So we have come to the last in my series of posts relating to Learning Management System implementation and a strategy for success. If you missed any of the previous posts, I have listed links to all of them at the end of this post.
This last post is all about “engagement”. It is possibly the most important factor to consider when implementing an LMS, as engaged learners are the key to the system’s success.
Maintaining the success of the Learning Management System and your elearning initiative is as important as the initial roll-out. Let’s take a look at some ways that you can keep learners engaged with your LMS:
- One of the easiest ways of continued success is to introduce content into the system in a phased approach, only releasing content into the system that is most pressing or suitable at that time. Repeating this process over a long period of time will keep users engaged and not overwhelmed with a vast catalogue of courses.
- Holding back on some of the LMS features and rolling those into the system in a staggered manner will also provide the feeling of continual improvement of the system. Your learners will feel as though you are making improvements for them on an ongoing basis.
- Social Learning is now a key focus area for user engagement. Activity feeds, badges, leader boards, user generated content uploads all contribute to keeping users engaged with the system. Make sure these functions are available when selecting a Learning Management System!
- Introducing a form of “rewards” system based on your Social Learning leader boards can also have a positive effect on engagement. If learners know there is a potential reward (vouchers, extra day holiday, gifts) then there will be more incentive to be in the system and be engaged.
- Keeping learners updated with news and updates regarding content and the system will keep them informed about the system.
- Buy in from Managers and having them “champion” the use of the LMS will drive employees to engage with the system. A Manager who believes in the importance of learning and upskilling their team has a dramatic effect on employee engagement.
These are just a few suggestions on how engagement can be improved and shows how this is an important factor in the success of your Learning Management System.
Don’t allow your LMS to become stale, as your users will turn away from using the system and the reason why you implemented the LMS will be lost.
As you can see from the Employee Engagement statistics below which are taken from a study undertaken by Dale Carnegie Training, employee engagement is a very important factor, so getting this right with your LMS implementation will be a big win!
Here is a list of the previous posts regarding LMS Implementation Strategy:
LMS Implementation Strategy tip: key stakeholder buy-in is paramount
LMS Implementation Strategy tip: appoint a Project Manager and give them time and resources
LMS Implementation Strategy tip: Plan, plan and keep on planning
LMS Implementation Strategy tip: decide on the type of eLearning content you will need
LMS Implementation Strategy tip: Testing makes perfect!
LMS Implementation Strategy Tip: Train the trainers and users
LMS Implementation Strategy Tip: Provide Support for the users of your new LMS
You can also download all 9 tips in a FREE EBOOK from here.
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