How can you keep your LMS training and support up-to-date with the latest trends?

I was involved with a large multi-campus system, and we went into online programs initially. Matthew Pitynski was a featured speaker on his Blackboard product. It was his dissertation work, and he give us a great presentation. We were using it, and I liked it.... still do! He asked me that day about concerns, and I shared mine, cost! I believe that an LMS is a tool and should be used to present information to students. As we developed programs across multiple campuses, one major thing was every new professor who was learning to teach online had to have new bells and whistles. What I found through these many years, is that students want two primary things, communication and support! I assess faculty response, and feedback!

Keep your training and support in line with Blackboard’s evolving technology. Establish direct channels of communication with Blackboard support to stay on top of new features and enhancements to your LMS. Encourage ongoing learning among your staff by attending a Blackboard webinar or training session and engaging in Blackboard user community forums on a regular basis. Update your training materials regularly to include the latest Blackboard features and the best practices. Analyze your users’ data within your platform to determine where you need more support or training.

In Learning Management Systems, as in many other aspects of higher education, there's nothing better for preparing the future than analyzing the present (while keeping in mind the baggage of the past). What works well? What fails? What do I miss? Addressing these questions will guide us toward our best strategy for an optimal LMS.

In my opinion, before finalizing the blueprint of LMS implementation, it's must to identify the current needs and goals. LMS should be as per the institutional requirements, most of the time due to lack of experience developed LMS are not serving the desired purposes. Setting goals will enable the LMS developer to get clarity on institutional need.

Scheduling regular training updates for staff. Maintaining a strong contact with provider for insights. Initiate and conduct CPD sessions Collection feedback via short survey from students and trainees too is a good idea ..i think Latest trends in education Include non academicians and Cross-train staff members responsible for LMS training and support. conduct pilot programs before fully engaging students

While I am not necessarily sold on bells and whistles, we must assure we are providing an opportunity to maximize interactions with our students. Ai is still new, and already I see many jumping on board, and I feel this will in the long run, be helpful. We'll soon find out as we assess the data.

Understanding your users and aligning with your organization's specific needs is paramount. While incorporating best practices is crucial, not every emerging trend may align with your organizational goals. It's essential to assess the potential ongoing costs as hasty implementations can lead to significant expenses. Maintaining a delicate balance involves identifying what genuinely enhances your LMS functionality, persuading stakeholders of the necessity of updates, and ensuring successful user adoption without rendering your LMS outdated. Importantly, implementing changes should be accompanied by a comprehensive communication and training strategy to facilitate a smooth transition and optimize uptake of the updates.

When we are talking about the new LMS recent trends, l want to summarize two of my thoughts and opinions on best practices in Learning Management Systems (LMS): We need more User-Centric Design of LMS platforms where we prioritize intuitive interfaces, easy navigation, and user-friendly experiences to enhance engagement. LMS should integrate gamification elements to make learning more engaging and motivating, such as badges, leaderboards, and interactive quizzes which many LMSs lack.

Students are creatures of habit. I do not typically test new tools in a live class but do try to "test drive" new tools. Years ago, as video conference rooms lost ground to new approaches and technology, a well-meaning Provost spent lots of money putting video conferencing systems in each classroom. Within months, we have new devices via desktop and laptop computers for far less. Tools are fine, and I do stay abreast, but use what is right for my programs, and my faculty!

I remember one professor resigned during pandemic when we had to add some features in LMS. He resigned due to the lack of ability and agility to new technologies. However, we need to tailor the new technologies to the ability and agility of staff to deal with these new features.

I use training in several ways. First each new professor that seeks to teach online, is required to take a short course on our approach, and expectations. Second, when new tools, or updates arrive I assure all are trained to use those tools prior to implementing!

LMS importance is highly as the number of online courses available in the education system. So, having the adequate knowledge for the resources is critical. In a research l have done with two colleagues of mine during the pandemic, we found that the level of training and satisfaction of students is correlated. So, just applying them is not enough, we need to know how, when, and where to apply tools and resources.

Change is an integral part of higher education, and it is important to actively engage in the process to stay updated. That's why I actively participate with others to drive change in my institution. Even before the pandemic, I was among the first to explore innovative uses of the Learning Management System (LMS) within my department. This experience has become an essential part of my thesis, which I am excited to share with everyone in a few months. However, it is crucial to remember that curiosity is a constant requirement for embracing change. I am constantly seeking new ways to enhance the learning experience and improve educational practices. #HigherEducation #EmbracingChange #ContinuousImprovement

engagement. You need to scout readings and researches on current trends and development. collaboration also will witj other LMS users

We need more opportunities where academic and student communities are able to participate in designing new LMS features. LMS developers should apply open innovation in the process of designing and developing the product. This will help them avoid mistakes.

To further enhance and keep your LMS training and support up to date with the latest trends, you can also consider these strategies: 1. Attend industry conferences, webinars and workshops on educational technology, LMS advancements, and e-learning trends. 2. Implement feedback loops within your organization or LMS users to gather insights, suggestions, and critiques about the LMS system. 3. Keep in touch with your LMS vendor or provider to stay informed about latest updates, feature releases, and future roadmap. 4. Regularly compare your LMS against industry benchmarks and other leading platforms. 5. Foster a culture of innovation within your organization by encouraging staff to experiment with new LMS features or teaching methodologies.

Regularly evaluate and improve Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of LMS and make improvements based on feedback and data. Gather input from learners and instructors to identify areas for improvement. Provide excellent customer support and regularly upgrade to stay current with latest eLearning trends.

The opportunity to reach students where they live and on their schedule is a tremendous opportunity. Most have now joined the online world, due either to seeing the potential, or now trying to make up for lost ground. Is it still an opportunity, but don't fall prey to organizations that manage these programs. Do it on your own. There is help available!

We should see features that are based on AI. Let’s test its application to the interactive tools. This will lower the administrative and technical burden for the academic staff.

Providing support for your faculty is essential. You're going to get a call or email when something changes. Perhaps you read that it was coming but didn't know something else would be affected. Maybe it's something that you didn't catch in your research. That support will allow your instructors to bring those items to your attention too, helping to keep you up to date and giving you the ability to update any documentation you use as well.