Posted by In tandem with the terms xAPI and LXP, another term that finds a lot of visibility in eLearning-related news is – “LRS”. LRS stands for Learning Record Store. In its simplest form, the LRS is defined as the standard or technology that powers an xAPI-enabled learning ecosystem that receives, stores, and returns data about learning experiences. In this blog post, we will offer an introduction to the LRS, examine how it differs from an LMS, different LRS solutions available in the market, and how the LRS plays a key role in eLearning.
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Understanding the Learning Record Store
As per the xAPI specification definition – the Learning Record Store is a server or system capable of receiving and processing web requests) that is responsible for receiving, storing, and providing access to Learning Records. Modern workplace learning comprises both formal and informal learning. Formal or structured learning is what can be easily tracked by a normal LMS. But it is equally important for L&D and HR to track both formal and informal learning effectively and it is here where technology standards like xAPI and LRS come into play. xAPI and LRS help learning administrators track learning that happen outside the core LMS. This offers valuable insights into learner behavior. These insights help L&D and HR teams to make important decisions that impact employees and their salaries. Insights also enable L&D to take prudent decisions on creating new employee training content.
How are the LRS and LMS Different?
An LMS and an LRS are two completely different products. An LMS typically functions as an integrated learning platform that organizations use to deploy learning and track learner progress within the system. An LRS on the other hand is a solution to store and track xAPI data that is created within an LMS or LXP used by organizations to deploy eLearning. An LRS can be built into the LMS or LXP to track learner data and upgrade the reporting functionality. Or one hosts the LRS externally and links it to the organizational LMS.
How does the Learning Record Store Work?
Let us break the process into simple steps. The LMS runs a course, there is a separate webpage outside the LMS that the learner accesses, there are games that are added as an assessment component of the course, and an option simulator if the course requires one. Learners could also access the learning through mobile apps or use their mobile screen and see a mobile-responsive version of the LMS where the app is not available. There are so many ways in which the learner can access the learning content it is important that the learning administrator is able to track all these learner activities to measure the efficacy of learning. Finally, all this is tied back to the ERP deployed by the organization that contains all information about the employee’s progress at work and how the employee adds value to the organization. To understand how an LRS works see the image below:
Source – Pixentia
Correlating Learning with Performance at Work
Let us examine two statements – “Robert has completed the eLearning program on tele-calling etiquette and cold-calling.” Robert has managed to bring in “US$ 25,000 worth of business to the company after completing the eLearning program.” Both instances are co-related. As organizations seek to streamline operations and focus on offering credible learning experiences it is important to deploy solutions that offer detailed learner analytics and employee performance insights. An LRS enables the generation and transfer of accurate learner data. This helps organizations determine if a training program is useful or if the employee needs to undergo additional training. Thus an LRS plays a significant role in eLearning and organizational decision-making with high-quality data.
Popular Learning Record Store Solutions
Some of the popular LRS solutions available in the market are – Watershed LRS, Learning Locker, and Yet Analytics. Each of these solutions comes with its own set of benefits and based on your organizational requirements, your L&D and Tech team should sit together and opt for an LRS that is able to integrate with your existing LXP or LMS with ease. Several LMS providers integrate Watershed into their system to function as the LRS. It can also be used as a standalone API. Learning Locker leads the popularity race because it is open source. It holds the honor of being the most installed LRS in the world. Read this informative blog post by Craig Weiss on LRS rankings for more information.
How Origin Helped a Healthcare Consulting Leader Implement an LRS-Enabled Learning Solution?
Healthcare consulting is a billion-dollar global industry. There are few chosen trustworthy names that lead the charts when it comes to offering valuable insights that enable governments and large corporates in healthcare and pharma take prudent decisions. Origin was engaged by one leading healthcare consulting provider to implement an LRS-based eLearning solution for their employee training program. Origin created a learning portal with an LRS for the client. Based on the requirements provided, we completed the project in record time, and helped the client launch their training program as per their schedule.
The feedback from the client was encouraging. They reported that the employees who took up the training via the new learning portal found it to be engaging and easy-to-use when compared to other learning platforms that they used earlier. In terms of learner analytics, the data dashboard offered all relevant data in an easy to assimilate format for the client with added information.
Do you need an LRS?
You could be heading L&D and looking for an effective solution to monitor learner progress. Or you could be an eLearning course vendor looking to meet specific requirements stipulated by your clients. Or you could be a HR leader looking to streamline employee performance and derive quantifiable employee performance data. In every scenario, integrating an LRS with your existing learning platform will help you meet your requirements. Get in touch with us today at info@originlearning.com to help us meet your learning technology requirements.