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Benefits Of Putting A Live Spin On Learning Management Systems

Forbes Coaches Council

Nishika de Rosairo | CEO & Founder | HumanQ.

There are benefits to learning management systems (LMSs), but because by nature they offer static training, they’ll never be able to go beyond that. And unfortunately, up to 80% of people who start an online course end up not even completing it.

With the continuing evolution of artificial intelligence, automation and even the workplace itself, we are in a time where rethinking the workplace is on our minds and agendas every day. As part of that shift, we need to reconsider the way we think about workplace learning, as well. While learning has been vastly relegated to the traditional learning management systems that offer a wide range of benefits like flexibility, accessibility and cost-effectiveness, there is still an essential element missing from the learning experience that won’t be solved by technological advancements any time soon: live human interaction.

One way live human interaction can integrate into an LMS is through live online group coaching. In fact, live online group coaching sessions that enable learning, collaboration and innovation through facilitation by a live coach bringing together intimate cohorts of business professionals from all levels can be a successful root of the learning process. Live online group coaching enhances the learning experience and provides opportunities for participants to receive immediate feedback, guidance and support. It’s an LMS with a human brain and, maybe more importantly, a human heart.

One of the primary and most crucial benefits of live human interaction in an LMS is the opportunity for participants to collaborate with their co-workers in real time. This specific type of collaborative learning can improve critical thinking, grow problem-solving skills and increase engagement. When people work together, they are exposed to perspectives and ideas outside of their typical sphere of influence, leading to a deeper understanding of the subject matter or new paths to insights and solutions. Collaborative learning can also be key in developing communication skills, teamwork and empathy—all skills that have clear value for success in the workplace.

Another significant benefit of live human interaction in an LMS is the ability for participants to receive immediate feedback, motivation and guidance from an experienced coach. Feedback is essential for people to understand where they stand, where they might pursue new ideas and what they need to improve upon. In a traditional, automated LMS, feedback can be much more challenging, or even nonexistent, because the feedback that participants receive is only as useful as the value that exists in automated, pre-planned responses. Group coaching, or a live LMS, can help participants identify their strengths and weaknesses and develop strategies to improve in ways an automated LMS simply can’t. It’s not hard to see that the paths to real learning, growth and breakthroughs often don’t follow the exact same road map. An LMS alone creates a group that has been exposed to the same information. A live LMS can create a lifelong community of transformation.

Learning management systems have made meaningful, standardized corporate learning a reality. And offering more guidance and interaction to workers across every level of the organization has been a true benefit to countless companies. But live human interaction, collaboration and coaching are critical components of the learning process that cannot be replaced by technology alone. Incorporating these elements into an LMS can have significant benefits for both companies and employees, leading to more significant long-term growth, profits and innovation.

Is your LMS doing the most it can to develop leadership, innovation and communication, and are your people reaching their full potential?


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