First blog

Learning Management Systems (LMS) have become very popular since the introduction to organisations. An LMS “is a software application or web-based technology used to plan, implement, and assess a specific learning process” (Malaysian Online Journal of Instructional Technology 2005, para. 4). The widespread use of Learning Management Systems indicates that there are many individuals and organisations which find the system beneficial to maximise a learning atmosphere. Through many case studies and research provided LMS seem to be the new age way of training an organisation. Although the question remains to what extent is LMS systems beneficial to individuals and organisations.  

There are many advantages when implementing LMS systems within most organisations. As mentioned in Linux.com “Distance education is more important in today’s connected world” (Linux.com 2005, para.1). According to David Boggs, the CEO of Syber Works, organisations use LMS programs because staff that have the knowledge and expertise in the specialised area do not have the time to work and train the rest of the organisation, which is why LMS systems are so useful (SyberWorks 2006, para. 3). LMS softwares create an easier and more convenient learning opportunities for both employees and students. LMS softwares create an open communication, which include “discussion forums, chats, journals, automated testing and grading tools, and student tracking” systems (Linux.com 2005, para. 2). Another advantage of LMS is that when employees want take the training, they can find out their current skills before the training process, which allows the individual to assess what type of training is needed (CertMag.com 2003, para. 3). Furthermore, according to Inside Learning Technologies, advantages for using LMS for employees include:                                                                                                                                   “[a] reduced cost of delivering and managing learning, optimised training expenditure, optimised usage for all learning resources, rapidly deployed targeted learning across widely distributed organisations, just-in-time learning’ not ‘just-in-case’ , train, assess and report on compliance requirements more cost efficiently (Inside Learning Technologies 2007, para. 9)”.According to a case study based on American Power Conservation, the advantage of their LMS software was the maximum use of the courses provided, as 50% of employees undertook 3 courses on average and ranged to 20 courses (Global Knowledge 2007, para. 3).

There are also disadvantages associated with LMS programs. One of the major disadvantages linked with LMS programs is the cost. It generally is expensive to establish and maintain Learning Management Systems. In order to establish a LMS system for commercial use, according to ASTD Workplace and Performance cost approximately $50,000 to $200,000, alongside other costs such as maintenance fee of 20-25% of license cost and user fees which cost from $8-$70 dollars annually (ASTD Workplace & Performance, 2007, para. 3). The disadvantage with the cost is that not all companies can afford to establish LMS systems, or once established can not afford to maintain the system. Furthermore, another disadvantage with LMS systems is that individuals taking courses online can generally take as long as they like completing the course, which may hinder their learning experience (Learning Management System Site 2007, para. 5). Although companies can overcome the cost problem, which is evident in the case of Central West Community College (CWCC). CWCC could not afford the cost of a LMS system, so they approached a company called Learning Seat, and asked them to create a system according to their budget (Australian Flexible Learning, 2004, para. 5).  Moreover, a disadvantage of LMS systems for individuals is the lack of communication and collaboration with other students or staff members, which in turn can make the person feel isolated and discourage an effective learning outcome.

The future of learning management systems look crystal clear, as it is becoming the blueprint of learning especially in organisations. In a world where technology is everything and learning is inevitable, LMS systems are becoming more in demand. In the future companies will use LMS systems more strategically to meet and exceed company objectives. The future of LMS will be much more effective and easy to use as corporations will find new ways to update the systems and make them much easier to use, which will make the content easier to learn. Because learning management systems are becoming abundant, it could inturn mean that the development and maintenance of the system will be much cheaper due to competitive markets.

 Learning Management Systems have become a very useful tool for individuals and organisations to use, especially over the past few years. The use of LMS is evident through a research conducted by Learning Circuits (2005), and the survey found that 81.7% of organisations were currently utilizing the system (Learning Circuits, 2005, para. 3). There are many advantages and disadvantages associated with LMS. Fortunatly due to the advantages outweighing the disadvantages, it could easily be said that LMS’s are worth investing in, as they are very beneficial to train and develop employees in organisations.   

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Global Knowledge 2007, Robust Learning Management System Helps American Power Conversion Build Lasting Relationships, Global Knowledge, viewed 22 September 2007, <__http://www.globalknowledge.com /training/casestudylist.asp ?pageid=674&country=United +States&translation=English &submit=single&csid=77__>

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