The emergence of modern information and communications technologies has provided post-secondary career schools with new tools for developing, managing, and processing information and knowledge. Perhaps the most popular of these tools is the learning management system or LMS. It can provide school staff members, instructors, and students with a wide variety of applications and services.
The LMS has become an indispensable tool for postsecondary schools and colleges. The first LMS was created by SoftArc in 1990 for the MacIntosh computer system. At that time, the use of an LMS was considered innovative and optional, but that has changed. According to a recent report by the Educause Center for Analysis and Research, 99% of postsecondary schools make use of an LMS, and that LMS is used by 85% of instructors and 83% of students.
A good LMS will enable instructors and staff members to efficiently manage tasks including student registration, course content, school calendars, user access, communications, and notifications. Students should be able to access it from a variety of devices including a computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Some LMS systems are desktop or mobile applications, while others are cloud-based. Cloud-based systems have significant advantages. For example, they are professionally maintained by the vendors who also offer technical updates and upgrades. In addition, cloud-based systems enable users to access the system from anywhere at any time using a username and password.
The advantages provided by LMS systems are almost too numerous to list. However, some of the more popular ones include the following.
It provides instructors with the ability to constantly monitor and evaluate students’ progress and performance.
An LMS offers the ability to personalize the training and learning experience for individuals or small groups of students.
It enables instructors to easily update learning materials, activities, and modules. There is no longer a need to worry about old or outdated textbooks or materials.
An LMS helps instructors to create unique, engaging, and effective lessons that can include text, images, videos, and other interactive elements. The process of interacting with the lesson encourages students to be active learners, rather than passive listeners.
The STARS® Learning Management System is cloud-based and only available to subscribers of the STARS® School Management System. There are distinct advantages for using a fully integrated LMS. LMS grades and attendance are always available in STARS in real time. Students access the LMS directly from their STARS student portal! Since all LMS records are contained within STARS, your data is always available and will not be deleted after a course is completed.
