Loving your LMS? or Losing Connection?

The holidays are in full swing. For some of our partners in the southern hemisphere, Term 4 has just begun and the wish in in your sails, the end of the school year is not far away! While in the north, the fall season is arriving and you are entering into a season full of amazing colours and celebrations. Wherever you are, this season reminds us of change — a shift in weather, rhythm, and often perspective. My wish for you is that this season brings growth, positivity, and health as you navigate your changes.

This month, I want to highlight something central to the work I do with organisations and institutions: building effective and engaging resources within Learning Management Systems (LMS).

Over the past few months, I’ve worked alongside colleges and training providers — some bilingual, building programs in English and French, or English, Spanish, and Portuguese. One thing has become very clear: technology is improving, but it will never replace the role of educators in creating meaningful learning experiences.

Here are three key takeaways I want to share:

1. An LMS doesn’t engage students — Educators do.

Your LMS is a tool to deliver and collect information, but it won’t make students feel connected. Connection comes from thoughtful design, active educators, and meaningful interaction. Without this, even the best system becomes a static library of resources. Train your educators in how to engage in this space, it takes time to learn, but the rewards are well worth it.

2. Don’t let your LMS become a glorified Google Drive.

If your platform is simply a place to upload videos, PowerPoints, or PDFs, students might as well just get a folder link. Every resource placed in your LMS should have a clear purpose — a question, reflection, or activity that requires students to engage with it. Otherwise, it’s wasted space. Golden rule - no resource should be placed in the LMS without a clear purpose for the student to engage with it.

3. Rethink assessment.

Too often, assessments are simplified for automation — multiple-choice quizzes or tick-the-box tasks that remove the educator from the process. While this might reduce marking workload, it strips away the value of feedback, wisdom, and connection. Instead, blend knowledge, skills, and attitude into your assessment tasks. Provide multiple ways for students to respond. Create opportunities for educators to engage personally in the learning journey. This is what transforms education from information delivery into life-changing growth.

I’m reminded of my daughter’s recent university graduation. She completed 4 years and 24 subjects, but the professor who left the biggest impact on her life only taught two of them. Why did he have the biggest impact? Because he engaged — he gave feedback, challenged her, and connected with her journey. That’s what students remember.

So, is this blog about LMS, or about connection? Perhaps both. We’ve built powerful tools meant to increase connection in education, but if we’re not careful, they can do the opposite. My encouragement for you is this: use your LMS to create connection, not just convenience.

At EDU Engage, this is what I do — partner with organisations to develop tools and strategies that build engagement, improve assessment, and empower educators. We mentor educators to become more engaging. Because the truth is simple: we need more passioniate people who want to equip and mentor the this next generation.