December 30th, 2008 by Learning Systems

In recent years, learning from LMS courses has expanded beyond its previous demographic of working people who are trying to better their opportunities. However, some sources claim that it still hasn’t blown up in the way we might expect. Some figures taken by a study conducted by the University of West Florida might surprise you. 

According to the study, three-quarters of LMS learners are working full or part-time. Three quarters of online learners are working towards a degree. Two-thirds are female. More than half are married with dependents, and half are 35 years or older. Twenty percent of learning management system users are new students. 

However, these numbers are undoubtedly changing as more and more schools begin to find out about LMSs and implement online learning into their school systems.

December 25th, 2008 by Learning Systems

Many parents and educators continue to express concerns over learning through LMS-hosted courses and online learning in general, fearing that students’ development of social skills may be stunted. However, courses accessed via an LMS are able to provide various modes of communication tools that often not only allow students to interact and collaborate, but bring shy students out of their shell and give all students a voice they may not otherwise have in a face-to-face classroom. 

Especially with the integration of Web 2.0 technologies in LMS courses, I see the concern over social interactions starting to fade. With tools like video conferencing and discussion forums students can articulate themselves with more forethought and build collaborative learning atmospheres that are often more interactive and academic than a face-to-face classroom. 

December 19th, 2008 by Learning Systems

Libraries such as the Bates College Library often encourage university staff to consider a few questions before placing a copy of an item on reserve or including it on an LMS. These include: Should the material be included in a course pack? Should students buy the original as part of the required class material? Is the original already available for reserve at the library? 

Is the material available electronically in the library, on the university LMS or available for free on the internet? Is the material necessary in its entirety, or can it be excerpted? In many cases, the library reserve or distribution through an LMS is the best (or only) means of delivering the material to students. 

December 18th, 2008 by Learning Systems

When seeking and providing LMS materials, it’s important to keep in mind the public domain and fair use materials available at libraries. What is the difference between public domain and fair use?

Public domain materials include government documents, works whose copyright has expired because of age, facts like census data, and works whose copyright was allowed to lapse due to neglect. Public domain materials require no permission to use in an LMS, and they may be copied and distributed freely. 

Then there are fair use materials. These are works in a library reserve or LMS which fall under the fair use provisions of the copyright law. These materials are available for LMSs strictly for educational use, and involve some provisions of use that are important to look into before copying and distributing.

December 17th, 2008 by Learning Systems

It’s a tattered cliché I’m guilty of using–”A picture says a thousand words.” But it’s true. Combine a picture with sound and movement, and the words start to add up. When we watch videos, we’re taking in endless details and information. While television becomes more and more stuffed with images and sounds, we’ve become more passive watchers. As video content becomes more gaudy and loud, our defense is to tune out a bit, to avoid mental overload. 

One problem with implementing LMS hosted videos in a course is the potential for passive learning behavior. When students sit in front of a screen watching a demo or other LMS content, they may instinctively start to tune out a little. When creating LMS videos, it’s essential to keep in mind and respect the sensibilities of your learners, and engage without trying to dazzle. 

December 15th, 2008 by Learning Systems

Online mediation training courses can greatly enhance conflict management education. Trainers can combine personal, face-to-face training with media such as television and LMS-hosted material. An LMS mediation course should include not only interactive material, quizzes and games, but also videos. Videos can provide trainees with real life conflict managing examples, and professionally acted dramatizations.

An LMS training course can also provide student role plays, trainer role plays, and information on cultural diversity, mediation structures and processes, and communication skills. After an introduction to the tenets of conflict resolution and the strategies for solving different kinds of disputes, trainees should begin practicing the mediation process. As with any social skill, conflict managing is best learned in a cycle of learn, demonstrate, and practice.

December 12th, 2008 by Learning Systems

What can employees expect to gain from an LMS-hosted course in conflict management? They will acquire the communicative tools needed to prevent and deal with workplace conflicts as they arise. A good LMS course will train employees how to use different strategies for dealing with different kinds of conflict. 

Employees will also learn how to use assertive, rather than aggressive or passive, behavior. They will learn to be firm, standing their ground and reaching a positive solution without losing their tempers. Staff will be taught the different kinds of conflict at work and the different styles of dealing with it. An LMS course in conflict management should help staff vastly improve their workplace communication skills. 

December 12th, 2008 by Learning Systems

As Derek Bok said, “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.” Workplace conflict decreases productivity, creates factions, induces absenteeism, prompts resignation, makes recruitment difficult, and prevents creativity. So the skills necessary to manage workplace conflicts are worth every penny an organization might spend on LMS-delivered training. Arrange conflict resolution online training through your LMS. It will prove an effective measure to preserve the most precious resources in the workplace–harmonious and productive employees. Not to mention the time and money it will save a company whose employees are otherwise unable to function as a team. 

The best LMS-hosted online courses for conflict management are those that focus on self-awareness. Search for a courseware system platform like Coggno to find a conflict management training course suitable for your organization’s needs.