Over the years, numerous surveys have shown that one of the most important features in a Learning Management System (LMS) is its ‘usability’. Closer examination of what ‘usability’ means to most of us, generally refers to both ease of use by the learner, as well as ease of use by the employer/educator relative to managing learning content and user data.
From a learner’s perspective, the most effective LMS programs have proven to be those that provide an intuitive, easy to use interface that guides users effortlessly through all facets of the program. This design format helps create a positive user experience that actively encourages learner participation and success. A few other key design features successful LMS programs share are utilizing a robust multi-media rich course content to capture and retain learners interest, affording users access to appropriate online company resources (i.e., relevant library materials), providing real-time online help and more recently, enabling mobile device access to courses, further enabling learners to more easily complete required certification programs on a timely basis.
“Utilizing a Learning Management System with a truly robust design should ideally provide an intuitive administrative/management interface, with an infrastructure that meets the diverse needs of each organizations services and systems [...]”
While employers/educators first priority has always been to create a training platform designed to facilitate the success of their learners, a critical element of that design process has to be an intuitive web interface that allows Course Administrators/Managers the ability to easily manage their learners, classes and learning resources. This is accomplished through the backbone of the training program, the Content Management System (CMS).
Training Program Administrators and Course Managers are not, nor need to be, technical experts. Utilizing a Learning Management System with a truly robust design should ideally provide an intuitive administrative/management interface, with an infrastructure that meets the diverse needs of each organizations services and systems such as:
- A collaborative e-learning environment;
- Creation of individualized learning plans;
- Capacity to scale (facilitating a low-per-user cost);
- On demand, real-time, flexible ad hoc reporting;
- On-line certification capacity;
- Cross platform and SCORM compliant; and
- Measurable reliability and uptime performance.
One thing all organizations agree upon is that leveraging technology for a competitive advantage is a necessity not a luxury in today’s business environment. Every facet of any key program introduced into a company must be designed to seamlessly meet the needs of all personnel – management and employees alike.
To learn more about how Clarity.ca can provide you with the exceptional software solutions your organization is looking for, please contact us at info@clarity.ca or call us at (403) 705-5906.