In today's data- and machine-driven digital world, systems work the best in collaboration with one another. And a Learning Management System (LMS) is no different. An LMS works the best as a learning ecosystem rather than just an isolated version of itself.

Integrations leverage the familiarity of common/ already-used systems to ease the user adoption process, thereby delivering a much better user experience (UX).

A network of systems that can communicate well with each other (by exchanging data automatically) reduces admin overload by automating tedious and time-intensive manual tasks.

Integration makes it easier for individuals and teams across departments and geographies too to work together towards the same goal.

Content: The actual training content that your learners will consume.
Key consideration: How can your learners seamlessly access content from external sites/ 3rd party content providers/ online content marketplaces through your LMS.

Users: User behavior on the system
Key consideration: Will your users have to sign in separately on a bunch of different systems? Will users have to look at a cascade of login screens?

Data: User data like department details, job titles, learner progress, etc.
Key consideration: How can an LMS obtain different types of data from different systems (ERP, HRIS/ HRMS, CRM, etc.)?

In the adult world, we have our dose of fun in the form of 'gamification'. Gamification, today, has carved an important place for itself in the workplace too. Understand the basics of gamification and its application in learning/ training.

Devising a proper strategy that involves a thorough thinking on why you want it, who you want it for and how you would go about it is critical to the success of Mobile Learning in businesses. We share the 5 steps to a successful mLearning delivery strategy.

We take a look at some of the popular notions and beliefs in the eLearning space, particularly that of the Learning Management Systems, that need to be taken with a pinch of salt.

Our Agile methodology keeps our LMS upgrades running like a well-oiled machinery cranking out feature after feature. We shed some light on UpsideLMS' recently released features and some upcoming ones.

Fueled by the increased penetration and usage of smartphones in today's always-connected, digital age, mLearning has moved from the stage of 'awareness' to 'consideration', and is fast moving into the final stage of 'adoption'. It is this very layer of Mobile Learning that we dissect – analyzing the what, the why and the how of this innovative training approach from the corporate L&D point of view in our latest infographic.

Social, Mobile, Analytics and Cloud (the SMAC Stack^TM) technologies are enabling new learning models. Consolidating your learning architecture by adding some or all of these - where appropriate - can provide knowledge where and when it is needed to increase business agility and advance employee retention.

Become Learner-Centric: Learner-centric models call for clearly defined learning processes, methodologies, systems and tools. Depending on your business and your learner needs, structure your learning environment to include traditional learning, eLearning, social learning, Gamification, Mobile Learning, Microlearning and Video-Based Learning.

Invest in a Centralised Learning Architecture: Look for a way to join the disparate systems – Learning Management System (LMS), Learning Content Management Systems (LCMS), Assessment Management Systems, Virtual Learning Environments, etc. through Single sign-on (SSO) or APIs and Integrations. LCMSs should ideally sit atop this technology stack and feed content to the LMS.

Consider the technology needed to support cloud-powered social learning: Informal learning is the primary way for employees to collaborate, learn and share. Look for LMSs that include discussion forums, blogging and microblogging tools, and collaborative workspaces.

A one-stop solution for learning across the enterprise

Increased user adoption

A reduction in total cost of ownership (TCO)

Centralised, standardised learning management and training processes

Compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements

Scalable support for the newly combined organizational needs and “future of learning” plan

Provisions for tracking and reporting regulatory training requirements, mitigating risks caused by using disparate systems