The fact that million of users are using some kind of learning technology/ies doesn’t necessarily mean that they like them! The truth is that contrary to the trend we’re seeing in the rise in the adoption of MOOCs, there is also a notable MOOCs drop out. Generally speaking, if we want to address the question of whether learners like their learning technologies or not we must look at completion data (not just adoption). Because internet users are curious (and we like them to be!) but sometimes that curiosity ends too soon, whilst learning is something that requires time.
What we do know is that companies continue to adopt LMSs for their training strategies (and are increasingly adopting them) and they are clearly very happy with this adoption because more learners do more training at a lower cost – and people are not only trained but more satisfied than they were when they took face to face training.
We know why companies like elearning, but what about from the learner’s perspective? What works and what doesn’t?
1. An LMS as a business tool
This is a good (and the most basic) starting point. For the last decade employees have been using new technologies to do their jobs better, faster, and more efficiently. LMS users recognize this fact and enjoy adopting new technologies to help improve their competencies through training.
2. An LMS as a web tool
Everything is going on the Cloud and employees are appreciating the fact that their business tools are always available – they can now manage job tasks on the move and they can better organize their work life. An LMS is a tool born for and in the web, so it emphasizes the pros of any web, Cloud-based tool. No other tools are needed on a PC or Laptop in order to follow a lesson or take a webinar, simplifying things further.
3. An LMS that is easy to use
We all agree in the elearning industry that “ease of use” is one of the most important characteristics for end users. In three clicks, and no more, you can find the course you need and take it. Even if there is a powerful – and complex – intelligence in the back, what we display in front needs to be smart and streamlined enough so that end users can do everything in a maximum of three clicks (and get the complexity as the same time). That defines a good learning experience. (In a blatant plug here, Docebo LMS is well-known for its super easy to use and modern UI – if you’d like to check it out, try a 14-day free trial!)
4. An LMS that is social
It’s widely accepted that learning is a social activity, and after several years of suffering with the limited social capabilities of old legacy LMSs we can now say that learning online is social too!
Not only do LMSs now have powerful widgets and tools for social learning, but they are also integrated with all of the most common social networks.
5. An LMS that is fun
This is the next step in making the learning experience more engaging and motivating. Social learning and gamification pretty much sums up where things are headed. But even if we are dealing with the first generation of gamified LMSs, people recognize that using an LMS can (and should) be fun. Think for example about LMSs optimized for mobile and its implications – a parent can take a course anywhere and at anytime on-demand, e.g. whilst his/her child is playing football. These are brand new learning experiences and today’s LMS learners are defining a new era, and shaping the future of learning.
The Docebo LMS supports gamified and social learning, to see it in action try it out for yourself!