Depending upon the nature of your business and clients you deal with, you may or may not require a Learning Management System. To be very precise and straightforward to my question, I will say, yes, eLearning is possible without LMS. Now, before heading into the discussion let me clear it for some users that eLearning and LMS are two different things subjected to similar category.
LMS VS ELearning
Electronic Learning is focused on putting up the material online. Learners can access it; when and where they need. It saves time and is a cost-effective method for organizations to keep their learners updated with the advancements. Delivering the content online, boost training consistency and develops interest.
It is obvious when you are running a learning and development program for an organization or a business. You will not just upload the things online and instruct your learners to access it. You will definitely build a community so that you can track the complete tasks, send assignments to learners and provide them a pleasant environment. LMS provides you with all this. It is software that enables you with an online platform for delivering learning material and managing all the movements through numerous tools. However, there are many ways you can track your learners efficiently without LMS.
- You can track it manually by issuing a certificate on completion of a particular course.
- If you have designed your course in different pages of a website, you can track your learners by web analysis tools and by monitoring the clicks.
E-Learning Trends
Small business opts to save their money. Why will they spend $5 on average per learner in a month? They practice ways that do not use LMS for eLearning. Also, learners have tons of information with them in small devices, why would they go for scheduled learning? They are more focused on their own feasibility. Let’s have a look at some eLearning trends that leads to the end of LMS.
1. Self-Controlled Learning
Many of us search as per the need and when we face problems. We have several search engines, YouTube, Wikipedia for quick information. It is not convenient for everyone to wait for an organized course for learning.
As a result, companies are turning to collaborative tools such as Yammer and ePath that promotes performance-based learning.
2. Adaptive Learning
By offering customized learning paths based on the feedback of previous courses, by tagging learning material and by creating smart courses, adaptive learning is trending high and broad. It provides a unique learning environment based on learner’s interest. It also increases the ratio of engagement.
3. Smart Learning – Anywhere, Anytime
Employees bring their own devices with them. Everyone has smartphones and/or tablets. We are always connected with each other and the internet to find answers whenever we want and where we require. A learner tends to select his own device and suitable software. It enables him learning with more interest and adopting the knowledge fast.
Such eLearning trends will create a significant impact on the process, software, and the environment that has been selected by an organization for training purpose. They should focus more on facilitating the individuals rather than planning and controlling.
Regardless of these trends, there exist some situations you may face where you are required to use LMS. Let’s have a look at them.
When You Need an LMS
Going for LMS might be a greater investment of time and finance. You may also face technical issues repeatedly. But, there are some situations which can make it suitable using LMS:
- If you are running an online business for selling courses. LMS can manage course transactions, enrollments, progress track and achievements of your learners.
- LMS provides you a perfect foundation for conducting a live video seminar. From managing registrations to promoting relevant events, it serves as a friendly platform.
- Suppose you are selling training packages for eLearning and your clients have their own LMS. To provide an overview of your courses, you will definitely need a similar sort of platform.
- Apart from the above-described alternatives and practices, using an LMS in a corporation for training purposes is still debatable. Some may get benefit from it or rest may not.
While Summing Up The Discussion:
Going through all the aspects, it is clear that LMS is focused on enhancing eLearning experience and providing more benefits to the organization in the sense of analyzing learner’s behaviors. However, based on new trends and practices, it is clear that eLearning is not restricted to LMS and could be done efficiently without it as well.
Author Bio:
Stella Lincoln is a single mother who lives with two cute daughters. She is a freelance writer at Academist Help and also serves as a marketing manager at CrowdWriter. She often conducts online and physical seminars to enhance entrepreneurial skills in the young generation. Stella loves to connect with people and often spend her vocation traveling and exploring nature.
