What to Look For In an E-learning System

Once a corporate training alternative, e-learning services have become the new norm. Managers appreciate the way they streamline coaching; employees like educating themselves in the most convenient way possible. It’s no wonder global e-learning has grown by more than 900% since 2000.

Online learning will continue to grow in proportion to the technology supporting it — virtual training software has certainly come a long way from the days when businesses would give employees a CD-ROM with training materials on it. Now, e-learning platforms are constantly integrating the newest tech capabilities, offering businesses deeper insights than ever while making training as convenient and efficient as possible.

Not long ago, I spoke with a client who recently switched to online training. He was blown away by being able to instantly analyze any aspect of his program with a click. Previously, he spent hours upon hours organizing reports, printing charts, and grading exams. Now, thanks to big data and e-learning algorithms, all that information is organized and reported instantly.

To really leverage the insight gained from a learning management system, organizations must carefully evaluate their options and find the right mix of features for their objectives, budgets, and staff. There isn’t a one-size-fits-most solution in e-learning. Some companies need it to deploy education to every team member, while others only want e-learning for certain personnel in specific departments, such as sales.

The e-learning industry is constantly developing new tools to better meet the varying needs of LMS customers. Whether you’ve already adopted an LMS or are just diving in with your company, consider how the following developments in the industry can boost your return on investment:

Cloud capability — Gone are the days when a worker has to be on a local PC to go through training. More providers are moving to cloud-based LMS solutions, which allow users to access online training resources wherever they are. Not only does the cloud make it easier for all employees to participate, but it also simplifies content modification and worker performance monitoring.

Adaptivity — Today’s e-learning platforms eschew a standardized educational path. Personalized online experiences let learners adjust their experiences and access specific resources that help them learn. Why make experienced team members slog through a rudimentary online module when they don’t need it? Adaptive LMS software improves engagement by only delivering what employees need.

Responsive design — Your learners will no doubt access online training content on a variety of devices: laptop, tablet, phone, etc. LMS solutions created with responsive design coding allow the information and navigation to look the same regardless of screen size. Rather than force employees to make accommodations to complete their training, allow them to check in at their convenience.

Gamification — Adding gaming elements, including badges and leaderboards, helps boost motivation and shows you which employees are exceeding (or not exceeding) expectations. You can set some LMSs up to allow users to accrue points and “unlock” final simulations. Gamification is the perfect way to push employees through dry material, like compliance training.

Videography — Videos allow online learners to see favorable behaviors, product demonstrations, and in-action tasks. And video will increasingly become internet users’ native medium: Cisco estimates that 82% of all internet traffic will be video by 2021. No wonder some organizations have curated vast video-based e-learning libraries to provide support to employees.

How will e-learning transform your company’s future? That’s up to your management team. Consider your training gaps, and then explore an LMS online directory to find providers that meet your needs. The sooner you start, the faster you’ll gain an edge on your competitors.