LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Everything , Everywhere ,
All The Time
Many of the traditional methods of training require scheduling a group training , setting up a classroom , getting a qualified instructor , and administering a test . And then , after training is completed , manually managing the recordkeeping can also be time consuming . This can be cumbersome to a company that wants to minimize disruptions to productivity .
As an alternative to traditional training , many companies have adapted to a Learning Management System ( LMS ), or computer-based training software , as an incredibly effective way to improve employee engagement and learning retention and increase employee skill levels .
One of the main advantages of an LMS is that much of the time-consuming issues and lost productivity due to group training is mitigated by having employees trained individually at a time appropriate for them .
Furthermore , rather than having to manually manage and track all of the workflows involved with ensuring employees have access to training and complete the learning program , an LMS helps automate the entire process . This includes managing training sessions , providing all employees complete access to training material , sending employees automatic reminders , tracking training progress , and maintaining individual employee training records .
Many LMS platforms include video conferencing functionality , enabling instructors to lead live remote classes and trainings through the platform . With a mobile LMS , learners can access and complete courses on a phone or tablet .
An LMS gives users the ability to author their own learning material and deliver courses to the specific group to be trained . Another feature allows course ratings , course sharing and commenting , and course discussions or individual learner blogs , all of which promote collaborative learning by allowing learners to interact with one another in the LMS .
LMSs have been active since the 1990s . However , the suspension of in-school learning caused by the COVID-19 pandemic along with companies implementing work from home ( WFH ) strategies caused a dramatic shift in the way teachers and students and employers and employees interact with each other . In many countries , online education through the use of Learning Management Systems became the focal point of teaching and learning .
The transition to LMS usage faced several challenges such as technological infrastructure limitations and negative attitudes toward technology among users .
Over the years , as technology improved , the cost of building and using an LMS has dropped dramatically . Negative attitudes toward online training have dissipated as users become more familiar with these systems . With these changes , educational companies have created learning programs to fit the LMS model . This has been particularly true in workplace safety programs , OSHA compliance , and human resources training . Some LMS vendors have partnered with course content creators to provide a premade library of training courses for workplace safety training needs , such OSHA- and DOT-required training along with HR sexual harassment policies .
Some of the common features of Learning Management Systems include setting up , tracking , and managing certification and compliance training for industries that require employee certification or compliance to perform specific job duties .
One example is OSHA forklift driver training . Powered industrial vehicle drivers require recertification every three years . Using an LMS allows employers to administer tests to gauge employee knowledge and skill . Then using the analytics data gathered from these systems helps employers determine proficiency and identify learning gaps . With LMS tracking , you can target areas where forklift driver skills need improvement which in turn provides a safer workplace .
To summarize , an LMS can provide training at multiple locations , to multiple users , covering multiple training materials , and allowing access at any time . One could say that an LMS is Everywhere , Everything , All the Time . +
BY : ERIC P . WOKAS , CSP ARM SENIOR RISK ENGINEER JGS INSURANCE , A BALDWIN RISK PARTNER
Eric P . Wokas has over 25 years of experience as a risk management consultant working for various major property / casualty insurance carriers including Continental , Zurich and Gerling as well as Aon an international insurance brokerage firm . At JGS Insurance Eric Wokas continues to assist clients in development and implementation of practical solutions in reducing risk .
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