Disha Gupta
What Is LMS Integration? 9 Best LMS Integrations
- Published: September 4, 2023
In the realm of modern education and professional development, the integration of Learning Management Systems (LMS) has emerged as a pivotal step towards optimizing the learning experience. As institutions, corporations, and organizations strive to provide dynamic and accessible learning solutions, the seamless amalgamation of LMS platforms has become a cornerstone for achieving these goals.
This article delves into the significance of LMS integration, exploring how it not only streamlines the dissemination of knowledge but also transforms the way learners engage with educational content.
What is an LMS Integration?
An LMS integration connects your corporate learning management system (LMS) with other applications, tools, and software that collect and store critical data. Integrating other tools with your LMS platform allows that data to be exchanged between systems, enabling automation, reducing human error, and improving productivity.
LMS integrations allow for a more customized experience, enabling teams to add functions and features that align with their unique needs. It enables a holistic learning experience, bringing tools, resources, and deeper insights to your platforms.
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Benefits of LMS Integrations for Organizations
Here are some of the top reasons why LMS integrations are beneficial to your organization:
1. Greater user adoption
LMS integrations create a better overall user experience and make it easier to engage. By integrating your LMS with platforms your team is already familiar with and enjoys using, you reduce friction and encourage users to spend more time engaging with training materials and resources.
2. Reduces admin work
Integrations are key for automating the boring busy work that consumes most of our administrative tasks. With LMS integrations, you can pull data directly from databases, eliminating the need to manually enter information from one platform to another. LMS integrations can also be used to track, score, and evaluate learning modules automatically.
3. Flattens the learning curve
Even by itself, an LMS platform can make achieving education goals easier. But when paired with integrations, an LMS delivers a smoother process with personalized recommendations and contextual support. Users can reach milestones faster and unlock new capabilities and opportunities.
4. More interactive, contextual learning experiences
New LMS integrations allow users to engage with other content forms and even other learners, efficiently. With LMS integrations, you can pull in outside videos, simulations, and personalized learning paths to create more engaging experiences. Users can work together to solve problems or ask questions using forums, video conferencing, and more.
5. Improved compliance
LMS integrations reduce the amount of interaction team members have with user data. Because integrations can automate and streamline processes, data stays safer and it’s easier to remain compliant. An LMS platform can also be used to distribute and track compliance lessons and modules, ensuring the team has access to the resources they need to meet regulations.
6. Enhanced data capture and learner analytics
Connecting your LMS platform with the other tools and software your team is already using helps you develop a full-picture view of your users. Data moves freely from one platform to another, keeping all your information updated and enabling real-time insights. With enhanced data and analytics, you can build stronger learning tracks and materials.
7. Better training evaluation
Enhancing your LMS platform with integrations can also improve training evaluations. Automating the evaluation process eliminates human error and ensures modules are scored accurately. Integrations can also add opportunities for varied assessments, including quizzes and surveys, to further measure your users’ understanding.
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8. Enhanced collaboration
Integrations can turn LMS initiatives into a team-bonding experience. By integrating with video conferencing, communication, and collaboration tools, it’s easier for users to stay connected with one another to deepen their knowledge. Users can work together on modules, engage in conversations, or share insights about what they’ve learned.
9 Best LMS Integrations to Evolve Your Learning Experiences
What are the top LMS integrations you need to really evolve your learning experiences? Here are nine of the best:
1. Single sign-on (SSO) integrations
A single sign-on (SSO) LMS integration uses one set of credentials to allow users to access related platforms. The SSO integration makes it easier for users to log in to their LMS because they don’t need to worry about remembering multiple credentials.
For companies, SSO LMS integrations improve security and reduce the risk of data breaches. Administrators can also more efficiently manage user access and permissions.
Examples of SSO LMS integrations include Okta, Google, OneLogin, and Microsoft Azure AD.
2. Content authoring integrations
Content authoring integrations make it easier to create and manage LMS materials. These integrations connect directly with platforms used to create eLearning content, including video editing or screen recording.
Content authoring LMS integrations improve efficiency and make it easier to keep data updated. It also provides a central location to manage all your educational content, allowing you to use multiple third-party content authoring tools while maintaining one repository.
Examples of content authoring LMS integrations include Articulate 360, Adobe Captive, and Camtasia.
3. Content integrations
Integrating your LMS with content platforms makes it easier to use educational materials created by third parties or stored separately from your LMS. Being able to use these resources within your LMS makes it easier to create well-rounded training and development materials.
Content integrations have similar benefits to content authoring integrations. Like a content authoring integration, content LMS integrations make it easier to manage all your content in one place.
Examples of content LMS integrations include LinkedIn Learning, YouTube, and internal resources such as documentation, policies, and intranet.
4. Video conferencing and webinar integrations
Video conferencing and webinar integrations make collaboration within your LMS possible. Using video training software or webinar tools can provide opportunities for one-on-one or group learning, as well as the ability to track attendees and performance within your LMS.
Integrating with a video conferencing or webinar platform makes learning more engaging and makes it easier to dive into specific topics, answer questions, or create a community of learners.
Examples of video conferencing and webinar LMS integrations include Zoom, GoToWebinar, and Adobe Connect.
5. CRM integrations
Pairing a CRM and LMS allows you to make more personalized learning recommendations based on information stored within the CRM. While CRMs are commonly customer-facing, they can be used internally to help L&D teams manage communications, information, etc. for employees.
CRM and LMS integration makes it more convenient to share resources, modules, and other learning materials. It also reduces the amount of manual data handling, which can help maintain data security and integrity.
Examples of CRM integrations for LMS include Vtiger CRM and Salesforce.
6. HCM or HRIS integrations
A human capital management (HCM) or human resources information system (HRIS) manages employee information and HR responsibilities. Integrating HCM software or HRIS with your LMS creates a centralized location to manage employee onboarding process, training, and data.
LMS and HCM integration streamlines automation and ensures more accurate data. It also makes it easier to ensure all information is compliant, and if you need to pull employee data for audits, it’s all in one place.
Examples of HRIS and LMS integrations include Workday HCM, Leapsome, and Connecteam.
7. Digital adoption platform integrations
A digital adoption platform (DAP) provides in-app guidance and contextual support to make it easier to solve problems or discover new capabilities. When paired with an LMS, a DAP can offer real-time assistance and an additional layer of instruction to learning modules or onboarding training.
Integrating a DAP and LMS improves user adoption, creates a better learning experience, and offers on-demand assistance, allowing employees to complete their L&D initiatives on their own time. A DAP can also add notification and reminder features to an LMS, nudging users to complete their lessons.
Examples of DAP LMS integrations include Whatfix.
8. LRS integrations
A learning record store (LRS) maintains learning records and data related to L&D initiatives. An LRS keeps track of all learning activities and initiatives, offering one database to store learner results.
LMS and LRS measure different metrics, but when paired together, they offer a more holistic view of the learning experience. When you have the full picture, you can create better educational materials and develop employees more effectively.
Examples of LRS integrations include Veracity Learning, Instancy, and ProProfs.
9. Social media integrations
Social media platforms can help support LMS initiatives by connecting your community. Integrating social media with your LMS tools can improve engagement and make the overall experience more pleasant for employees.
Social media integrations offer more opportunities for interactive learning and user-generated content. It makes it easier to start conversations, run polls, or take surveys. It also provides a low-stakes way for team members to provide ideas and feedback.
Examples of social media LMS integrations include LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.
LMS Integration FAQs
Ready to enhance your LMS with integrations but still have some questions? We have answers.
What are the technical aspects of LMS integrations?
There are some technical requirements necessary for making LMS integrations possible. These include:
- SSO: Single sign-on makes it quick, easy, and safe for employees to access multiple platforms at once. The SSO makes it possible for your team to use just one set of login credentials to access all integrations and platforms and mitigates the risk of data breaches.
- APIs: An application programming interface (API) is used to share data and information between tools. Many tools offer their own APIs to make connecting your favorite platforms as easy as possible.
- Webhooks: A webhook is an automated message sent from one application to another when an event is triggered. They are used to let an application know there is new information to collect and tell them where to find it.
What is SCORM?
SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) refers to technical standards that accompany eLearning software. SCORM is used to ensure LMS and other learning platforms all work from the same code guidelines so they can easily connect and work together. It’s important to abide by SCORM protocols so your LMS can distribute, collect, and create new content as efficiently as possible.
What are the steps for successful LMS integration?
Here’s how to get started for a successful LMS integration:
- Start small. Select the integrations that will provide you with the most value to focus on first.
- Audit and back up your data. Before making any connections, make sure your data is appropriately backed up.
- Choose your integration platform. Some integrations can be done right within the app, while others require a third-party automation platform like Zapier or Integrately.
- Work with IT. IT knows best when it comes to software — make sure to work with them to integrate your new LMS tools.
- Pilot and test. Before full deployment, test your integrations to ensure they function as they should.
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A digital adoption platform is one of the most beneficial LMS integrations for both teams and users. With a DAP like Whatfix, users get more from their learning experience.
Digital Adoption Platforms offer contextual guidance and personalized assistance to learners navigating through online courses and content. By seamlessly integrating within the LMS interface, DAPs provide step-by-step tutorials, in-app prompts, and real-time support, enabling users to navigate the LMS more effectively, understand its features, and maximize their learning experience. This integration not only reduces user frustration and increases engagement but also accelerates the adoption of new learning technologies within educational and professional settings.
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