LMS Features To Maximize ROI
Some organizations make the mistake of investing in a “bare-bones” system that falls into their price bracket. It’s not much, but it suits their basic needs. That is until they start to expand or realize that it’s missing crucial features. For example, their employees can’t access the platform on the go. Avoid this oft-repeated error by considering the following 8 LMS features to support ILT, all of which improve your returns, stretch resources, and help instructors maximize ILT benefits for your team.
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1. Customizable Reporting
LMS reports narrow the scope for instructors and allow them to highlight areas of improvement, both in terms of employee performance and their ILT approach. Out-of-the-box reports may be enough for basic metrics, such as engagement and completion times. However, you need customizable reporting tools in order to track your objectives and monitor KPIs. A platform must also allow you to customize delivery options. As an example, your warehouse manager receives their subordinates’ reports every Monday via email. Data visualizations are another vital feature to look for when choosing your next LMS to support ILT.
2. Intuitive UI
There’s a broad spectrum of users who access an LMS. From tech-savvy employees from your IT department to novice new hires who are still unsure about eLearning. As such, your instructor-led training software must be easy to use for every member of a team, not just digital natives who feel right at home on an LMS. This also goes for your instructors and facilitators who must use the tool to enhance personalization and provide support.
3. Video Conferencing
Video conferencing tools can eliminate costs, as instructors use an LMS to host their live events. At the very least, they’re able to reduce the number of on-site ILT sessions and supplement them with online webinars. As a result, employees don’t need to travel to the site or dedicate an entire day to training, which reduces payroll costs and allows them to spend more time on the job. You should also look for systems with built-in authoring tools to convert recorded events into training resources, or bite-size demos to add to your microlearning library; the gift that just keeps giving.
4. Gamification
Gamification might seem like a luxury item. After all, you don’t really have room in your budget for gift cards and other monetary rewards. But that’s one of the common misconceptions about gamified training. Badges, points, and leaderboards are the incentives that fuel employee motivation. The only cost involved with these game mechanics is development time since the best LMS for ILT already has built-in gamification support, such as templates and customizable badges.
5. Certifications
You need to know who’s keeping up and falling behind as well as identify top performers so that you can facilitate peer-based support. For example, inviting a sales employee who aces every exam to become a co-worker coach. Certifications help you keep track of individual progress as well as hold employees accountable. You can quickly spot staff members who haven’t met the bare minimum and need to refresh their certifications. Some LMSs even feature automatic reminders that ensure everyone stays up-to-date and mitigates compliance risks.
6. Mobile Learning Support
Mobile training is no longer optional. Modern employees expect training resources that travel with them, even if you are taking the ILT approach. Thus, your new LMS must offer mobile learning support that helps employees bridge gaps between scheduled ILT sessions. They can even use the platform during face-to-face events to bring themselves up to speed. For example, they missed the last ILT session and need to quickly recap the new company policies or task protocols. A responsive LMS allows you to deploy training on any device, preview content, and make changes to optimize the training experience.
7. Self-Registration
Self-registration LMS features allow employees to enroll in courses or sign up for upcoming events. This is not the same as auto-enrollment, which automatically assigns courses/events based on pre-determined criteria. Registering for training events on their own empowers employees. They can pick and choose which activities align with their training goals and job requirements. Employees take the initiative instead of waiting for an invitation. You can also restrict access to certain courses/events based on certain parameters. For instance, only new hires can sign up for an orientation course, or the next sales live training event is reserved for team leaders.
8. Assessment tools
Assessment tools include a broad range of LMS features. Some include tests engines, while others are limited to assessment reports. If you plan to conduct most of your evaluation online, it’s wise to invest in a tool with advanced testing tools. For example, an LMS that includes question templates and qualitative assessment support. These enable you to gauge not just how much they know but how well they apply it in practical scenarios. Such as reports that provide detailed simulation feedback so you can identify areas for improvement.
Conclusion
There may be some features you can omit from your own list. Or you need to add certain selling points based on team feedback. Developing LMS selection criteria usually involves trial and error. Sign up for free trials and demos to evaluate features from a practical perspective. Do your instructors need auto-enroll features? Do they require recording and editing software in addition to video conferencing tools? Put the platform through its paces to identify your top features and get maximum returns.
Which compliance training LMS has all the features on the list (plus the ones you need to achieve your desired outcomes)? Use our free online directory to find the best tools for the task. Select the deployment type you need, the pricing model you prefer, and features you can’t do without.
Download the eBook Making the Most of Your L&D Metrics: Finding The Right LMS With Reporting to fully leverage your eLearning data.
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