In the modern world of developing digital educational materials, the organisations are in constant search of ways to optimise the training processes, increase the employees’ interest, and increase the effectiveness of the learning process. There exist two primary models in the LMS arena; this comprises the Learning Management System (LMS) and the Microlearning platforms. How are they differentiated and in what way can they be useful to your organisation? It is essential to make an educated choice; therefore, let’s look at the differences.
What is a Learning Management System, really?
Quite appropriately, a Learning Management System can be compared to the central nervous system of your organisation’s training plan. This is a program intended to disseminate, organise, and monitor material that is intended for teaching most of which are structured materials.
Implementation of a Learning Management System involves taking charge of organising any kind of course, quiz, certification as well as the analytics required starting from employee onboarding, the compliance training and so on.
Best Practices for Non-Exempt Employees
Let us say, for instance, there is a large retail chain that has employees in many stations. With a Learning Management System, they can harmonise delivery of the onboard training across the board. It is a new hire, who logs in for the system, following a series of course completion, quizzes, and certification before joining the store.
This means the exams will always be standard, time shall be saved since there will be no need for rewriting the same exams in different regions and the training given to participants is always the best as it is done online without compiling for geographical constraints.
Why Microlearning? Think of it as snacking on knowledge
While a Learning Management System can be rather large and complex let alone heavy-duty, Microlearning platforms are lean and focused on providing information in manageable bites. You may think of it as a way of segmenting the more extensive learning objectives into smaller and more manageable sub-topics.
You can have 5-minute lessons on your phone just at the time you are taking your break, to have a cup of coffee. In terms of delivery, microlearning platform aids in learner retention, enabling them to learn in a timely and efficient way.
Special Boosters for Sales Teams in the Form of Quick Fixes
A global sales team can disseminate product updates and training to teams via microlearning platform on mobile phones. Short video lessons, flashcards make learning fun and effective. The same learning material can be accessed as preparatory content before customer meetings.
The Numbers Speak: What’s Driving LMS and Microlearning?
● 95% of today’s businesses rely on some form of a Learning Management System for training (Statista, 2023)
● Microlearning has been shown to have the ability of enhancing knowledge retention by 20% as compared to the conventional learning techniques (Journal of Applied psychology)
● Fact indicates that microlearning has favoured the companies that have adopted the method since it increases employee engagement by 17% (ResearchGate)
How to Choose: Learning Management System or Microlearning?
The choice depends on your business needs.
Learning Management System for Structured Learning: If your organisation needs comprehensive and extensive training courses, which are mandatory for the business operations, for example, professional training, a Learning Management System is a worthy solution.
Microlearning for Flexibility: If your workforce requires training which is more specific and delivered at the right time, then embark on microlearning. Most suitable to be used in informing the employees on the new products, promotion strategies among others.
Today, organisations are combining both approaches, implementing the Learning Management System, or online training program, to deliver initial training, while utilising the microlearning platform, or refresher course, to provide an instant review.
Real-Life Industry Use Cases: When Each Works Best
Learning Management System in Healthcare: A Learning Management System can be used by a hospital where it is used to provide compliance and patient safety training to healthcare workers as they need to be informed about the changes in law all the time.
Microlearning in Tech Startups: In an organisation with a high growth rate, for instance in IT firms, microlearning can be used to train the employee on the newest tool or a new version of a certain software.”
A Learning Management System isn’t always synonymous with microlearning; the two are not mutually exclusive options that must be selected from. Each has its advantages and depending on what you decide to go into business with, a combination of the two could be one of the best options for your organisation. These tools can be used for both microlearning programs as well as promotional learning that is designed to provide long-term training programs to employees; they are revolutionising the way business is approaching teaching and learning in the 21st century.
FAQs
1. Can I use both Learning Management System and microlearning platform together?
Yes! A lot of companies utilise Learning Management System for formal learning (training, compliance), and for short and fast lessons and knowledge updates.
2.How can one determine whether a firm requires a Learning Management System or microlearning solution?
If your training demands are extensive and must give intricate reports, then the best choice for you is a Learning Management System. When you want to learn on the move, then that is when microlearning comes in handy.
3. Is Microlearning effective for learning compared to normal learning systems?
Akallo says in microlearning, learners are exposed to snippets of information which they can learn within a short span of time hence retaining up to 20% more information than what is practised in conventional learning styles.
4. Are Learning Management Systems expensive?
This again varies depending on the aspects to be incorporated but most Learning Management System solutions come with customised packages depending on the number of users and the functionalities required.
5. Does microlearning supplement conventional learning programmes?
Not entirely. Microlearning is most effective as supplementary to conventional courses, which can provide a refresher course briefly.
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