The LMS landscape enhances training effectiveness for organizations in various markets, if you know which features to look for — but with over 600 options in the LMS market, shopping for a new platform is no easy task. We're going to outlinewhich LMS features allow you to enhance the effectiveness of training delivery, increase learner engagement and retention, enhance the user experience, all while saving time and money. This is the first of 7 blogs in our series, Must Have LMS Features.
LMS Communication Channels
Increasing the flow of communication is one of the most effective ways to create a learner-centric pedagogy, and increase student success. It allows students to collaborate, bounce ideas off one another, ask each other questions, work through problems together, and generally just have instant access to someone who can help them. There are quite a few tools in Moodle that allow you to optimize communication.
Forum module: This enables communication between students and teachers. There are 5 different forum types, each for its own purpose, and a different setting.
Single simple discussion: Single discussions are developed on one page. This is useful for short and focussed discussion, as its only available within one single group, not throughout separate groups.
Q & A forum: Instead of an open discussion, participants post questions as the initial discussion starter. Students can post their answers, and they won’t be able to see other responses until they have done so.
Blogs: Each user has their own blog - they can start one in Moodle, or they can register their external blogs (Wordpress, Blogger, etc.) so that their entries can automatically be posted in their Moodle blog.
Messaging: Instant messaging can be enabled to allow users to communicate with one another in real time. This is the most efficient way to communicate, and is ideal for quick questions. This can also be enabled so that users can receive notifications when things are happening in Moodle. Eg. If a new assignment is submitted, or if a message is received, users will be notified (both teachers and students).
Business Problems Solved with LMS Communication Features:
- Allows users to take advantage of necessary features and functions outside of the LMS
- Integrates third party vendors and apps that learners require in order to optimize success
- Enhanced user-experience and engagement
For all 7 Must-Have Features, download our LMS Buyers Guide!
