Learning Management Systems

E-LEARNING AND LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

ELECTRONIC LEARNING Electronic Learning or e-Learning is used (often interchangeably with online learning) to describe the delivery of training via corporate networks, structured training or teaching using a wide range of computer-based technologies to reach the target audience. The term is also used to describe the online attendance mode of various university programmes. E-learning can be delivered asynchronously or synchronously. In the asynchronous mode conversations happen via blogs, wikis, discussion boards or email. The defining feature of this type of interaction is that participants do not have to be online at the same time. In the synchronous mode, ideas and information are exchanged through a face-to-face discussion, online chat session, a virtual classroom or meeting – participants are engaged in a real-time interaction. Many people describe E-learning solutions as consisting of three primary components: content, services, and infrastructure and tools. Content includes both self-paced and instructor-led course materials, plus online references and labs. Content for self-paced online courses can be off-the-shelf or bespoke. Off-the-shelf content can be purchased from a range of suppliers. Popular ones include Thomson NetG. Their content covers a range of topics, including: • • • •

IT & Desktop – Microsoft, Oracle, CISCO etc Business – Mandatory & Regulatory training e.g. H&S, compliance, Risk management, Soft skills – Sales, customer service, management development & coaching Industry niche – e.g. Banking, Financial services, Government.

Bespoke content can be project or company specific e.g. induction training, merger and acquisition and new system training. The content is usually scripted and assembled using by people with graphic design and instructional design skills in collaboration with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). Services include human interactions, such as instruction, mentoring and technical support; support for training managers, including site and course-ware development. Infrastructure and learning management tools include the e-Learning environment itself and the administrative tools used by the training manager: called the Learning Management System.

LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM The Learning Management System (LMS) is software for delivering tracking and managing training and education. The LMS provides a wide range of functionality that includes self-service (learners can register themselves for the training), training workflow (notifications, manager approvals and waiting list) apart from an opportunity to learn online and appear for online quizzes. Training resource management (e.g. location, facility, instructors) and collaborative learning are some of the other aspects of LMS.

LMSes can facilitate administrative tasks such as reporting to instructors, Human Resource and other ERP systems. LMS can be integrated with or include functionality for Performance Management, Employee Appraisals, Competency Management, Skills-gap analysis and Succession Planning. The leading suppliers of Learning Management solutions are: SABA, SumTOTAL systems, Plateau Systems, Geolearning, SAP, Cornerstone, OnDemand, CertPoint, Oracle Peoplesoft, Mzinga, Outstart, Oracle Learning Management andLearn.com. Oracle Learning Management (which CBN has deployed as part of their ERP implementation) integrates e-learning with an objectives-driven performance management capability, with a competency framework, cascading objectives, and succession planning. Closely related to the LMS, is the Learning Content Management System (LCMS). The LCMS allows the user to manage the learning content from a central repository. It helps improve the efficiency of assembly, maintenance, publishing, branding and delivery of learning content. Examples of LCMS are Outstart LCMS and Atlantic Link’s Content Point.

BLENDED LEARNING

Blended Learning mixes different learning methods, techniques and resources and applies them interactively in “learning environment”. The general idea behind this approach is that learners should be able to access different learning resources to apply the knowledge and skills they acquire with the support and supervision of an instructor (or teacher). Learners select activities that best suit their own pace, learning style and skill level; these activities can employ a wide range of technologies such as computers, mobile phones, TV channels and other electronic media. Course designers select the delivery mode (i.e. face-to-face interaction, an online course or a blended) based on the subject matter, competences to be developed, nature and location of the audience, and physical resources (such as training facilities) An example of blended learning methodology is the use of a combination of technology-based materials and face-to-face sessions to present content. An instructor can begin a course with a structured introductory lesson in the classroom, and then proceed with follow-up materials online. Blended learning can also be applied to the integration of e-learning with a Learning Management System using computers in a physical classroom, along with face-to-face instruction. Blended learning helps increase the flexibility of learning programs and reduces travel costs associated with training.

ORACLE LEARNING MANAGEMENT CBN have deployed Oracle Learning Management as part of their ERP implementation. As part of the Oracle E-Business Suite, it allows companies to relate learning activities and results to business initiatives. It provides a range of capabilities through a self-service interface. These include: •

Competency Management

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Structured learning paths and learning certifications to help monitor performance, development and compliance,

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A unified catalogue combining online and classroom training.

•

Content management that supports the assembly of content using mixed media and different modes.

Oracle Learning Management is compatible with certain industry standards (AICC and SCORM) which ensures it can import content developed in other tools that adhere to this format. Industry analyst’s Forrester rate Oracle as a lower-end strong performer compared to SABA, SumTotal and a few other companies. Forrester’s opinion is that while the product is not as user-friendly and lacks the depth of competing products, it is normally an attractive option for customers with the Oracle E-Business Suite who want the added learning component.

CASE STUDY: MAJOR UK CORPORATION As an example, I will describe the Learning Management System used at a UK corporation that I provide consultancy services. The company has implemented the SumTotal’s TotalLMS (which is similar in capabilities to the Oracle LMS used by CBN). This system is accessed by over 100,000 employees and contractors via an online portal. It allows users to register on instructor-led training courses and provides access to a library of over 1700 online training course on enterprise-wide license from Thomson NetG (a major content provider). Online courses are pre-paid – there is no need for manager authorisation. In addition to off-the-shelf training packages, the system is also used to deliver mandatory / compliance training. The company has reduced barriers to usage by ensure that users can access the system via corporate network, anytime, from anyplace. The system is available 24 x7. Some of the benefits that the company has realised from implementing the system include: 1.

Ability to provide a range of support and information to help employees develop their careers. They have encouraged learning by setting up and developing formal and informal communities.

2.

Improved talent management

3.

Opportunities to leverage economies of scale with preferred training and development suppliers

4.

Better understanding of training expenditure at a corporate level.

5.

Capability to hold records of all formal training in a single central database such that a complete training record for an individual, or for any group of people can be accessed in a single report

The system has been in place since 2001. The company reported a few years back that E-learning accounted for 82% of all training taken in certain business units. Because the training is available 24 x 7, it was embraced by home and office workers alike.

In one year, when the system was still relatively new, the company reported savings of £12 million to the training budget on account of e-Learning. These cost savings were achieved by a reduction in instructor-led days, instructor-led events, accommodation charges and course fees. After several years on using the system, the company has recently kicked off an initiative to allow friends and family of employees to access a limited range off the shelf e-learning content via the LMS. The content includes training on IT packages and work /life skills such as communications, time management, supervisory skills and business etiquette. I can access the training portal the using a corporate laptop in my home office connected to the company’s intranet via a VPN. There is a link to the Learning and Development Portal on the corporate intranet homepage. On the Learning and Development Portal there are links to several resources, most of which are integrated with the LMS. The resources include a Leadership Development site, Training Catalogue, access to a popular online book library (Books 24 x7) via the LMS and a direct link into the LMS. As I learner, I can register for internal or external training events, book courses with preferred suppliers, book non-catalogue or bespoke courses. I can order books, further education and exam vouchers. I can view my training records. Managers can register their teams (including contractors) on courses, create and management staff development plans and view their team's training records. Training Administrators can create and manage Instructor Led Training (ILT) activities and courses, and carry out enrolments. Course are authored and published to the system using the Atlantic Link’s LCMS – Content Point. Content Point is a remote authoring application that allows content creators and courseware authors to create and publish courses from anywhere.

Extract for consultancy report Peter Ikuobase July 2009