Does a Member Association Need an LMS or LXP?

I was discussing with a member of my network the other day about learning in their association and I mentioned the multitude of platforms out there today. I mentioned LMS and LXP as two distinct options, the LXP brought about a squinting of their eyes as they highlighted "an LXP?", so I thought I would highlight the differences here and why a member association would consider either.

Member associations exist to serve their members, and in today’s fast-paced, knowledge-driven world, providing high-quality learning opportunities is often a key part of that mission. But when it comes to choosing between a Learning Management System (LMS) and a Learning Experience Platform (LXP), how do you know which one is right for your association? Let’s dive in and explore the options.

What’s the Difference Between an LMS and an LXP?

Learning Management System (LMS)

• What It Is: A platform designed to deliver, track, and manage structured learning programs. Think of it as the “classroom” of online learning.
• Key Features:
• Best For: Associations that need to deliver formal training, certifications, or compliance-related content.

Learning Experience Platform (LXP)

• What It Is: A learner-centric platform that focuses on personalized, engaging, and social learning experiences. Think of it as the “Netflix” of learning.
• Key Features:
• Best For: Associations that want to foster a culture of continuous learning and member-driven development.

Does Your Association Need an LMS, an LXP, or Both?

The answer depends on your association’s goals, member needs, and the type of learning experiences you want to provide. Here’s how to decide:

When an LMS Makes Sense

Your association might need an LMS if:

1. You Offer Certifications or Credentials: If your association provides formal certifications, licenses, or credentials, an LMS is essential for tracking progress, administering exams, and maintaining compliance.
2. You Deliver Structured Training: If your learning programs are highly structured (e.g., mandatory training, onboarding, or compliance courses), an LMS is the best tool to manage and deliver this content.
3. You Need Robust Reporting: If you require detailed reporting on member progress, completion rates, or compliance, an LMS provides the necessary analytics.
4. Your Focus Is on Scalability: If you need to deliver the same content to a large number of members efficiently, an LMS is designed for scalability.

Example: A medical association offering continuing education (CE) courses for doctors to maintain their licenses would benefit from an LMS.

When an LXP Makes Sense

Your association might need an LXP if:

1. You Want to Encourage Lifelong Learning: If your goal is to foster a culture of continuous learning, an LXP’s personalized, engaging approach is ideal.
2. Your Members Drive Their Own Learning: If your members prefer to explore topics at their own pace and choose what they want to learn, an LXP’s user-driven model is a better fit.
3. You Value Social Learning: If you want to encourage collaboration and knowledge-sharing among members, an LXP’s social features (e.g., discussion forums, peer recommendations) are a great fit.
4. You Offer Diverse Content: If your learning content includes a mix of formats (e.g., videos, articles, podcasts, webinars), an LXP’s content curation and recommendation capabilities will enhance the experience.

Example: A professional association for marketers that wants to provide members with a library of resources, curated learning paths, and opportunities to connect with peers would benefit from an LXP.

When You Might Need Both

In some cases, an association might benefit from using both an LMS and an LXP. This hybrid approach allows you to:

• Use the LMS for formal training, certifications, and compliance.
• Use the LXP for informal, member-driven learning and engagement.

Example: A trade association could use an LMS to deliver mandatory safety training and an LXP to offer optional skill-building courses and networking opportunities.

But don't worry! The lines between Learning Management Systems (LMS) and Learning Experience Platforms (LXP) are increasingly blurring, with many platforms now offering features of both. These hybrid platforms aim to combine the structured, administrative capabilities of an LMS with the personalized, engaging, and user-driven experience of an LXP.

So perhaps you can have the best pf both worlds and don't need to decide.

Key Considerations for Member Associations

1. Member Needs and Preferences

• What type of learning experiences do your members value?
• Do they prefer structured courses or self-directed exploration?
• Are they looking for certifications, or are they more interested in personal and professional growth?

2. Content Strategy

• What kind of content do you offer? (e.g., formal courses, webinars, articles, videos)
• How often do you update or add new content?
• Do you need to curate content from external sources?

3. Budget and Resources

• What’s your budget for a learning platform?
• Do you have the resources to manage and maintain the platform?
• Are you looking for a turnkey solution or a customizable platform?

4. Integration with Existing Systems

• Does the platform need to integrate with your membership management system, website, or other tools?
• Can it support single sign-on (SSO) for a seamless member experience?

5. Analytics and Reporting

• What kind of data do you need to track? (e.g., course completions, engagement metrics, skill gaps)
• How will you use this data to improve your programs and demonstrate value to members?

The Bottom Line

Whether your association needs an LMS, an LXP, or both depends on your unique goals and member needs. Here’s a quick summary:

• Choose an LMS if you need to deliver formal training, certifications, or compliance-related content.
• Choose an LXP if you want to create a personalized, engaging, and social learning experience.
• Consider Both or a Hybrid Option if you need to balance structured training with informal, member-driven learning.

By aligning your choice with your association’s mission and member expectations, you can create a learning ecosystem that adds real value and keeps your members engaged for the long haul.

So, what’s your next step? Are you ready to transform how your association delivers learning? ??