What Are The Necessary Features Of An LMS?
Multilingual Learning Management Systems (LMSs) are important tools in this process because they can help workers understand the training in their language, for which some adjustments to the content must be made. The following features of an LMS can ensure that it has the maximum reach.
Important Features Of An LMS
Multilingual LMSs
Learning Management Systems offer multilingual support, meaning international employees can access the content in their own language. If the employees can't see the content in their language, they may not understand it. The LMS ensures that, apart from the content, the menu and navigation instructions can also be translated. LMSs can also find out the language of the user's browser and then translate the content on it. Users can also add a plug-in to the LMS to translate the content to ensure they don't face any problems.
If the Learning Management System does not offer multilingual facility, it may have different versions of the same content in a selection of different languages. The Learning Management System administrator can upload the content in different languages. Once that's done, the user can choose their preferred language from the LMS menu and check out the content.
AI-based translation tools can also convert the content into a different language. However, options like Google Translate are more feasible for content other than multimedia. AI-based translation tools can also ensure that even voice-overs can be translated. Using such tools is better because they can translate content into most languages and reach most audiences.
Employees who understand the content can learn new things. In addition to language, include cultural terms in the translated content. Even symbols for money are different between countries. The LMS content should consider this too. Date formats are also distinct between countries. So, an LMS should use AI-based translation for such material.
The Learning Management System can also be used for report generation, which ensures compliance with laws such as GDPR. LMS reports have to show compliance, including text stating whether the required training has been completed and whether certifications have been granted based on existing laws. The company could get into trouble with the authorities if no certifications are shown during audits.
LMS Support For International Laws
An LMS can ensure support for international laws, whether it's labor laws, anti-corruption laws, and tax rules. So, the employees learn the laws based on the region, which expands their knowledge. In an LMS, content related to the laws of various countries can be included. Apart from the automatic change in content ensured by an LMS, there can also be manual creation of modules that are specific to location. The modules can contain laws specific to regions. These laws include GDPR (European Union) and FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act), depending on the region in which the module has been created. Foreign employees must follow important labor laws. Otherwise, problems can occur for the company.
Employees can also sign the law-related documents to show that they have read and understood them. These laws could be anti-bribery laws and anti-harassment rules. When the employees have digitally signed such documents, these signatures can later be shown as evidence of their understanding. A company must ensure that they understand local laws like GDPR in Europe and FLSA in the USA when moving employees between regions. This is because when a company operates in different countries, it is subject to audits in those countries. One of the features of an LMS is that it can produce a report when an employee has completed a course. So, at the time of the audit, the international company has nothing to worry about.
There are many laws that employees must understand. When employees don't adhere to these laws, problems can arise for the company. So, the LMS must include content on them. One of them is FCPA, which stands for the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. As per this rule, any foreign company with a branch in the US should not pay any kind of bribe to the officials of this country. It's illegal to pay bribes to government officials or anyone else with the idea of expanding business in this country. Hence, foreign companies must have a global LMS through which they can inform their officials operating in the US about this law. This law also applies to situations where the bribe is not directly paid by foreigners working in the US, but via third parties such as agents.
LMSs Must Have Accessible Content
A Learning Management System must have subtitles if the content is not in the employees' native language so that they can understand it. It must also offer the capability to enlarge the text. It is essential that accessibility features be enabled, so that those who are unable to read the text can hear it with a screen reader. Otherwise, convert the text into braille as well. Screen readers use the keyboard navigation pattern to guide the learners. Therefore, all the content on a global LMS must be accessible through buttons, even forms. This is how a company can ensure its LMS suits a global audience.
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