Recognition, purpose and the LMS - the formulae for learner engagement

Learner engagement is extremely important when a company looks at learning and development. It may not be obvious at first, but the role the Learning Management System (LMS) plays is an important aspect in engaging your learner.

Use in inductions

Inductions are a part of starting any new job, regardless of the role. The LMS can help speed up and innovate this process. Creating an e-learning course which explains the company ethos, goals and aims means that new employees can learn about these in a bite-size format. It can also work alongside traditional, face-to-face inductions, as new employees come to that training with some idea about what their new employer is all about. By being introduced to the LMS from the start, the learner will realise that any information, or training needs, can be accessed from here.

Engagement

Continuing professional development is important in any job role. By continuing to learn, you will make yourself invaluable to your company. Having access to an LMS which is user-friendly, and gives the learner access to relevant content, allows the learner to feel empowered to develop themselves further.

Training should be relevant to a person’s role. When learners feel what they are being taught can be used in their day-to-day activities, it will increase their engagement. There is no point teaching someone customer service skills if they are not customer facing.

Job satisfaction = Purpose x skills x recognition

Everyone likes to feel they have been recognised for doing a good job. The LMS can also help with this. Digital badges on a learner record can help to make people feel that they have been recognised. For example, a learner has to undertake mandatory fire safety training. It has been explained that this is mandatory to teach them how to be safe in the event of a fire. They are then taught how to correctly use a fire extinguisher, and are then rewarded with a digital badge which lets them know this training has been successfully completed. This can create a sense of satisfaction in the learner, it is also a way of creating healthy competition within your workforce.

Connecting people

An LMS is also a great way to connect learners with other people in the company. This could be used for anything from letting everyone know about a company-wide social event to a professional networking event. It aids in collaboration and brings together learners with subject matter experts. Groups can be created within the LMS to bring together people with similar work interests. It is also a way for learners to share their experiences and possibly generate content themselves for use within the company.

The look

How the LMS looks can also affect the learner’s engagement. Having an LMS which is visually stimulating will make people want to use it. Using graphics and videos can aid with people’s different learning styles, and help people retain information. Even something as simple as being able to customise the LMS to reflect your brand can help to make it more visually appealing.

The LMS should be a place which people want to visit. The layout should be simple and straightforward, not dull and boring.

Final thoughts

E-learning courses which are created to be interactive and engaging can increase knowledge retention and help people in their job role. The LMS which this content is housed is of equal importance, as no one will bother to look for further training if they cannot navigate the LMS.

If you would like further information about the Virtual College LMS, please contact Mandeep Kullar or click here.