What to Look for in a Continuous Learning Platform

Over the last several years, e-learning has expanded beyond schools and into the corporate world, becoming especially necessary during COVID-19. Businesses of all kinds are investing in a digital learning experience to train their employees more efficiently. The e-learning market is expected to grow by $12.81 billion between now and 2024; that’s a whole lot of growth in four years! Are you on track to grow with the training market? Are you thinking about custom learning systems for your employees but don’t know where to start? Not sure where you stand on the learning experience platform vs. learning management platform debate? This article explains the difference between LXP and LMS and what to look for in each to help you choose the best continuous learning platform for your company.

Benefits of a Digital Learning Experience

Digital learning platforms are growing in popularity. LMSs and LXPs provide impressive results, engage employees, and elevate the learning experience of learners. Here are some benefits that you can expect when your company invests in an LXP or an LMS to house its corporate training programs: Motivated by these benefits, but not sure which learning platform to take action on LXP or LMS? Let’s jump into the specifics of each one.

• Save money. E-learning can reduce training costs by 80% just by getting rid of printing expenses, not to mention the savings on airfare and hotel stays for in-person training.
• Reduce learning time. Digital learning can be split into bite-sized pieces packed with actionable content, reducing learning time and increasing knowledge retention.
• More accessibility. Digital learning makes training mobile and accessible, enabling employees to train at home or on-the-go amid an ever-changing workplace.
• Higher employee engagement. 3 out of 4 employees are more likely to watch a video than read text. Microlearning videos are especially engaging because they’re quickly consumable.
• Personalized training programs. With AI and routine learning assessments, employee training can serve each learner’s unique needs and close knowledge gaps.
• Increase productivity. If your workforce lacks proper training, employees aren’t going to perform up to company standards. A well-developed and integrated employee training program tends to increase employee productivity on the job.

Training Acronyms Defined: LMS and LXP

Before we can talk about which corporate learning platform is the best fit for you, you need to understand the difference between LMS and LXP. We like to use acronyms in the corporate training world, but they aren’t helpful if you don’t know what they mean! What is a Learning Management System (LMS)? When most people think of a digital training platform, they typically think of a learning management system (LMS). An LMS is a type of software that employers use to store, deliver, and manage training content for employees. Learning management systems are administrator-owned and managed platforms. An LMS administrator, such as an HR professional or sales manager, controls employee training through a central content delivery system. Admins will task employees with specific, company-approved learning paths within the LMS as part of mandatory job training.

What is a Learning Experience Platform (LXP)?

The learning experience platform definition can seem similar to an LMS, but we’re here to clarify some differences. Learning experience platforms (LXPs) are a newer option for employers searching for the right digital employee training. An LXP features curated and aggregated content, providing users with an even more personalized learning experience than an LMS. The content of an LXP is open source and dynamic, meaning it’s not as easily controllable compared to an LMS. Unlike an LMS, where one person is in charge of content delivery, everyone can contribute to an LXP. Employees control what they want to know and learn within an LXP instead of being tasked with a specific learning path or journey. LXPs typically provide more collaboration opportunities and increase engagement because employees learn what they want to know. However, the social structure can be frustrating to some team leaders due to the added distraction. Features to Look for in an LMS Are you thinking about using an LMS for your employee training? Let’s look at some of the key features of a good LMS during your search.

Easy Organization

Consider the user interface and think about how easy it is to find the information you need. Will your team be able to navigate this platform without many (or any) problems?

Personalization

LMSs sometimes get a bad rep for not being as personalized as LXPs. However, the best LMS will be AI-powered and create custom plans to support each learner. Custom learning ensures employees receive the information that's most relevant to them and their roles.

Built-in Communication

Since admins control LMS content delivery, make sure it’s employee-centric. For instance, Spoke LMS allows for social and collaborative communication among learners, similar to an LXP. Also, admins can share company updates and targeted communication with learners.

Enterprise-level Security

Your LMS needs to have top-notch security features. Look for a platform that offers 24-hour monitoring and regular backups to provide extra protection. Keep your company and learner data safe and secure seven days a week (no exceptions).

Features to Look for in an LXP

Maybe you're leaning more towards investing in an LXP. In that case, here are some features to look for during your search for a top learning experience platform.

User-generated Content

One of the most appealing features of an LXP is the wide range of contributors creating and sharing learning content. Look for a platform that supports aggregated content and provides tools for easy social sharing.

Modern UI/UX

Look for an LXP that offers a modern user interface (UI) and provides positive user experience (UX). The design should be clean, the content should be searchable, and the LXP, in general, should be intuitive for employees to start using right away.

AI-driven

With the help of artificial intelligence, everything gets a little smarter. AI can streamline data, automate reporting, improve UX, and keep everything up to date in a learning platform. Examples of automation to look for in an LXP includes content curation, reporting, and onboarding.

Integration

Find out what apps, tools, and tech integrations are available in the LXP to create a more productive digital workplace. In a virtual environment, the more integrated your workplace technology is, the more efficient your employees will be. Integrated systems save everyone from front-line workers to top-tier executives’ valuable time.

Need Help Choosing a Corporate Learning Platform?

At first, it can be hard to understand the difference between LXP and LMS. Now, you should have a clear understanding of these two workplace learning platforms. If you've been on the fence about which integrated learning platform to choose for your employees, get in touch with our team at Unboxed Training & Technology. Whether you’re ready to invest in custom learning experiences for your team or you are still on the fence, we can help. Our team can help you make the right decision for your growing company and set up your learners for long-term success. Request a demo to get a first-hand look at the learning experience, employee benefits, and custom learning systems developed by Unboxed Training & Technology.