Every online platform has some sort of “feature benchmark,” where that platform is expected to have capabilities to upload this type of file, save it to a cloud location, or share whatever resource users want. And the usual standard is that consumers and users set the tone for these benchmarks by providing feedback, and platform developers are expected to act on user feedback.
But the features aren’t just based on user feedback. Developers can also propose features based solely on scratch. The experimental characteristics are an example. Developers can hand-pick a select number of users, and based on how they use features, they can collect data, fix bugs, and make the experimental feature available for general use.
And of course, the features are also based on market trends. A good example would be how Facebook and Twitter have incorporated the common “like” and “share” buttons.
Now add all these feature benchmarks to the exciting world of LMS, and what do you get? The features of the learning platforms are standardized because users expect each platform to have the same basic functionality, such as integrating a school’s grading system into the LMS. So what are these features that every LMS should have?
1. Mobile applications and/or responsive design
Today, it is standard for any platform to have a downloadable app from the major app stores. Not only do they offer greater flexibility in terms of accessibility, but almost everyone today owns a mobile device. If LMSs don’t have mobile apps, they should at least offer a responsive version of their platform that looks good on any browser and screen size. Ideally, learning platforms should offer both.
2. Aspect of social networks
Now, the headline can be misleading, even vague, but let’s just say every learning platform should have social media features like a newsfeed system where school administrators can make school-wide announcements, teachers can post classy announcements, and users will like it, unlike comments on these posts. Users can also browse and search for other users, as well as post a short bio on their LMS profiles, just like on Twitter and Instagram. As a result of a welcoming and socially integrated LMS that welcomes both students and teachers, learning becomes more enjoyable and engaging.
3. Content creation
Content creation tools allow teachers to easily create classrooms that can have any type of text, video, audio, image, Office document, Google document, and other multimedia content with just a few clicks. For example, teachers can add screenshots to their content. These are especially useful for teachers because they can create video tutorials to give students an even more hands-on learning experience.
4. Analysis
or, more precisely, a comprehensive analysis tool. Teachers can use analytics to study their students’ key performance indicators to see who is excelling in the classroom and who is failing, discover in which subject area a particular student is most proficient, and other student metrics that help teachers adapt their learning projects.
5. Gamification
Even though gamification is so commonplace and redundant, every learning management system ought to incorporate it. As? Include gamified elements such as badges, points, and leaderboards to make the classroom more engaging, and fun, and foster a competitive spirit among students. Add a peer review feature where students can show off their achievements, and you have the perfect recipe for motivating students.
6. Integration of Microsoft Office and Google Docs
Ahh, two of the best productivity apps out there. So you might ask: why both? Why not just the office? Why not just documents? Surely you are thinking that Microsoft and Google are rivals. In business, yes, but in learning, no. And the current norm is that users typically create their class submissions in Office and upload and store them in Docs. However, some also create their files in Microsoft Office and save them to OneDrive (Microsoft’s answer to Google Drive). Hence, integrate Microsoft and Google with learning management systems. With a few under-the-hood tweaks, all users have to do is authorize the LMS to access their Microsoft or Google accounts.
7. A resources and portfolio area
similar to a normal cloud storage service, but within the LMS. These repositories allow LMS users to store their files and access them from any device. Students can also save their class projects/submissions, so they can retrieve them later if needed.
There are tons of other features every LMS should have, but these are some of the must-haves. Any other feature you might want to add? Post them in the feedback section below!
