The Best LMS Features To Boost ROI And Streamline Workflow
eLearning freelancers have a lot to think about when investing in a new Learning Management System. It’s not just the price point or finding a UI that aligns with their team’s talents. They must also consider the needs of their clients, both present and future. Which features will they require to implement effective online training programs for their in-house staff? Their objectives and yours must be fulfilled using the same tool. So, which LMS features should you add to your list in order to boost ROI and streamline your work practices?
9 Top LMS Features For eLearning Freelancers
1. Custom Reports
Many LMS platforms feature basic out-of-the-box reports. However, custom reports help you track metrics that are relevant to your business and the client’s online training needs. The LMS for freelancers should also have report scheduling and automated reports to simplify the process. For example, you can set up weekly reports for clients who want to measure specific online training objectives.
2. Authoring Tool
A built-in authoring tool cuts costs, ensures compatibility, and streamlines your workflow. Instead of investing in a third-party tool, an LMS for freelancers is equipped with assets, templates, and design functions. The complete package. You don’t have to worry about formatting issues and you can repurpose existing assets to reduce costs. Plus, the built-in templates allow you to maintain consistency and quickly update content.
3. Calendar
It’s important to keep tabs on your current projects and ensure that collaborators are in the loop. A calendar helps you monitor ongoing development tasks, due dates, and milestones. But you can also use this functionality to update learners and prepare them for what lies ahead. For instance, the organization can keep employees apprised of scheduled activities and important certification deadlines. There should also be a user/group assignment function so that it is possible to indicate who has access to which calendars.
4. Online Mobile
One of the most crucial LMS features for modern learners. Online mobile enables you to deliver content on any device. Making it easy to deploy JIT resources so that organizations can quickly address gaps. Some platforms even support downloadable content that learners can access anytime, anywhere. Then the system automatically syncs their progress when they reconnect.
5. Multilingual
Clients need to be able to accommodate their diverse learning audience. Which means that your LMS must have multilingual support so that everyone can access content in their native language. This also makes it easier if you plan to collaborate with other eLearning professionals from the far reaches of the globe.
6. Certificate Management
The organizations who hire you for their projects need to hold their learners accountable. Especially if you develop compliance content. Even if you plan to sell the course outright, certifications allow you to offer individual training units that are highly marketable. So, look for an LMS for freelancers with certificate management features and advanced reporting to measure performance and progress. This includes printable reports, automatic renewals, and reminders.
7. Reusable Content
This is a two-fold feature that can improve ROI and streamline workflow for eLearning freelancers. Firstly, the LMS should have built-in assets you can use to enrich your content without going over budget. Such as themes or cut-out characters. Which usually goes hand-in-hand with built-in authoring. Secondly, the tool should make it easy to repurpose content you already have thanks to simplified integration and data migration.
8. Shopping Cart
If you plan to sell your course, you need shopping cart functionality to take care of the eCommerce. This includes secure payment gateways, course catalogs, and possibly even an online marketplace where you can promote your product and reach a broader audience. Some other features to look for are discount codes, free sneak previews, and subscriptions.
9. Tests Engine
There must be a way to track how learners are faring, where they need to improve and identify gaps in the training strategy. A tests engine gives you the chance to develop assessments that evaluate learner progress and measure success based on the client’s requirements. They can pre-assess learners to set the benchmark, then follow up with a period of evaluations to gauge progress. You should be able to set score with pass/fail parameters, customize the layout, and provide immediate feedback.
Tip To Choose The Best LMS Features For eLearning Freelancers
Online reviews and ratings give you a starting point. But trying the LMS for yourself through a free trial or demo offers a whole new perspective. Many vendors offer free test drives so that you can determine if the system lives up to your expectations. You’re able to see if the tool is scalable, flexible, and user-friendly. You can also test out the support services, which is a vital feature if you are a one-person team. You need to be able to quickly learn how the system works and familiarize yourself with the features from day one. Thus, experienced tech support can help you get off the ground running instead of losing precious time and resources overcoming a sizable learning curve.
Conclusion
This list is a great starting point but there are, undoubtedly, more LMS features your team needs to tackle work tasks. Get their input before beginning your search and evaluate your business reports. Which features do clients look for? Is there a trend when it comes to the content they require or LMS applications? The goal is to find a tool that improves client satisfaction and makes life easier for your development team. Even if that team is just you… flying solo and wearing many eLearning hats.
Source: elearningindustry
