Do Learning Management Systems Actually Improve K-12 Outcomes?

Do Learning Management Systems Actually Improve K-12 Outcomes?

LMS is a software that helps design, develop, deliver and evaluate e-learning courses. Mainly used in corporate training programs, LMS is buzzing with potential and is the future of online tuitions. LMS is considered extremely efficient in tracking and reporting features. An integrated LMS can improve training by determining criteria and designated time to complete the task. LMS helps create more interactive training between the teacher and learner, with studies having significantly proven the benefits.

Key features of an LMS

The six defining features of LMS are:

1. Course and Content Management- Effectively creating and managing e-learning ib online tuitions courses and learning material.
2. User Management- Facilitating its users and accommodating new ones.
3. Reporting and Analytics- Tracking and assessing the impact of the course on the learners.
4. White labelling- Customising the system to fit the institution.
5. Integration- The ability to integrate with other systems being used, and act as a unit.
6. Security- private user information and other data may be saved during a course, which is why a secure LMS is essential.

This combined helps manage and deliver courses effectively, in a way beneficial for both the teacher and learner.

K-12 and Learning Management Systems (LMS)

The initial scepticism of LMS has decreased significantly. This may be due to the cost benefits attached to it, the decreased training time or an array of other benefits the system provides. But over the years LMS has earned its way into the K-12 system.

Initially, the system was integrated with traditional learning to enhance the learning experience. However, with the current predicament, the business has made its way into being one of the primary paths to education.

Use of technology in teaching has shown to have great benefits among student outcomes. Studies have shown that the use of technology has led students to stay more focused on learning, has promoted further participation and helped decrease behavioural problems in class.

The adaptation of Learning Management Systems has further emphasised on this with conducted research.

A recent study found that the integration of LMS into K-12 has shown a statistically significant improvement in annual students’ grades. Although the improvement of grades by 1%-2% seems insignificant, there are benefits beyond those calculate in numbers.

Studies have shown that other learning outcomes among K-12 students and the use of LMS include:

• Students playing an active role in their learning and receiving frequent personalised feedback.
• Students’ critically analysing and actively creating media messages.
• Teachers actively monitoring students’ work and engagement.
• Teachers explicitly exposing students to learning experiences in the areas of cyber safety and appropriate use of technology.

All these factors not only improved student outcomes but improved learner outcomes as well. The LMS may not significantly affect marks but definitely enhances the learners’ experience further. With the level of cost-effectiveness and time-efficiency offered by incorporating LMS into K-12 systems, it has the potential to significantly improve the future of learning.