Many businesses have moved their core processes to the cloud. This platform is a viable option due to low costs and flexibility. Experts believe that cloud-based products could represent as much as 70 percent of all software and technology spending by 2020.
Cloud-based hosting is a solution worth exploring for your LMS. Here are a few trends you should know about and some benefits to consider.
Top Trends for Cloud-Based LMS
As more organizations decide to rely on cloud-based learning management systems for their training needs, this technology is also shaping the way these systems are developed. Currently, 55 percent of LMSs are deployed in the cloud. This platform is driving LMS-adoption by providing organizations with low-cost solutions and making fast implementation a reality.
Storing learning content in the cloud is driving the use of video and interactive content. The scalability of the cloud allows course designers to upload more video content, and cloud technology provides fast loading times for this type of content. Video-based learning is a must-have feature for any LMS since employees are 75 percent more likely to watch a video than read text, and this format helps with information retention.
A cloud-based LMS also allows companies to develop an ecosystem of tools adapted to their needs, including analytics plugins and other tools compatible with the Experience API, or xAPI. This API creates an architecture where learning experiences are tracked across different platforms and solidified to deliver more relevant analytics and make better recommendations for customized learning content. This type of system helps boost employee engagement by helping them track their progress and providing more content that they are likely to find interesting.
A cloud-based solution helps support mobile-based learning since it is possible to develop a customized e-learning app and deliver cloud-hosted content to this app. Providing learners with an e-learning app encourages microlearning and boosts engagement since there is no need to commit for more than a few minutes to explore a new learning module.
Why Move to the Cloud?
Cloud hosting is more affordable than investing in hardware to host an LMS on-site. Most providers offer a volume-based pricing model, which means initial costs are typically very low. The cloud is ideal for remote access; this is a good fit for companies with a remote workforce or companies that enforce a BYOD policy.
Fast implementation is another advantage of a cloud-based solution. Software like Moodle or Totara Learn provides organizations with a solid infrastructure they can use to build a customized e-learning site, and it is possible to immediately offer learning content by leveraging course libraries offered by third-party providers.
The flexibility of the cloud means it is easy to roll out new solutions as needed, upload new course materials, set up automated backups for data, and automate the delivery of personalized content. Cloud vendors also offer security solutions that will keep learners' data safe and protect your own content and information.
Explore cloud-based LMS solutions to open up a whole new world of possibilities.