Types of learning systems
Learning management systems are by far the biggest market in the learning systems. Next, in line are the overall learning platforms afterward Learning experience platforms( LXPs), that is one of the fastest-growing sections. Then after them, are revenue enablement platforms for the purpose of training and learning.
Smaller markets are micro-learning platforms, video learning programs, training management methods which are not to be mistaken with some people who call themselves a training management system, even when actually they are an LMS. Each of these Learning system categories has advantages and drawbacks. So in order to make the best decision, check them out:
1.LMS(LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM)
LMS is a piece of software which delivers learning to learners and access data from activities within the learning. Learning management system(LMS) makes the process of learning more fast, systematic and efficient. With an LMS you can upload course content materials quickly and easily using the word, pdf, powerpoint, video, and audio formats and can create exams, surveys, assignments, webinars, and classroom-based training. It is a web application in which trainers can upload courses so that learners could access these courses anywhere anytime using a laptop or mobile devices. Also, LMS provides learners the ability to use interactive features like video conferencing, group discussions, discussion forums, etc.LMS is centralized learning thus it is available 24/7 from any location with web access. It also allows users to be evaluated prior to taking a course while participating in the course, and upon course completion.LMS is instructed very well and is easy to use and has various features including documentation and administration, recording and tracking events and programs, classroom learning, etc.
example:
SAP Litmos
eLogic Learning
Growth Engineering
Melon
CrossKnowledge
2.SEP(SALES ENABLEMENT PLATFORMS)
SEP focuses heavily on sales training and customer service training and customers use them mostly for sales training and customer support training. Most of the metrics are streamlined in sales enablement platform, Hub360 by Spoke is an exception.UI/UX of sales enablement platform is modern and most of them are like Netflix like playlists.
SEP examples:
QStream prefers mobile while Mind Tickle prefers web as s people do not use mobile when they are taking the training and prefer web.QStream uses containers which is a collection of content,PDF,Docs,files,lessons.
3.MICRO-LEARNING PLATFORMS
According to Wikipedia, Microlearning deals with relatively small learning units and short-term learning activities. The term is used in e-learning and related fields in the sense of learning processes in mediated environments. Microlearning is a holistic approach for skill-based learning and education which deals with relatively small learning units. It involves short-term-focused strategies specially designed for skill-based understanding/learning/education. Microlearning refers to micro-perspectives of learning, education, training and skill development. Microlearning platform is a streamlined system which has short and relevant contents/learning materials that suit the constraints of the human brain with respect to its attention span.
Eg: Axonify
4.LXP(LEARNING EXPERIENCE PLATFORMS)
LXP is a Netflix-like learning platform and is all about personal and professional development. Organization of content plays a massive role in an LXP. Both free and fee-based contents are available in LXP and those contents are provided by multiple content providers. These materials consist of videos, blogs, workbooks, online courses, documents, ebooks, etc.LXP needs to have a minimum of 10 content providers and they have a modern and Netflix-like interface. The contents in LXP appear as playlists which are based on the interest of the user(based on most popular, highest rated, recommended for the learner, etc) and also assignments are showing up here on content playlists. As a whole, the administration and functionality of LXP are very similar to that of LMS. The learner can customize a learning plan and both course catalog and individualized learning plan appear on the same screen.LXP is social because they provide social media links which connect content to people to create authority. They have some forms of assessment and often badging or certification.LXP allows administrators to set multiple levels of approval such as no approval needed, manager approval needed, instructor approval needed, and allows learners to publish their content as an individual .L&D folks as a whole use an LXP for both professional and personal development which leads to classroom management, compliance management, e-commerce, etc.
example: Skillsoft
5.MOBILE LEARNING PLATFORMS
Mobile learning/m-learning is learning across multiple frameworks including content and social interactions, using personal electronic devices including smartphones, wearable technology,iPads, etc. In short, m-learning is the learning via the network or internet using personal mobile devices through mobile apps, social interactions, etc. Those e-learning systems which are mobile responsive can use mobile learning and synchronous learning is possible with m-learning. The main advantage of m-learning is it can be accessed from anywhere, anytime.
6.VIDEO LEARNING PLATFORMS
VLPs didn’t innovate enough and drive forward with stronger video functionality. As a result, some LMSs have either caught up to them or passed them. It is more effective and engaging than other learning methods and it increases learner engagement and participation. The video-based learning method is a cost-effective training approach. The advantages of VLPs include creating video-based learning content, keeping training module short, including voice-over, and screen recording.
Example:
Related Learning: Types of LMS
