So, you’ve decided you need a new LMS or LXP. Or, at the least, you’ve identified the need for a new way of training your workforce, and keeping track of all that data. But where to begin? Whether you’re setting up an LMS for the first time, or your current systems just aren’t up for the task, entering the multi-faceted world of learning systems can be intimidating and overwhelming as so many solutions vie for your attention.
In this article, we’ll look at the differences between LXPs, LMS and learning portals. We’ll also consider their strengths and weaknesses, and look at a few top tips you should consider before you commit.
What Is a Learning Management System?
A learning management system is a piece of software that’s home to an organization’s whole training process. They are usually capable of automating key tasks such as administration, tracking and reporting.
With so many LMS variations on the market now, including bespoke versions, it’s impossible to cover all features of an LMS in one article. However, we think a good LMS should:
- Integrate with HR
- Enable administrators to manager users and content
- Be accessible
- Offer content development or compatibility with authoring tools
- Provide native support to third-party courseware
- Support industry standards, such as SCORM
- Provide skills management and assessment capabilities
- Fit into your current systems
- Protect employee information and other content
This list is by no means exhaustive. But it sets the scene for the minimum features you should expect from your LMS.
What Is A Learning Experience Platform?
While we might say that an LMS is an employer-centric tool, the LXP falls at the other end of the spectrum. A learning experience platform is software that’s designed to pull together learning content and experiences to provide a personalized experience.
While the LMS was born in the 90s, the LXP is a relatively new solution to learning and development. Learning experience platforms leverage new technology such as AI and machine learning to serve up learning experiences that work for modern day learners. Typical features you will find within an LXP include:
- Huge integration possibilities
- An intuitive, familiar UX
- User generated content support
- A personalized experience
- In-depth analytics and reporting
- Mobile learning
- Connectivity
- Automation
- Content creation tools
Again, this isn’t an exhaustive list. In fact, because LXPs can integrate so easily with a wide range of content, tools, apps and other resources – the possibilities are actually endless! But the above should give you an idea of the kinds of features you might expect to see in an LXP.
LMS vs LXP: What’s The Difference?
So, what exactly is the difference between learning management systems and learning experience platforms. Good question!
The truth is, one has grown from the other. So the two are pretty closely related – but by no means are they the same thing. Here’s why…
Learning & Development Has Evolved
Or, at least our understanding of it has. As more and more research has been done into why we learn and (perhaps more crucially) how we learn, our approach has changed. For example, in recent years, the 70-20-10 model for learning and development has gained traction. This is the notion that:
- 70% of learning happens in job-related experiences
- 20% of learning happens in interactions with others
- 10% of learning happens in formal education
This model of learning is widely regarded for its accuracy into how we learn most effectively. Therefore, the systems we put in front of learners should be mindful of this. Hence the birth of the learning experience platform – a system which offers up personalized content and utilises experiential learning, gamification, scenario-based learning and social learning for maximum engagement and assimilation.
The Workplace Has Changed
The world of work is changing. Hybrid and remote work are increasingly becoming the norm, which means that L&D initiatives need to evolve to keep up. There’s no doubt that there’s still a place for instructor-led learning when it comes to CPD. But it needs to form part of a wider offering. One that gives learners the opportunity to complete training in a way that suits them.
We also shouldn’t forget distributed workforces and those working in the field. Platforms that work around them are much more likely to encourage them to engage with learning, whatever the topic maybe. Particularly if it empowers them to take responsibility for their own development and clearly visualise a personalized learning path.
Tips For Choosing an LXP or LMS
So, which should you choose? Well, if you’re in the market for a new learning management system or a totally new solution to supercharge your L&D initiatives, then read on for our top tips…
What’s Your Objective?
First of all, what are the learning and development objectives for your organization? And how do they align with the core goals and driving forces within your business? Answering these questions begins with getting to know your teams and what’s important to them. What type of skills do they want to learn and what skills gaps does your organization need to fill?
Before you begin to delve down into the nitty gritty of fancy courses and high-tech solutions, you should have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and, crucially, what success looks like. This will help you to choose an LMS or LXP that aligns with your business and your users.
Consider Content Creation
It’s no good having a home for learning if you have no content to put in it. Take a moment to consider your position in terms of eLearning content creation. Do you have a team full of creative talent who just need the right tools? Or would you be looking for ready-made content that can be rolled out at the click of a button? Perhaps you’re considering a mixture of both?
An LMS in conjunction with an authoring tool can be a powerful combination for creating personalized content that embodies your organization mission, values and culture. Alternatively, an LXP with a myriad of integrations with different tools and resources can pull everything your workforce already uses and make it even more powerful and effective.
Review Your Current L&D Strategy
Take a look at your current L&D strategy. Consider what’s working well and what needs improving. There are many LMS and LXP options that will allow you to make good use of the current learning materials your employees know and love, whilst introducing more for further development.
If you are building a new L&D strategy from the bottom up, start by assessing the skillset of your employees and identify skills gaps. You should do this by listening to the end-user (your employees) and taking steps to understand what skills they would like to learn either now or in the future.
Go Back To Basics
What do your HR admin teams and trainers think about your current training strategy and what would they like to see in a new system? There are so many different features available in both LMS and LXP solutions, not to mention bespoke options that are only limited to your imagination! To get the ball rolling on this, hold a brainstorming session to drill down the tools your teams are using and what they need to make their jobs easier. This will vary between businesses, so without asking the right questions, you run the risk of not fully understanding the current and future needs of your teams.
Some examples of great features to look out for include:
- Ease of use – Your chosen LMS or LXP should be a place your employees love to go, and they shouldn’t need training to use it!
- Engagement – Give your user base a tool that feels familiar and offers an engaging experience throughout.
- Integrations – The best LMS and LXP solutions should integrate with the tools and applications you are already using. To get maximum uptake on a new system like this, you should remove as many technical barriers as possible. Look out for the Single Sign-On (SSO) feature, which means your users can access everything they need securely in one click, without having to enter multiple passwords along the way.
- Reporting – Having access to powerful reporting features makes it easy to track engagement, uptake and process. An LMS or LXP should be able to show you who your top performers are and see which courses are being enjoyed the most so you can deliver more of the same.
- SCORM and xAPI Compliant – It sounds very techy and like something out of Star Wars, but this basic feature simply means that you will have the power to import any pieces of learning content with ease, including ones you already use.
(Psst, if all of these buzzwords and acronyms have you in a bit of a spin, check out our Complete Guide to eLearning Buzzwords)
Keep Your IT Teams In Mind
When selecting the right solution for your organization, be sure to ask: will it work with my current technology or software? You want to be sure that all of the things you use and love don’t get left behind. Your IT team will also want a platform that they understand and doesn’t cause them a headache. One option is to look for a provider that can look after the technical build without having to hand over workload to your IT team.
Don’t Get Distracted By The Bells & Whistles
There are so many LMS and LXP features to choose from, it’s hard not to get caught up in the hype. The danger in doing this though is that you might end up with a system that your users have no idea how to use. Our advice is to compile a list of must haves and try not to get distracted by the things you don’t necessarily need. Don’t get FOMO – most providers will allow you to turn on extra features later on.
Start with a platform that has features which truly excite you, and is easy for your users to navigate and learn to love. Don’t forget to consider accessibility. This is 2020, they will expect to be able to access your chosen tool using their phones and tablets for learning on the go, too.
Shop Around
It’s important to review the experience and background of LMS and LXP providers. Some have been around for a long time, but age isn’t everything. Take a look at their reviews and ratings; this will give you a better idea of the user experience, and not just the promises they make on their website. It’s also a great idea to have a nosy at who their current customers are. There’s no harm in reaching out on a platform such as LinkedIn to ask about their experiences and recommendations.
Check Out The Level Of Support You Get
It’s important that you choose a provider that will support you before, during and after the transition to your new solution. You’ll want them on hand to fix any technical problems you may encounter or provide further help along the way. Your relationship with the provide you choose is important. Don’t buy and say goodbye, find a provider that’s willing and happy to become an extension of your team.
Think Long Term
You may fall in love with an LMS that has all the shiny features you have been looking for, but it’s important to also think long term. Look for a system that is easy to maintain and has the capacity to grow with your business needs. We’ve all heard the statistic that 50% of marriages end in divorce. Well, much like a wedding, you wouldn’t want to spend a large chunk of your budget on a new LMS or LXP only to discover that it’s not fit for purpose a year from now.
Take It For A Spin
Before you sign on the dotted line, ask providers for a live demonstration to see the system in action. This is the best way to understand if your users will love it. If it doesn’t excite you, or it feels too difficult to use, then that will probably carry through your whole organization. You’ll also be able to see those shiny new features and functions in action and assess if they really are what your users need and want. Much like buying a new car, it’s a big investment that you’ll be using every day, so you should get behind the wheel before you commit.
Don’t Stress
While there’s so much to choose from, you’ll find that providers of LXP and LMS’ are a friendly bunch who are more than happy to walk and talk you through your options. At the end of the day, it’s all about your organization’s needs, wants and goals, so you should take your time before you say ‘I do.’
Here at DBLX, we offer a number of solutions for organizations looking to level up their L&D offering including employee experience hubs, LX platforms, and totally bespoke software solutions that can be built from the ground up to meet your needs. Alternatively, if you just want a bit of advice, our team are always happy to chat. We eat, sleep and breathe all things eLearning, from learning management systems right down to bespoke eLearning content, so we’re always up for a good chinwag on the subject!