Training educators to use technology effectively in their classrooms to support students in their learning paths and improve their techniques for teaching is essential to the success of edtech. However, teachers can sometimes be reluctant to use technology, and some don’t enjoy training programs.

Most of the time, teachers will only participate in a training program because they are mandatory, but we can’t blame them – many programs for professional development are outdated and archaic. Let’s look at five tips for effectively training teachers to use an LMS. 

Discuss “Why,” Before “How To”

This is the first step to a successful LMS training program. Teachers need to understand the benefits of using an LMS before they can begin to learn how to use it, which will also help them be more motivated to learn. 

Like any training program, the program for teaching educators how to use an LMS must be clear about its benefits from the start. 

Connect Physical and Virtual Classrooms

Teachers will also have to be trained in pedagogies. Merely teaching them to navigate an LMS is not enough since they still won’t understand how to use it to improve their classroom activities. 

This means that they will need to learn techniques like flipped classroom and blended learning and understand the value that the LMS provides them and their learners. Trainers must ensure that teachers understand the connection between all of the functionalities and features of an LMS and how they can affect their students’ learning experience.

Incorporate Face-To-Face Training

Simple text is good, and most teachers will usually enjoy text, but it’s not enough for training. Even teachers require variety in their material, just like students, and they also need a connection with the people that are training them. 

Having a trainer physically explain and demonstrate how an LMS is used is the best training method for most teachers. They will be able to better understand how the platform works and know that they can consult the trainer.

Microlearning Should Not Be Ignored

Teenagers and children are not the only people who have short attention spans. Adults can have just as much trouble staying focused, so microlearning will need to be employed. A good rule of thumb is to add 2 to the learner’s age, which will equate to how much time they should be able to focus for. 

For example, a 15-year-old should be able to concentrate for 17 minutes, while a 23-year-old should focus for 25 minutes.

Always Adapt

Each student learns differently – teachers who are learning to use an LMS are simply students, and they also learn differently. Some will prefer a combination of techniques, while others will prefer visual strategies. 

Trainers will need to offer various training materials, and they also need to be able to adapt to the different learning situations of the teachers they are training. 

Concluding Thoughts

Training teachers to use an LMS does not need to be a challenge. If you follow the five tips we mentioned above, the teachers that you train will be masters of their LMS in no time.