Learning management systems (LMS) have been used in an educational setting for a number of years. LMS uses software applications to administer, document, track, and report on the delivery of e-learning courses. In higher education, colleges and universities use LMSs to deliver online courses that augment or compliment traditional on-campus courses. Corporate Talent & Development (T&D) departments now use LMS software to deliver online training and automate record-keeping and employee registration.
According to research by Bersin & Associates in its report, “Learning Management Systems 2013: The Definitive Buyer’s Guide to the Global Market for Learning Management Solutions,” between $1.8 and $1.9 billion was spent globally on learning management systems in 2013—an increase of almost 10 percent over the previous year. The report states that “… with more than 500 providers in the market, only five of them (Cornerstone OnDemand, Oracle, SAP, Saba, and SumTotal) have more than 4 percent market share.”
The LMS originally developed as a means of scheduling and managing formal training. Many educational institutions and pioneering corporations maintained systems on mainframe computers. In the new millennium, the corporate learning management system has developed into a business-critical technology platform and, says Bersin, “most organizations offer training and today nearly two-thirds of it is driven through digital content, mobile devices, video, and other new media sources.” This means that in 2014, a learning management system is no longer a simple piece of software.
Technology analysts have spent considerable time and effort dissecting the booming LMS industry and identified several trends:
Open source code: The introduction of open source code made LMSs more available and affordable for all organizations, big and small, educational and corporate. There are many free options on the market, which means that the software is free to experiment with. Companies can build their own systems, own the data, and don’t have to worry that proprietary solutions may not offer the flexibility or functionality they will need in five years.
The caveat here, of course, is that the organization needs access to skilled IT people able to design, implement, and manage an open system. As Bersin noted, more than 500 LMS software solutions are available on the market, and companies should research all their options, both free and fee-based.
Compatible with just-in-time learning: The concept of just-in-time(JIT) learning systems is to deliver training to learners when and where they need it. Learners can use Web-based tutorials, video games, quizzes, and other tools to zero in on the information they need to solve problems, perform tasks, or just update their skills. JIT learning creates immediate value. To be compatible with JIT learning, learning management systems must be mobile, flexible, and convenient.
Tracking learning anywhere: The introduction of the Tin Can API technology, the next generation of SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model—the collection of ever-revolving standards and specifications for Web-based learning), means that anything can be tracked anywhere, anytime, and be sent anywhere. “Unlike SCORM,” writes Monique Yenamandra of Fredickson Communications, “Tin Can API does not dictate what to track or precisely how to formulate what you’re tracking.” In other words, the learning activity can originate anywhere and be tracked by the corporation’s LMS.
Cloud-based LMS: Cloud computing has emerged as a convenient, relatively low-cost way of delivering online training programs to diverse demographics of employees. Hosting cloud-based training means the courses are available anytime and anywhere there is an Internet connection. Cloud-based learning management systems are able to take advantage of the convenience and flexible aspects of the technology.
Talent management: A recent trend has been the integration of talent management into the LMS. Talent management identifies the key current skills of employees and the gaps in skills and expertise that may be preventing them from moving up the corporate ladder. An LMS can help fill those gaps and improve the learner’s job-related skills. Forward-looking learning management systems can suggest new courses and training or recommend external resources specific to the employee’s needs.
So where is the learning management systems market headed? In a March 2013 article, “The Ever-Changing State of the Learning Technology Industry,” Bersin noted, “The evolution of the learning technology market parallels the evolution of L&D itself.” As Training departments become more innovative and learner focused, the technology industry will find ways to assimilate these innovations into learning management systems.
Sameer Bhatia is founder and CEO of ProProfs.com, a leading provider of online learning tools for building, testing, and applying knowledge. Through ProProfs training software, it offers trainers and educators powerful but simple features without requiring users to download or learn expensive software. Bhatia has a background is in technology with a Master’s in Computer Science from USC (University of Southern California) and is an ed-tech industry veteran. You can find Bhatia on Google+ and Twitter.
