Discover the latest VR & AR news and must-have features

What is an LMS? | Choosing The Right Learning Management System

Written by Anja Knorr | Jan 9, 2023 4:02:23 PM

A Learning Management System (LMS) is a web-based software application for creating, managing, and distributing educational material. It is often used for digital training - also known as eLearning - which is either designed by the administrators themselves or created with external help.  


Finding a learning management system that offers all the features you need without breaking your budget is crucial. In this article, you will find more information and suggestions on how you can benefit from this technology.

Why Use A Learning Management System?

Think of a learning management system as a large directory where users can store and track information in one place. Any user with a secure login and password can access the system and its online learning resources. In a user-hosted system, the software is either installed on the hard drive or accessed through the company's server.

In its most common version, it consists of two elements:
  • a server that provides the basic features,
  • and a user interface to be used by teachers, students, and administrators.


A cloud-based online learning platform allows you to learn online without installing a program on a computer or as a webapp on your devices.

In general, a learning management system helps teachers create and deliver content, monitor student participation, and assess student performance. It makes it easier and more scalable for your employees to train, and it consolidates and digitizes all training activities.   

 

 

LMS Advantages

Even without an L&D department, the benefits of a learning management system are obvious. A sound learning management system for collaborative learning makes it easy for everyone in the company to create and share learning courses.

Ad hoc solutions such as video tutorials on YouTube, instructional documents, and webinars are not part of an organized learning program. Online learning programs provide efficient and effective training solutions.

The benefits of using an LMS to create more effective online learning programs are not just about a better-informed workforce.

By the way, read more about the benefits of using Virtual Reality here.

When creating learning content, modules, and targeted learning opportunities, opportunities also often exist to incorporate them into existing training programs. Other learning types such as microlearning, gamified learning, social learning, and blended learning all play an important role in this context.

LMS Cons

The biggest drawback to using a learning management system is that many aspects of training do not adapt to online learning. Many tasks involve developing a physical skill that can't be easily learned or tested online.

 

The Best Way To Get Started With An LMS System

Virtual Reality training addresses this by combining cognitive and physical learning.

Popular LMS systems among educational institutions are:

  • LMS Moodle
  • Blackboard Learn Schoology

    Popular enterprise-level learning management systems include:
  • Adobe Captivate Prime
  • Docebo LMS
  • Talent LMS
  • iSpring Learn eFront

 

Different Learning Management Systems

Organizations use LMS to create online courses for the training and development of their employees. Some learning management systems require a separate authoring tool for course creation, while others let you create directly on the platform.

 

Must-Have Features

Choosing the right LMS system requires thorough forethought to ensure a worthwhile ROI and viable benefits. The following features of a Learning Management System are essential for a better learning experience.

 

Use Cases For LMS eLearning

Learning management solutions appeal to a wide range of organizations, including higher education institutions and large enterprises.

Popular use cases are


 

 

LMS Pricing Models

The different pricing models for learning management systems may include:

 

Learning Management Systems Using Virtual Reality

Research conducted by the University of Florida shows that implementing Virtual Reality into training programs improves the user experience many times over and makes the training process more effective. After all, trainees can develop skills faster and remember information more easily. 

The major difference between VR and traditional eLearning is that VR allows employees to experience real-life situations. This permits employees to simulate situations in work environments without risk, which would otherwise be too dangerous.

Especially in the areas of health and safety at work, first aid, and fire protection, the many features of a VR learning platform are suitable for legally required training and knowledge refreshment.

Virtual Reality training introduces a whole new dimension to this type of day-to-day and mandatory training, transforming a typically static learning experience into an active learning session.

In this video from our customer Avacon, we demonstrate how the energy company uses our 3spin Learning authoring tool to create and distribute their own learning courses: 

 

Bottom Line

A learning management system has the potential to quickly become an indispensable aid in the educational process. It doesn't matter whether the target audience is students or your workforce – virtual learning systems are universal and highly adaptable. There are many solutions on the market that are suitable for companies of different sizes and from different industries.

Collaborative learning is therefore the answer to many challenges in the company and particularly in this area, the investment in Virtual and Augmented Reality training pays off.

For more information on how you can integrate VR & AR into your learning management system, please do not hesitate to contact us here.