Are you looking for a learningmanagement software for your school? If yes, then here is the ultimate school
LMS guide for principals and teachers that will help you in selecting one!
If you are looking for a learning
management system for your school, then there are a few things you need to keep
in mind. To make it easier for you, here is the ultimate school LMS
guide for all the teachers and principals out there. Read through to get
enlightened.
What is a learning management software?
Before we discuss the features and
advantages of a learning management system, let’s first discuss what an LMS
is. A learning management system or software is basically a software
application that is specially designed to make learning effective with the use
of technology and to further track the delivery and reporting of the whole
teaching-learning process. These days, learning management systems come
equipped with a varying range of technologies to make learning more interesting
and to instil 21st-Century skills in the students.
Features of a Learning Management Software Schools
should look for
Below are the features that you
should definitely look for in a learning management system.
Accessibility
In this ever-busy world where everyone
is always on the go, accessibility is one of the key features that matter the
most in selecting a learning management software. Schools must choose an LMS
that can be accessed on several devices. A learning management system should be
so designed that it does not limit teaching-learning at any cost. Hence, going
for an LMS that can work on a desktop, smartphones, or tablet is the best
option out there. The idea is not to hamper learning, no matter what.
Content
What’s the point of having a learning
management software that makes use of the latest technology but does not have
quality content? Or, what if it doesn’t have enough subject matters? When they
say content is the king, they are absolutely right! A learning management system
isn’t effective if it doesn’t have a rich content library, no matter how modern
technology is being used. These days, there are plenty of learning management
software that are so smart, being powered with Augmented Reality, Virtual
Reality, Artificial Intelligence, etc. But the kind of technology is not the
only factor schools should consider because if the content isn’t compelling,
positive results cannot be achieved.
Collaboration
Modern technologies are capable of
improving teamwork and collaboration among learners. Hence, principals and
teachers must look for a learning management system that is potent in doing the
same. What makes an LMS effective are its features and tools designed
for better learning. Hence, apart from good subject matter, it should also have
features such as quizzes, assessment, glossary, blogs, calendars, discussion
boards, chat, and email options. This allows students to communicate with each
other and clear their doubts whenever required. Besides, teachers can send
mails and messages to students to share important news and information.
Training
Before choosing a learning management
software, principals and teachers must be well-versed of its features, functions,
and modules. They should know how it works and how they can deploy it to make
learning an interesting and engaging affair. Whilst you don’t want the
technology to go unused, make sure that you go through proper training to make
the most of it. Before finalising an LMS, you can ask for demos and once
decided, you can take proper training sessions until you understand everything.
Analytics
Vendors out there claim to be
providing learning management software that are capable of giving extremely
good results. There’s no denying that they may be effective, but it is very
important to have a feature that lets you do the analysis. Principals and
teachers must be able to track learning outcomes and stay updated with the
performance and progress of the students. After all, the main objective of any LMS
is to make the process of learning productive and fruitful.
Advantages of a Learning Management Software
Now that you know what to look for in
a learning management system, here are some of the most outstanding benefits
that will make you get one for your school.
Better Teacher-Student Collaboration
When teachers have good collaboration
with the students, the teaching-learning process itself becomes effective and
worthwhile. Since learners these days are more interested in technology-based
pedagogies, it becomes easier for teachers to grasp their attention. Therefore,
teacher-student collaboration improves and results in better learning outcomes.
Improved Teamwork
As stated earlier, learning
management software these days are so intelligent that they come with
everything from quizzes to integrated chat and discussion boards. This acts as
a platform for students to get together and discuss everything, right from difficult
topics to clearing doubts. Also, most of this software are powered with
technologies such as Augmented Reality, Artificial Intelligence, and Virtual
Reality which require tasks of teamwork and collaboration.
Instil 21st-Century Skills
Be it making students good at
communication or collaboration, or igniting their creativity and critical
thinking, a learning management system is capable of doing it all. These
systems are so designed that the features and technology they use, makes the
students of today ready for a brighter tomorrow.
Boost Long-Term Memory
Since an LMS comprises a
collection of highly stimulating content- 3D Videos, simulations, interactive
models, etc., students are immersed in the process of learning. Most of these
technologies also include learning by doing, hence learners retain most of the
things that they experience. Thus, it helps in boosting the long-term memory of
the students.
Better Understanding of Concepts
Rich library of subject matters
elaborated by state-of-the-art technology makes the modern learning managementsoftware a great tool to deliver lessons. As mentioned above, students are more
inclined towards such content and hence understand even the most difficult
topics in the easiest way out there.
Learning management software has
become a necessity in the modern education system. While you are planning to
implement one for your school, do not forget to consider the aforementioned
pointers.