Every learner has his own pace and interest in learning. There might be some who have higher concentration during the nighttime, while some are able to focus more early in the morning. There are also some online learners who do their training while pursuing a university degree. They keep on hustling between college and on-the-job training. Such an inflexible learning environment tends to be restrictive and there can be chances when the learner might simply drop out.
Hence, to maintain continuity and consistency, setting up a personalized learning environment is very important.
What is personalized learning?
It refers to the optimization of the instructional approach, keeping in mind the needs and demands of every learner. The instructional tools, methods, and eLearning content are designed to meet online learners’ requirements.
Benefits of personalized learning-
- Increase online learners’ engagement and retention
- Ensures lifelong learning
- Empowers online learners
- Personal attention is given to online learners
- Ignites intrinsic motivation to learn
- Offers flexibility and comfort to online learners
This personalized learning is enabled by a learning management system. Learning Management Systems (LMS) are web-based software used for training purposes. The personalized learning experience is one of the most significant benefits of using an LMS. This is facilitated by some of the outstanding features of an LMS. This includes-
All-time access
Online learners can learn anytime and anywhere.
All they need is a good internet connection, a mobile device, or a laptop.
This means one no longer needs to travel for learning. A learner residing in Kolkata can be trained by a company located in Mumbai. Thus, distance-related barriers are removed.
Not just physical distance, but time-related restrictions too are erased. All of us must have experienced arriving late in training sessions and missing out on informative discussions. This is no less than a loss for online learners. However, through an LMS, a learner can access e-content day or night depending on his convenience. He doesn’t have to rush for training.
Role-based training-
This means with an LMS role; specific training is imparted. Online learners can enhance their skills based on their job roles. They don’t have to master everything but can acquire mastery in what they are learning.
Increased engagement-
This is one of the most remarkable benefits of personalized learning.
Well, by establishing a personalized learning experience, the online learners have a choice to utilize the eLearning content. They can decide for themselves fonts, colors, pictures, methods and hence plan their own learning journey.
As learning becomes more flexible, online learners tend to attend more online training programs. They learn at their own pace and time.
Very importantly, the use of animations, video lectures, and gamification feature further keep the online learners engaged.
E-Learning content-
An LMS helps in tailoring e-content that resonates with the demands of online learners. For instance, the online instructor can provide relevant information via videos, audio, animations, eBooks, documents, and so on. Furthermore, they also have the upper hand in updating the existing e-content without the need to redesign the entire eLearning course module.
This resolves efficiency and productivity-related issues by offering self-directed learning.
Recommendations and notifications-
An LMS helps generate automated recommendations to online learners based on their past eLearning courses, activities, and interests. All this is highlighted on the online learners’ dashboard and thus keeps them updated always.
Also, automated notifications pop up, reminding the online learners about pending or upcoming courses.
Sets up individual learning pace-
The learning pace of every learner is different. Some take a huge time to understand, while some soak up content like a sponge. Some also perform well during the assessment but through mugging up and have no conceptual clarity. In traditional on-the-job training, it is quite common to see some online learners give up seeing their peer group performing well or may find the mode of instruction to be unattractive.
This is a genuine problem that is addressed by an LMS that enables personalized learning. It allows online learners to learn at their own pace without being under pressure or fear. In this way, the learner may excel and grow more.
Online learners’ collaboration-
Personalized learning doesn’t mean that one learns in a bubble. In fact, what is the most interesting part of an LMS is that it has such collaborative tools that promote group learning via debates, discussions, e-learning projects, and so on. Thus, personalized learning is translated into social learning.
Bypasses issues related to standardized assessments-
Every learner is unique. There are online learners who participate with full zeal and excitement during training sessions but are unable to perform well in final assessments. This doesn’t mean we can question the efficacy of online learners. Some may do well in essays, while some score better in multiple-choice questions. Standardized assessments thus cannot be valid grounds to assess the learning abilities of all.
This is where an LMS acts as a learner’s savior. This is because online learners have choices. The online instructor can use a variety of assessment methods. Like- group presentations, multiple-choice questions, questionnaires, etc. Given this wide pool of options, online learners are able to realize their self-worth easily.
Continuous feedback-
After assessments, it is crucial for the online instructor to give comprehensive and valuable feedback to online learners. This gives way to overcome training and learning voids.
Often, the online learners feel ashamed when the instructor gives poor feedback in front of the entire class. This lowers the morale of online learners.
However, an LMS doesn’t let online learners face this problem. Instead, automated feedback is generated on individual online learners’ accounts or profiles, which can be revisited any number of times. Online learners also have an option to raise their queries.
Conclusion-
An LMS completely supports the fact that one pace doesn’t fit all. It respects the differential learning abilities of online learners and helps them decide their own learning path. It motivates online learners to set goals and envision their future as the eLearning course is tailored to an individual’s needs.
