LEARNING

How does an LMS really help an organisation?

A Learning Management System allows an organisation to track the development of their staff. This can be elearning or face-to-face learning.

From a compliance perspective this can be vital for reporting to industry bodies.

There is also a massive saving to be had by having one system that handles all training administration.

For more information see Learning Management Systems.

What about reporting?

Both Saba and Net Dimensions provide a wealth of standard reports. HCS can also develop custom reports to make the most out of your data.

What is a Certification?

A Certification is normally one or more courses that a learner has to complete. Once all elements of a certification are complete - the learner ‘acquires’ that certification. Certifications are very powerful as they can be assigned to be completed within a set time period (e.g. Orientation), or re-certification rules may be applied (ie learner must complete the certification every 12 months).

How do learning management systems handle competencies?

Competency mapping to jobs is the first step. Once the competencies have been mapped to jobs, other considerations include proficiency levels for the competencies, how to assess, and linking competencies with either learning events or assessments.

Normally an LMS would report any competency ‘gaps’ held by the learner and suggest learning interventions the learner can then undertake to ‘close’ the gap.

Can an LMS help with my running of a training centre, or are they more for eLearning?

Definitely! A learning management system can handle all training logistics around managing one or more training facilities. This includes scheduling classes, instructors and resources, managing rosters, enrolments, cancellations and student transfers. You can even print sign-in sheets automatically! Reporting allows you to track room and instructor utilisation, most popular courses, and statistics about your busiest months.

COLLABORATION

What does Centra do?

Centra allows users to connect over the Internet to hold emeetings, training sessions or seminars. Using either Voice over IP, or standard telephones, as well as web cams, the experience is excellent. If you also use Saba, Centra can integrate back to the learner’s Transcript at the end of a session.

For more information see Collaboration Tools.

What can I actually do with Centra?

Whilst in a Centra session, you (as leader) can move through a PowerPoint based agenda, demonstrate applications that you have access to, even navigate to web pages so that all participants can view them.

Excellent interactivity can occur within a session, as you can take instant surveys, ask questions, and participants can raise their hand to ask a question, or advise the presenter that they are moving too fast or too slow through the presentation.

A great advantage of Centra is that you can record the whole session, then allow access to the recording to anyone (even visitors to your web site!)

Do I need any special equipment?

A normal corporate network is fine. Dial-up is not recommended or supported. Ideally you would have speakers, a headset, and a webcam, however you can run successful Centra sessions using a normal telephone and no webcam.