A learning management system (LMS) is extensive software that has a range of functions to perform. It stores, delivers, and facilitates online training for your company.
Obviously, software with such wide-ranging functions is going to have an elaborate feature palette. In this article, I’ve combined a list of the top 10 features without which your LMS is incomplete.
The features listed below will help you choose or create an LMS platform that helps you deliver diverse and engaging learning experiences.
So let’s get started!
10 Features to make your LMS Platform Dynamic
1. Advanced Reports
Advanced reporting capabilities can help you assess how effective your learning programs/courses are, and how close you are to achieving your e-learning objectives. Your LMS platform should provide visual reports that can be customised according to the metrics of your choice.
AI/ML-based reports can also give you an insight into your learner’s behaviour patterns on your LMS platform. You should be able to identify their pain points, places they’re getting stuck at, and accordingly adjust your training programs to give your learners a smooth experience.
2. Course Management
Your LMS should have course management functionalities that make it easy for you to create and deliver course content online. A simple and intuitive UI interface that allows you to drag, drop, and arrange various content formats effortlessly would be best as you don’t want to waste too much time doing monotonous administrative tasks.
Along with content management, your LMS should allow you to pull custom reports, bulk enroll users, configure course settings, change course layouts, etc – all from a centralised location.
3. Third-Party Integrations
Your LMS platform should integrate with other software tools you’re already using (like CRM, HR system, project management software, webinar tool) so that you can synchronise user data, enrolments, account creation, account access, and more.
Also, if your Learning Management Software has RESTful APIs or is connected to software like Zapier, you can easily move data from your LMS to third party systems and extract details from other apps as well.
4. Gamification
An LMS should have gamification features so that you can deliver interactive and enjoyable learning experiences to your students. So it’s important that your LMS includes features like leaderboards, badges, virtual reality, points, rewards, and more.
Having these features will allow more scope for you to create memorable learning experiences that boost learner engagement, encourage healthy competition, and improve learner competency.
5. Video Conferencing
Due to limited contact between students and teachers in remote learning, simply uploading recorded videos does not ensure that your students learn and comprehend everything properly.
You’ll need to give one-on-one attention to your students as well so that you can solve their doubts in person (virtually) and also address any pain points they might be facing which are hindering their learning process.
So apart from communicating through message boards and emails, you’ll also have to include video conferencing into your LMS.
6. Social Learning Tools
Collaborative learning is one of the best forms of learning, and it is very crucial for e-learning models. Including social learning tools in your LMS will encourage your students to discuss their course material and indulge in conversations around the new concepts they’re learning.
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This will not only enhance their understanding and retention of concepts but reduce strain from trainers as students can ask questions on forums and help each other out.
So your LMS should include message boards and discussion forums that allow students to communicate, collaborate on projects, learn from each other, and even share best practices.
7. White Labeling
You’ll have to maintain a consistent tone, aesthetic, and design throughout your LMS so that your learners associate their learning experiences with your brand, and not with the LMS development company or vendor you’ve partnered with.
Meaning, your LMS should be able to properly communicate your company’s culture and voice. A white-labelling feature on your LMS platform will make sure that your students won’t be able to tell that your LMS is owned by someone else. Meaning, you’ll be able to add your own logo, icons, watermarks, brand colours, and whatever other assets you use to communicate your branding.
8. Mobile Friendliness
If your LMS does not offer a mobile app or a mobile-friendly design, then you’re missing out on an opportunity to reach your audience on a device they use the most for their online activities.
A mobile-friendly design will allow users to take their training courses on the go from their smartphones. This feature will especially make your LMS a hit among your audience if most of them are Gen Z or millennials.
9. Asynchronous Learning
One major reason why e-learning is so attractive and even preferred by professionals and students alike is that they can choose to learn at their own pace. This is why this feature is a must-have for any LMS that wants to see maximum enrolments and active student participation.
Essentially, your LMS should allow you to combine recorded videos, along with discussion forums, online readings, and track student progress so that students can access course materials at their convenience.
Also, they should be able to continue their courses instantly from where they left off. This will boost your audience retention and buy-ins.
10. Artificial Intelligence
In today’s day, any software that does not come with in-built AI capabilities is outdated. AI algorithms can help you automate administrative tasks, personalise your student’s learning experience, and draw helpful insights that can help you optimise learning workflows.
Also, AI can act as a proactive ‘virtual coach’ that can guide your students through their courses and steer them in the right direction. Virtual coaches can also chat with students and answer basic queries that can help them in their journey.
This way, the admins will have more time to focus on improving their courses instead of catering to cumbersome tasks that don’t bring much value.
Parting Words
Apart from the features listed above, I’d encourage you to also look into any custom features/functionalities your LMS should have. At the end of the day, there’s no point in having an LMS if it can’t cater to your specific needs!
FAQs
What are the top features of the best LMS software?
The top features of the best LMS software include course creation and management tools, user management and administration, assessment and evaluation tools, reporting and analytics, integrations with other systems, mobile responsiveness, gamification and social learning features, compliance and certification tracking, e-commerce and monetisation capabilities, and multilingual support.
Why are these features important in LMS software?
These features are important in LMS software because they help businesses and educational institutions to create and deliver effective online learning experiences for their users, track their progress and performance, and generate insights and data to inform future course development and improvement. Additionally, features such as gamification and social learning can help increase engagement and motivation among learners.
How can businesses and educational institutions ensure successful adoption and use of LMS software?
To ensure successful adoption and use of LMS software, businesses and educational institutions should provide adequate training and support for their users, communicate the benefits of the system clearly, and monitor usage and engagement to identify any issues or areas for improvement. They should also regularly evaluate and update the content and features of their LMS to ensure it meets the evolving needs of their users.