Want to make sure you’re getting the best tool for the job when you’re looking for a new LMS? A platform that engages learners and speeds up association growth should be the primary focus of your entire learning ecosystem.
In short, you require an LMS, or learning management system for associations. An association LMS cuts down on time spent on manual administrative tasks, which helps to expedite the delivery of the training plan. By allowing you to simply create, manage, and track your training in one location, LMSs simplify your life.
However, an LMS’s features are what really set it apart. The following list of the top 10 LMS elements necessary for efficient training of association members:
1. Course Management
The cornerstone of any association LMS is its ability to deliver course content efficiently. An effective LMS should allow you to create course materials with ease, using a variety of content formats such as PDFs, slides, videos, audio, and live online training sessions. The process should be user-friendly, often involving simple drag-and-drop functionalities to arrange content seamlessly.
2. SCORM & xAPI Compliance
Standards like SCORM and xAPI are essential for ensuring that your learning content is compatible across various platforms. A great LMS for associations will support these standards, allowing you to upload and utilize SCORM and xAPI files effortlessly. This compatibility ensures that your content functions correctly and can be integrated with other authoring tools.
3. Learning Portals
As your organization grows, the need to segment your learners becomes crucial. A multi-tenant association LMS allows for the creation of separate learning portals tailored to different departments or audience needs. This feature helps manage training content at scale, ensuring that each learner gets relevant and customized training material.
4. Branding and White-Labeling
An LMS should reflect your association’s identity. Branding features allow you to customize the LMS with your logo, colors, and other visual elements, creating a seamless user experience. White-labeling takes this a step further, enabling you to remove any references to the LMS provider, making the platform entirely your own.
5. Integrations
Modern association LMSs should integrate with other software tools you already use, such as AMS, HR systems, CRMs, and webinar tools. Integrations can automate administrative tasks like user creation, data synchronization, and course enrolments, saving you time and reducing manual work. Single Sign-On (SSO) features enhance user convenience by allowing access through existing credentials.
6. Automation
Automation capabilities are critical for reducing repetitive administrative tasks. An LMS for association should automate processes like adding or removing users based on criteria from integrated systems (e.g., AMS systems), sending course reminders, and enrolling users in appropriate training paths. This ensures that your training programs run smoothly and efficiently.
7. Learner Experience
A user-friendly LMS for association enhances the member experience by making it easy to access and navigate training materials. The platform should be responsive, allowing learners to complete training on any device, whether they are in the office or on the go. Additionally, providing a catalog of optional courses for self-directed learning can foster a culture of continuous improvement and autonomy among learners.
8. Exams and Assessments
Assessments are a necessary component of learner progress and comprehension measures. An effective association LMS will offer various question types (e.g., multiple choice, true/false) and automate grading to provide instant feedback. This helps learners self-reflect and track their progress, while also providing valuable data for trainers.
9. Surveys and Feedback
Gathering feedback is crucial for improving training programs. An association LMS with built-in survey tools allows you to capture learner feedback directly within courses. Analyzing this data can help you refine your training content and delivery methods, ensuring they remain engaging and effective.
10. Webinar Integration
Integrating webinar tools like Zoom, MS Teams, or Webex within your association LMS can enhance the learning experience by combining live instruction with online learning. This feature supports blended learning approaches, making training more accessible and interactive. Automated features such as self-enrolment, real-time polling, and virtual breakout rooms can further enrich the learning environment.
Conclusion
Choosing the right LMS for your association member training involves evaluating the features that will best meet your needs. From course management and SCORM compliance to integrations and learner experience, the right LMS for associations will streamline your training processes and enhance engagement. By focusing on these top learning management system features, you can ensure that your LMS not only meets but exceeds your training goals, fostering growth and development within your organization. Talk to our industry experts to get answers regarding association LMS.