December 18th, 2008 by Learning Systems

One obstacle that schools face in using a learning management system is that many educators are not well-equipped to use the technology. Training is expensive and often outside the possibilities of a school budget. Many educators are plunged into the stormy waters of unfamiliar technology without a paddle.

Becoming closely familiar with a learning management system as quickly as possible is ideal. The concept of instructional design in a learning management system refers to the practice of creating instructional tools and content to instigate interactions and facilitate learning between students. In order for educators to facilitate the most effective online interactions, it’s important to first analyze and understand the different forms of interaction and learning online. 

December 18th, 2008 by Learning Systems

Creating and incorporating videos on a learning management system can transform lessons, activities and even entire courses. Learning management systems like Coggno offer an easy-to-use video tool for creating engaging videos. 

But how can teachers and course creators avoid the passive learning behavior that videos are capable of prompting? When creating your video, keep your students in mind.

Create videos that command the attention of your students with instructions that speak directly to them. Students should be alert and engaged with the video, ready for instructions to take notes and answer questions. Tests and quizzes created on a learning management system can be featured at the end of a video to ensure that students were paying attention to the material. 

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. 

December 10th, 2008 by Learning Systems

Take advantage of your LMS’s organizational functions to ensure that all team members understand their responsibilities and assignments. In addition, a team leader should confirm that each member feels that they have an important role in the team. Make it clear to each that his or her function is essential and of equal importance.

If there exists a weak link in the group–not an uncommon occurrence–it’s the manager’s duty to pick up on it and act as a source of encouragement and guidance to that member. Of course, there will be always be certain members whose performance shines brighter than the rest. Teamwork, however, is a collaborative effort. If a weaker member exhibits a lack of training, organize supplementary training through your LMS, or replace the member.

December 10th, 2008 by Learning Systems

An invaluable piece of advice for managers using an LMS to organize teams: promote an atmosphere of equality. Implement uniform operating practices which everyone will be expected to conform to, such as work hours and conflict resolution processes. Uniformity of policy and treatment emphasizes the equality of team members.

Downplay job titles of your team members and place greater emphasis on work assignments, and reward on a team basis while recognizing individual achievements. Use your company’s LMS to aid you and your team members in the laying out and executing of work assignments. Institute standard processes for executing work assignments on an LMS and in the group, so that everyone is following the same methods, and using the same tools and techniques. Creating an egalitarian work environment enhances communication as well as making possible the interchangeability of workers. Finally, an atmosphere of equality and teamwork stimulates the development of quality work products.

December 10th, 2008 by Learning Systems

Tim Bryce offers some suggestions for managers using an LMS to organize teams from corporate departments or divisions. A manager, first and foremost, should lead. All teams require a leader who can communicate the goals the team is working for and provide direction, through an LMS and face-to-face.

Whether it’s a virtual team organized on an LMS or a team that works together in the same geographical space, all successful teams must be able to trust and believe in their leaders. If members are unable to do this, they’re probably not going to follow the leader’s directions or listen to his or her advice–especially in difficult or challenging times. Leaders should also remember that they have the final say. Democratic rule is effective to a certain point, and soliciting input is fine, but teams need one leader to guide them–no more and no less.

December 9th, 2008 by Learning Systems

Organizing teams within corporate divisions and departments on a learning management system is a simple task, but making a team actually work can prove a more difficult one. Although teams seem to be popping up everywhere in the corporate world, they are often teams in name only.

One obstacle in using a learning management system to organize teams or group projects is our individualist culture. In the U.S., we grow up learning how to compete and succeed as individuals, but are seldom asked to work together for a meaningful length of time. The skills needed to cooperate and help one another aren’t developed overnight, or even gradually as we get older. A learning management system can help to facilitate team projects and group learning, but instilling in individuals the skills for working in successful teams is also essential.

December 8th, 2008 by Learning Systems

Workplace virtual world supporters will claim that the return on investment will manifest itself in various ways, from more efficient training and less downtime to better collaboration and more rapidly developed products. But while some insist that 3D web opens up all kinds of opportunities for corporate learning systems, others remain skeptical.

Of course, the virtual world is still in the early stages in its functionality as a corporate learning system. For this reason among many, it’s important to think twice before ditching your LMS and hopping onto the virtual world bandwagon.

In his article “A New Virtual World Winter?” Bruce Damer poses the question, “Is interaction in a virtual world that much more enriching and valuable than the simpler modalities available in other platforms?” Many argue that integrating virtual worlds into a corporate training learning system simply isn’t worth the trouble. What do you think?