By Jonel Thames Leake, CPCU, AAI, ASLI, CPIW, DAE, CLP
As a member of the Board of Directors, I was thrilled that the Learning Management System (LMS) was released. I knew how much work had been put into it and I was confident that it would be a great learning platform for many individuals. As an individual, I was more neutral about the LMS. Unlike many people, I rarely go onto YouTube for instructions. I learn much better when I read the material than when I watch something. I completed my CPCU, AAI, ASLI and the INS programs all self-study. I figured that the LMS would be great for others but not for me.
I decided that I would try out one class so I would be able to answer questions if members asked me. How bad could it be? Well, I am here to tell you. I was wrong. LMS is also great for me! Within the first 30 minutes of working on a course, I realized that this format was something I really enjoyed.
The number one thing that I like about the LMS is how the topics are set up. Most recording sections are short and to the point. If I have a few minutes left on my lunch hour, I can pull out my phone or tablet and work on a few of the sections. The other night I had about 30 minutes before my line dancing class started. I sat at a table at the mall and did a module. Instead of wasting time scrolling mindlessly on my phone, I felt like I accomplished something with that time. When you have a busy schedule like mine, it is nice to take advantage of what time becomes available. Ten minutes here, 15 minutes there, it all adds up!
Another big benefit is the ability to rewatch the video. There were a few times that I wasn’t sure I had a complete understanding of the concept, and I was able to rewatch something and gain the clarity that I needed. In a live class, there have been times that I wasn’t able to ask for clarification because an instructor was onto the next topic. With the LMS, I was able to pause and rewatch and improve my understanding right then and there. In one instance, there was a term I didn’t understand. I paused and goggled the term and got a definition. I then restarted the video and proceeded to complete that section. Also, let’s be honest, there are times when you have the best intentions to work on a course, but life happens, and your mind starts wandering. With the LMS, you can hit stop, close your browser, and come back to the course when you have time.
For people like me who like to see things in writing, the LMS does provide downloadable exercises to work on as well as a few handouts like you would get in a typical in-person class.
If you have been on the fence about trying a LMS course, give it a shot. Whether you are home on the couch, in a lunchroom at work, or sitting in the food court, if you have the internet, you can work on a course. The LMS offers education anytime and anywhere you want it! Take advantage of this new opportunity that IAIP is offering to you!
Jonel Thames Leake, CPCU, AAI, ASLI, CPIW, DAE, CLP is the current Region I Vice President. She is currently working on her CLP-A designation.