SharePoint for making organizational learning more effective

Microsoft SharePoint is considered as one of the emerging collaborative and content management platform. However, utilizing SharePoint for learning and training purposes can be beneficial in many ways and can also save a lot of money. It is one of the great tools for learning organizations. So, if your organization is already availing SharePoint benefits then why not leverage it as a learning management system too.

This blog post will elaborate points why Microsoft SharePoint can be leveraged for learning purposes.

• SharePoint being a collaborative CMS simplifies the process of uploading and downloading training material and allows sharing it with peers and other learners.
• SharePoint eases learning management process by providing features like reminders, calendars and to-do list.
• SharePoint enables seamless synchronization with other Microsoft projects.
• With SharePoint one can set permissions per the folder architecture and can have a single sign-on feature, wherein user must never remember login credentials.
• SharePoint provides easy collaboration with all social media platforms including blogs, forums and RSS feeds.
• SharePoint when customized can offer a great platform to create quizzes and puzzles.
• SharePoint also has a unique feature where learners can provide feedback and ratings according to the training program.
• It is also possible to easily integrate SharePoint with SQL server 2014 reporting services. This customization offers ready to use tools to manage reports and programming features.

However, considering SharePoint a learning management system as a whole might not be enough to procure its full-fledged benefits. There are few other features which can eliminate the functionality gaps of SharePoint when a separate LMS is built on SharePoint. This amplified version of SharePoint LMS can take training to next level. The features include:

• SCORM/AICC/Tin CAN compliance
• Training management which includes number of enrolled individuals, waiting lists, etc.
• Managing compliance training like CEU tracking, digital signature, etc.
• Tracking and reporting training information
• SCORM tests which include multimedia tests, question-level reporting and objective answers.
• Conducting webinars including automated reminders and notifications.

However, while considering online learning, SCORM compliance is highly important because it plays a key role in saving a lot of time and money. When any of the courses is SCORM compliant, it can be played on any of the learning management system. Thus SharePoint being a SCORM compliant tool is a boon to the learning management industry.

SharePoint indeed is an excellent tool for learning and training purposes. It is a multi-tasking platform which can enable organizations to collaborate and increase their productivity by delivering exceptional results. SharePoint can be an ultimate solution to balance technical as well as business requirements.