Managing multiple platforms for your online courses and employee training can get costly in the long run. Hence, you might find yourself down to choosing between an online learning platform vs learning management system (LMS). The good news is that you don’t have to pick one over the other. Nowadays, there are software solutions that provide an all-in-one platform for all your distance learning needs.
Many often consider LMS and eLearning platforms interchangeable. However, while similar, these two tools offer different features and functions for your virtual learning experience. So, how are they the same and how do they differ?
What is an eLearning platform?
eLearning generally refers to the process of learning digitally. With that, eLearning platforms are web-based applications where you can create online courses and share them with your learners.
What is LMS?
Onboarding is the necessary paperwork and logistics required for a new employee to be functional w
Similarly, a Learning Management System, or LMS, is a software system where you can design and deliver learning content whether through a website or mobile app.
So what’s the difference? LMS is more comprehensive in functionality. It provides features for collaboration, file sharing, data storage, messaging, and more. It may also be hosted or on-premise, whereas an eLearning platform is mainly an online system.Therefore, an LMS could be an eLearning platform, but not all eLearning platforms could be an LMS. That is why a study by EDUcause shows that 73% of professionals believe LMS is critical for effective distance learning.
Benefits of LMS and eLearning in one platform
Now, why should you have these two systems in one platform?
1. Streamlined experience
eLearning platform alone can be quite limited. By having an LMS in the same platform, you can have all the tools and functionalities you need in one place. You can use it to:
- Create and publish online courses
- Manage all learning materials and resources
- Track your learners’ progress
- Administer assessments and exams
This also allows you to provide a seamless and streamlined digital learning experience for your learners or trainees. They only need to access one platform to view educational content, interact with other users and trainers, and see their progress in the course. This makes it a great way to conduct an effective induction process for your new remote employees.
2. Knowledge management
One of the main eLearning platform features is knowledge management. You can upload your learning materials and resources over the internet so your learners can download and open them through their own devices.
But with LMS, you can do more than just make your content accessible. It also allows you to organise, manage, and assign materials according to courses or groups. Additionally, you can build a curriculum or training paths for your learners.
3. Customisations and personalisation
Both eLearning and LMS platforms allow you to create your own online course and training content. However, LMS has more tools you can use for further customisation and personalisation, giving you the freedom to design your courses however you want.
For example, you can use your LMS to incorporate your own branding into your online courses. You can place your own logo and organisation’s name on the platform. Moreover, you can design your courses to be accessible and optimised for any type of device to accommodate your learners.
4. Social learning
A common concern in eLearning is that it can sometimes make the learner feel isolated and disengaged from the course. Fortunately, one of the best learning management system features and benefits is its wide range of interactive content.
You and your learners can collaborate and share knowledge with other users within the platform. Some of the features it provides are:
- A centralized dashboard for real-time interaction
- Forums or discussion boards
- Instant messaging
- Gamification (i.e. badges, leaderboards, and points)
5. Analytics and reporting
Integrating your eLearning software and LMS in one gives you an in-depth analysis of your courses based on your learners’ progress, behaviours, and feedback. This lets you determine the strengths and weaknesses of your current modules and how effective they are. Most importantly, it allows you to identify the benefits of LMS for employees and evaluate whether your current tools and strategies are worth the investment.
A better digital learning experience
eLearning is an integral part of the new normal. It is a convenient and safe way for people to learn, take on new skills, and continue training even with the pandemic still going on. In fact, the learning industry’s move to digitization empowers individuals to expand their knowledge such as taking up online associate degree programs.
Whether you are a business owner, a teacher, or an instructor, it is time you explore and invest in the best tools to optimise the virtual learning experience. You can save time and money by using tools like Tribal Habits. Sign up for a demo to see how you can integrate all your organisation’s training in a single, centralised system.