LMS of the Future

In my opinion, the ideal Learning Management System (LMS) of the future would offer more flexibility in many different ways. I have attended classes in the traditional manner by physically being present in a classroom at a certain time and being delivered a particular program of instruction. I have also attended classes online both synchronously and asynchronously, and while these afford quite a bit more flexibility than “seat time” classes, there is definitely room for the improvement a good LMS might provide.

Most important to me would be flexibility in what I was learning. I have sat through many a class thinking to myself, “I already know this. Why do I have to go over this information again?” Because someone doesn’t have a piece of paper that says I know this stuff? I say, let learners prove they know something, and let them move on. It is a waste of time to “relearn” something you already know. And it’s expensive. Thus I believe that an LMS must be able to take into account what an individual knows or can do, and customize a learning plan for them, rather than making them sit through redundant classes.

The second most important thing an LMS of the future should have is flexibility in when/how you attend classes. There is tremendous value in having face-to-face interactions with one’s instructors and peers. Collaboration can be an asset to furthering education and learning. But it is not the only way to learn. I would like to see classes that offer the flexibility of blending learning in whatever fashion best suits the learner for that particular part of his/her education. Granted, for synchronous learning of any kind, be it online or in person, there will have to be specific times to meet. But students should have the choice, and these services should be available to the student.

Lastly, as an educator, I would like to be able to create this customized learning for my students, and use it without spending twenty-four hours a day managing it. The LMS should be able to assist me with this, hence the obvious “M” in LMS. I should be able to create modules for basic skills, and the LMS should monitor and inform me of student progress so that I can intervene when necessary. This would make teaching easier, and more focused on the needs of individual students, rather than prescribing the exact same learning for every student.