What is LMS, Anyway?

Maybe you’ve wondered about where your online training comes from; then again, maybe you haven’t. Regardless of whether that question makes you scratch your head, I’m going to attempt to explain it to you anyway. After all, this blog is about obtaining knowledge, so prepare to learn something new.

A Learning Management System, or LMS, is a software platform in use by schools, businesses, and all types of organizations, to disseminate training and all types of coursework without the need for a classroom. In 2010, according to an article featured on the site edudemic.com, educational systems spent $2 billion in computer systems that are capable of supporting LMS, in order enhance the learning experience for millions of students. Many educators believe that online learning tools are a positive addition to traditional curricula, helping to engage students and improve their grades. It makes sense, since most students have computers at home; bringing them into the classroom has been a natural progression.

School-age children and college students are not the only segment of the population benefiting from LMS. The workplace is embracing this tool in order to keep employees well versed in industry developments, as well as required training. Instead of schlepping to sales or training seminars, you can now get the same experience on your computer or electronic device of choice, wherever and whenever. It beats sitting in a conference room; now you can sit in your easy chair or at your desk, and take part in the same training you might have to travel hundreds, if not thousands of miles to receive in person. Webinars have replaced seminars, and most companies couldn’t be happier.

No matter how old you are, or how far removed you are from an actual classroom, it’s easier than ever to be a student. Just fire up your Internet connection and the world of learning is at your fingertips. It can be required training for your job, coursework to effect a career change, or just good old-fashioned curiosity that sparks your imagination. And, before you go thinking that an LMS is just one more tool your company can use to spy on you, think again. You always benefit from education no matter where it comes from; if your company is providing it through an LMS platform, consider yourself lucky – you’re getting paid to learn something new!

Let’s not forget that online training, and all training for that matter, can be far from perfect. If you’ve had a less than positive experience with training (online or otherwise), let us know about it!

Project-Based Learning Keeps Students Engaged

The worst part of training is – you guessed it – boredom! How many of us have had our eyes glaze over in a classroom, or while viewing online training? Most likely more than we are willing to admit. There is, however, an alternative that is working to keep learners engaged, and that is what’s known as “project-based learning.”

Project-based learning is a dynamic approach to teaching in which students explore real-world problems and challenges, simultaneously developing cross-curriculum skills while working in small collaborative groups. Project-based learning is filled with active and engaged learning, inspiring students to obtain a greater knowledge of the subjects they’re studying. Research indicates that students are more likely to retain the knowledge gained through this approach far more readily than through traditional textbook-based learning. In addition, students develop confidence and self-direction as they move through both team-based and independent work.

Sounds like fun, right? You can view project-based learning in action by clicking here.

Project-based learning is also an effective way to integrate technology into any curriculum. A typical project can easily integrate computers and the Internet, as well as many other types of electronic devices and equipment that will enhance the learning experience.

The key to embracing the future of online training is to try out the many new and exciting ways learning is evolving. There are so many more options that go beyond the classroom that will keep you engaged, and ensure that whatever you need to learn sticks with you.

Do you have any experience with project-based learning? If so, we want to hear about it.