Education is a field with many dynamic ways to teach and learn. Teachers and administrators collaborate together for the success of the student and the school as a whole. Today’s teachers and students have multiple platforms to learn from, all intending to increase knowledge and disseminate information to others. In recent years one of the most common ways to do this is by using learning management systems (LMS) for both teacher facilitation of learning and student assignment submissions. Additionally, learning management systems are used outside of the classroom as well. Many corporations and firms utilize learning management systems to train employees and present information for the employees that adds benefits to their role.
Both education and business sectors use learning management systems; however, the goal is the same: to deliver content in a streamlined manner on a broad platform. For example a teacher could use Schoology to give students assignments, post videos, and provide feedback on instruction. A college professor may use Blackboard to facilitate discussions, while a human resource manager with a company may use TalentLMS or eFront to train employees. In today’s modern area distance learning is important for student communication, talent acquisition, and business profile growth. To understand how LMS’ have changed over time it is important to compare older versions of LMS’ with newer ones.
Old VS. New
Older Learning Management Systems
Learning management systems first began being used in the 1920’s. There have been many changes since then, but the goal has always been the same. In 1924, Sidney Pressey invented the Teaching Machine. This device had mechanisms that would ask a series of questions to the user. Over the years, educators, military personnel, and corporations have used learning management systems. As these systems optimized, there were common features.
In 1956, Gordon Park and Robin McKinnon-Wood invented the Adaptive Teaching System. With this LMS, questions were adapted and changed depending on a person’s performance levels. Teaching and learning have been at the center of learning management systems since its inception. Newer models have the same core principles but multiple ways to present information, adapt questions to a person’s learning level, and provide a platform for sharing information worldwide.
Newer Learning Management Systems
Teachers, trainers, and school administrators all use LMS’ as a part of their daily routine now. With the emphasis on distant education and personalized learning, teachers need to have many ways to engage students. Many teachers use LMS’ for professional development. This allows them to obtain certifications in fields and enhance their abilities to reach students for achievement.
Instructional designers play a big part in developing content for learning management systems. Developing a high-quality LMS platform comes from knowing what curriculum content needs to be developed, who the audience is for learning, and what markets the LMS can influence. With the demand of online and the need for more digital skills with students, the technology involved needs to be personalized for the student.
Forbes details the Best Learning Management Systems of 2023. Examples of newer and more effective learning management systems include CANVAS, D2L Brightspace LMS, and TalentLMS. All of these systems provided an individualized and personalized experience for educators, recruiters, and product consumers. This allows the customer to choose the most effective LMS for their goals and needs. When comparing learning management systems, choosing the best one for the school, company, or institution that fits the needs of the students, clients, and stakeholders connected to the specific platform is important.
How to Choose the Best Learning Management Systems
When choosing the best learning management system it is important to consider the needs of the company and the consumer. For example, D2L Brightspace LMS is used for colleges to deliver class content, lessons, and quizzes. The Forbes listing of the best learning management systems also details choosing a specific LMS. When considering which one to choose thing of the following reasons such as:
- Ease of use
- Features
- Customer Support
- Pricing
- Scalability
Consider how user-friendly the platform is and what functions are needed to complete tasks on the platform. What features are included with the system, and how do these features enhance the learning and professional development experience. Other considerations exist for those using a learning management system for business purposes and not as an educational tool. To enhance and optimize a business, consider what inputs are put in place to maximize and streamline customer support. What is the price to purchase the LMS, and how will this affect the pricing for customers? Whether it is for educational purposes or for business opportunities, it is important to know what scalability the LMS has.
Enhancing student learning is at the forefront of educators in their classrooms. As teachers educate their students, there is a focus on both traditional curriculum and instruction, but also the incorporation of educational technology. Today’s students not only need to be able to learn core subjects such as social studies, math, science, and ELA, but also increasingly need to know about digital literacy. One concept that blends the traditional pedagogies of education with the diverse aspects of newer technologies is to understand the concept of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) Both public schools and colleges and universities have for years now embraced teaching and learning in these areas.
Depending on the school or the institution, this can be taught in a variety of ways. Whether it is through traditional concepts, hands-on learning, or enhancing learning and communication through the use of learning management systems, focusing on STEAM in education brings both the face-to-face and online learning aspect together. Understanding the history of learning management systems, how new ones have changed the educational and business space, and finding the most effective one for use is different depending on the school or business. Utilizing this tool enhances the ability for others to learn, communicate, and scale information to help others grow and influence others.
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