dissertation activities;
- Elaborate duels between training participants;
- Promote polls;
- Publish podcasts ;
- Customize mini-games;
- Create simulators;
- Create a quiz to assess the participants’ level of knowledge.
classroom management
You can also manage face-to-face courses with the LMS. Even with the success of distance learning, it is clear that not all training can be fully remote.
The blended learning model , which requires face-to-face meetings, allows classes in physical space to be fully integrated with online content. In these cases, management also adapts.
The platform provides resources that allow you to count the frequency of participants by QR Code, for example, as well as manage all the schedule and resources of the classes.
In this way, it is possible to allocate instructors, equipment and the classroom itself, organizing all the necessary resources.
Compatibility with mobile devices
Ease of access to content is very important so that the content can adjust to the needs of the professional who is participating in the training.
The LMS system can even be accessed by mobile devices (such as smartphones and tablets), the only requirement is to have a stable and functional internet connection.
Some platforms even have an offline mode, which allows the download of classes to be attended even when the employee does not have internet access.
Personalization
At the beginning of this article we mentioned that engagement is one of the main advantages of the LMS system, remember? Personalization is one of the features that contributes to this.
Imagine being able to create a totally personalized training , with the colors of your brand and with characteristic elements of the company?
It may seem like a mere detail, but customization with the organization’s visual identity creates a sense of belonging that strengthens the organizational culture .
This happens because the training becomes an extension of the company, projecting the organization’s concern with their professional development from the employees’ perspective.
interactivity
Interactivity is also a feature that is very present in LMS system platforms, which encourage collaborative practices .
In addition to the variety of supported formats, which in itself encourage interaction between participants, we cannot fail to mention the resources that encourage and facilitate communication between students and instructors .
Direct messages and discussion forums are some of the features that serve this purpose. This feature can put your training at a competitive advantage level, impressing users.
After all, even though it is distance learning training, interaction with other participants and teachers is also an essential tool in the learning process. Exchanging ideas, sharing doubts and fulfilling activities, for example, are processes of the teaching journey that are best used with the help of a tutor.
Therefore, if the student has a quick question when performing an activity and wants to have a private dialogue with the teacher, he can send a message directly to him. If you want to invite colleagues to a discussion, you can create a topic on the platform’s forum, a space where everyone can comment.
Student Support
One of the biggest challenges of distance learning is to guarantee a good experience for those who are learning. In the case of the LMS, some features are essential to improve this relationship between user and content, preventing technology from confusing and hindering learning.
For example, if a student is unable to navigate the platform’s interface and find the information he needs there, it is possible that he will have difficulty keeping up with deadlines. As a result, assessment dates can slip by and procedures for scheduling a new exam can seem overwhelmingly confusing.
It is necessary to work with clear guidelines and constant support . The LMS provides chats that the student can use to solve their doubts, as well as a notification feature, which serves as a reminder for the activities that need to be fulfilled.
gamification resources
Gamification has also been mentioned here as one of the advantages of choosing an LMS to host your training. And there are several resources that can make the learning journey more fun and fruitful!
Participants can create custom avatars , as if they were actually in a game! In addition, the content manager can create achievements for different stages of the training, recognizing great achievements of the participants with each completed module.
The learning path can also work based on a system of accumulating coins , which can be exchanged for items for the avatar, or even for real products.
It is still possible to work with different themes and environments within the platform, reinforcing that feeling of advancing through different levels. By creating a ranking for the participants, everyone can follow their evolution within the training, at the same time that they feed a healthy competition.
API for integration
Being able to integrate the LMS system to other platforms is a resource that expands the possibilities of using the tool.
For the contents that will be worked on with the participants, it is possible to integrate the LMS system with YouTube and other video platforms . Thus, instructors can use this feature for live broadcasts, or even to share one of the videos already published, for example.
It is also possible to integrate the LMS with the company’s internal systems , such as the payroll or the CRM, as well as incorporate e-commerce and functionalities such as payment methods and discount coupons, to name a few.
Extra Materials
To add even more value to your training, nothing better than offering extra materials, right?
As the student will have more autonomy to guide himself through his journey of knowledge, it is important to give him the necessary resources to seek more information, if he wants to.
The LMS allows you to create a bank of extra questions , or even an entire distribution library of additional materials.
Using an LMS platform as a corporate tool for your company’s training is a way to offer a complete experience to your employees .