Which Are The Best LMS Tools For Hybrid Learning Courses?
eLearning is surely growing fast in the last decades, and learning is available through new channels worldwide. Concepts like eLearning, hybrid learning courses, and blended learning models open new gateways to training and education. Consequently, plenty of organizations have started utilizing hybrid learning LMS solutions to tackle remote working challenges.
Did you know that the eLearning industry has grown by 900% since 2000? The future of corporate training and education seems to lie in learning technologies and EdTech. Plus, since 2019, there’s been an obvious shift towards new forms of learning. Some of the most promising are hybrid and blended learning. And, with the global EdTech expenditure projections going from $152 billion in 2018 to $342 billion in 2025, this train doesn’t seem to stop accelerating!
For the sake of this top list, we’ll focus on the best LMS solutions that can help you deliver hybrid learning courses.
What Is Hybrid Learning?
First off, what is hybrid learning? Hybrid is a flexible learning method where learners have the ability to attend the class both in person and virtually simultaneously. By utilizing this approach, learners have no restrictions regarding the way they decide to attend classes. They have an option to choose the best attendance approach for them at the given moment.
Especially during the pandemic, this flexibility has solved plenty of issues in education and corporate training. Also, hybrid learning gives the opportunity to learners to engage with course resources even when they are outside the classroom. And they can do so at any time and at their convenience. Best of all, instructors teach both types of learners at the same time using tools such as video conferencing.
Are you planning to go full speed on hybrid workforce training as well? Find below the learning tools you can leverage to achieve your goals.
The Best LMS Solutions For Hybrid Learning Courses In 2022
Top List Ranking: eLearning Industry’s LMS Selection Criteria
Globally recognized LMS experts, including C. Pappas and our editorial team, did a thorough review of each vendor’s eligibility and relevant published content (articles, eBooks, webinars). Our committee ranked the top LMS platforms for hybrid learning courses on the following nine criteria:
- Customer support
- Customer Experience
- Software features
- Software innovation
- Customer reviews
- Economic growth potential
- Company’s customer retention
- Employee turnover
- Company’s social responsibility
Now that you’ve seen our top list ranking, please focus on the extra tips and insights below. You’ll find all you need to make your hybrid learning LMS selection so much easier.
Reasons To Integrate Hybrid Learning Into Your Business’s LMS
Of course, the hybrid learning model became more popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. Having to deal with global lockdowns and travel restrictions, students could not attend on-campus classes, and employees were mandated to work from home, away from their offices. For many of us, this new reality seems to be the way to go in the near future.
When implementing a hybrid learning model, learning takes place both face to face (meeting room, event, campus, etc.) and remotely at the same time. Plus, online support and course material are available during and after class at all times.
Why wouldn’t you want to leverage such a versatile model to keep your learners engaged no matter where they are?
Let’s take a look at the main benefits of hybrid learning courses:
- Access to both online course and training material
- Reduced educational and training costs
- Efficient grading tools through an LMS
- Thorough metrics to assess performance and identify weaknesses
- Remote access to training and lectures; no more geographical barriers
- Boost learner productivity by enabling them to get education/training in their preferred mode of learning
- Saves time and energy since learners are not bound to attend in person
The primary difference between blended and hybrid learning is the relationship between classroom learning and online learning. In the case of blended learning, online learning plays a supplementary role to the in-person learning done in the classroom. But, in hybrid learning, online learning is an alternative to classroom learning.
The benefits of hybrid course design are endless if you just choose the right learning platform.
Key Features Of A Learning Management System For Hybrid
There’s a rising demand for flexible training and learning in today’s shift to remote and hybrid work environments. Thus, businesses must find more effective and reliable ways to train their employees by keeping costs low.
That’s where an LMS for hybrid learning comes in.
Hybrid learning is ideal if you want to:
- Boost knowledge retention
- Facilitate a more flexible training schedule
- Enhance the application of learning
- Offer peer-to-peer learning opportunities
Hence, you’ll need an LMS with various features to bring on the expected results and accomplish the above.
Here are some key LMS features for successful hybrid learning courses:
- Virtual Classrooms
The virtual classroom is an essential LMS feature for hybrid learning. For example, you can use webinar software to give trainees a classroom experience from wherever they are. Whether they are at home, at the workstation, or anywhere else, they’ll be able to log in and attend your hybrid learning course.
- Learning Paths
Consider choosing an LMS that has this feature because it is certain that you’ll need more control over the learning process of your learners. In this way, you can provide or limit access according to your business needs.
- Social Learning Tools
Your LMS should allow the use of social learning if you want to get the most out of your hybrid learning courses. These tools include forums, real-time chat, web conferencing, calendars, announcements, events, etc. So, an LMS with video conferencing integration would be ideal.
- Reporting And Analytics Tools
An LMS that has these tools offers admins feedback on learner performance. Admins can adjust and optimize the training to get better results by utilizing these insights.
By allowing learners to take courses at their own pace and in the comfort of their office or home, you can increase employee satisfaction and productivity.
Next Steps: LMS Comparison And Evaluation
Until now, a blended learning strategy used to be the preferred method of companies wanting to train their employees effectively and comprehensively. Mostly because blending learning can work particularly well for nearly any industry. Yet, it’s mostly suitable in industries like manufacturing, sales training, and even the medical industry. For some, blended learning could be a more widely accepted approach, significantly as the restrictions and lockdowns ease up. However, hybrid learning will get more and more popular in the long run, as virtual classrooms and remote learning is a much more convenient, cost-effective, and time-saving approach.
When choosing an LMS for hybrid learning, there are certain things you need to consider:
- Ease of use and mobile support
- Classroom event management
- Customization and scalability
- Social tools and web conferencing support
- Features and content for your industry
- Tracking and reporting
- LMS reviews
Are you ready to find the best tool for your hybrid training implementation?
Make sure to explore the user reviews in our directory and take the available LMS free trials or demos. It will provide you with a better view of what working with each platform looks like.
Also, don’t forget to do your own LMS comparison to find more distinct differences between platforms.
If you’re interested in a blended approach, go ahead and check the best blended learning LMS solutions.
And in case you’re still not sure or just want to find the ideal tool for your business needs, you can always get an LMS consultation.
