We’ve discussed eLearning at length, including the details of what the future holds for education. But, what about some of the tools needed to help create an effective education space for students?
Here at ryco.io, we focus all of our efforts on all things eLearning and education, which is why we are here to provide you with as much information as possible. In this article, we’ll discuss the eLearning tools for education you need, starting with LMS.
What Is an LMS?
A learning management system, or LMS, is a software application. When it comes to all aspects of the learning process, LMS provides the framework for it from housing, delivering, and tracking your educational content.
LMS goes by many other names, including:
Learning experience platform (LXP)
Learning activity management system
Training management system
LMS vs. LCMS
LMS is often confused with a learning content management system (LCMS). The two approaches are not the same but instead are complementary to one another.
While LMS provides the framework for the learning process, the LCMS is the software used to both author and manage the content.
Who Uses LMS
Applications for LMSs can be found across various industries. Essentially, any industry that implements any type of online learning can benefit from using an LMS.
The most common industries that utilize an LMS include:
Government companies
Private institutions
Corporations
Organizations
Educational institutions
Benefits of LMS
Not surprisingly, the primary benefit of an LMS is to make the training and development of online courses a more straightforward process. Some of the direct benefits of utilizing an LMS include:
Identify and assess individual and organizational learning goals
Track progress towards meeting goals
Collect and present data throughout the learning process
An LMS can also handle things such as onboarding, compliance, and skills gap analysis in addition to delivering content.
Value of LMS Today
With LMS providing so much value, it comes as no surprise that these systems are becoming increasingly popular. Today, nearly 85% of organizations worldwide utilize an LMS.
While there are questions that arise regarding the value of LMS in the future with the constant evolution of technology, studies show that usage of LMS continues to rise rather than taper off or even remain stagnant.
What Are the Most Popular LMSs?
All the major markets like corporations, the medical industry, and educational institutions can benefit from using an LMS. Ultimately, with an LMS, eLearning instantly becomes more fun with video tutorials, stories, and features like personalized learning and gamification.
If you’re interested in checking out an LMS, here are some of the most popular systems you can find today.
Canvas
Canvas is a well-known, cloud-based LMS that helps increase its users' productivity by making learning easy and simple. Not surprisingly, Canvas is best suited for the education sector.
Some of the primary features Canvas offers its users include:
Support for external integration like Facebook and Google
Mobile apps for Android and IOS
Content editors to customize user profiles
Integrated tools like media reporting, Ether pad, and Google documents for improved customer experience
Open API
RSS support, LTI integration, copy-paste HTTP links from browsers, and integrated learning outcomes
Collaborative workspace, allowing users to record and upload abilities of video messages
Resource sharing amongst users
TalentLMS
TalentLMS is a well-known, cloud-hosted, open API LMS that creates a learning experience free of any hassle. The flexibility of this LMS provides instant availability across various eLearning industries.
Some of the primary features TalentLMS offers its users include:
Support exam engines, e-commerce, notifications, multi-organization structure, training metrics, etc.
Testing, data import and export, display transcripts, web conference, ILT support, and registration management
Provide individual plans, define user roles, mobile accessibility, grading system, and training metrics
Custom homepage, reporting, branding, and fields
Strong management of course authoring, course branding, course catalog, course marketplace
Content friendly
Moodle
Moodle is a cloud-hosted, open API LMS that is beneficial to administrators and instructors. Customized eLearning platforms can be created with a secure and safe integration, making it an excellent choice for learners and teachers alike.
Some of the primary features Moodle offers its users include:
Mass enrollments with support for open standards
Safe authentication process, personalized dashboard, and peer and self-assessment
Multilingual capability, multimedia integration, multiple progress tracking functions, and outcomes and rubrics
Customizable site design and layout and embed external resources
Quick notification and alerts along with regular security updates
Collaborative tools and plans, detailed reporting, and logs
Single platform for learning, multiple course creation, and quick backup along with convenient data management
Edmodo
Edmodo is yet another well-known, cloud-hosted, open API LMS that helps to offer one of the best collaborative spaces in eLearning. Not surprisingly, Edmodo is an excellent choice for eLearners.
Some of the primary features Edmodo offers its users include:
Network connecting parents, administrators, and students
Online classrooms discussion
A personalized app that measures the progress of the students
Polls for students
Community network for better learning and communication
Badges are awarded to students who achieve good scores in assessments
Free administrator account that can be activated to help to speed up the learning programs
Blackboard
Blackboard is one of the most popular cloud-hosted, open API LMS for K-12 learning. This LMS helps eLearners realize their full potential through an accurate and powerful digital learning experience.
Some of the primary features Blackboard offers its users include:
Social learning, retention center, enrollments of programs, dynamic content, and active collaboration
Content editing, blackboard drive, grading enhancements process, and group management
Collaborative integration mechanism and data management for students
Calendar, safe-assign, and student preview of any discussions or meetings
Portfolios and enhanced cloud profiles for students
What LMS does ryco.io prefer?
Here at ryco.io, we are an eLearning development company focused on building courses and applications for businesses and schools across the globe. Our team of instructional designers, subject matter experts, and web and mobile app developers work to develop custom learning experiences for a range of clients.
When it comes to LMS, ryco.io utilizes a wide range for the courses we create from Canvas, to Moodle, Schoology, and even Teachable. In fact, ryco.io will even develop custom platforms to meet the needs of their customers.
LTI Platforms
At ryco.io, we also integrate learning tools interoperability (LTI) platforms, such as CourseArc, into LMSs such as Canvas.
LTI can be beneficial in LMS integrations for the following reasons:
Improved student privacy
Improved data security
Heightened user experience
Better integration
Final Thoughts
Integrating an LMS is a crucial element for all when it comes to eLearning tools for education. But, LMS is not the only tool. What else is out there for educational content creators and implementers?
As we continue to move forward with eLearning, we’re excited to see everything that it holds, including the tools that come with it. Here at ryco.io, we constantly integrate learning techniques with technology to stay one step ahead of the game.
Very informative, I have a better grasp of eLearning as a result of understanding these tools.
Thanks