Association Education Trends and Opportunities

Association Learning Management and Member Engagement

During a recent episode of The Member Engagement Show, experts from Blue Sky eLearn, Mark Jones and Liam O’Malley, delved into how learning management systems (LMS) can transform your association’s educational programs, community, and overall member engagement.

While we invite you to get the most out of the discussion by listening to the full episode, we’ve shared a few key insights below to help you optimized your educational offerings.

Learning Management Systems Matter More Than You Think

Did you know learning opportunities rank as the second most significant reason members join associations?

But that doesn’t mean that all learning opportunities are equally appealing. Today’s learners are looking for easy-to-follow structures, and the ability to track their progress and find the next step in their educational journey.

Using a learning management system (LMS) provides a structured way to deliver diverse educational resources, from live webinars to certification programs, ensuring continuous member engagement. Unlike isolated webinars, using an LMS allows you to offer connected education, improving course completion rates and fostering ongoing learning and deeper member involvement.

For associations, an LMS isn’t just a tool—it’s a driver for recruitment, member satisfaction and value, retention, and non-dues revenue (NDR). By integrating learning into your overall strategy, your association can address member needs while also helping secure financial sustainability.

Key Trends in Association Learning

1. Personalized Member Journeys
   Personalization is essential in modern association community management. LMS platforms can curate learning paths based on members’ career stages, interests, and professional goals. As Jones noted, today’s learners expect personalized, always-on education accessible from any device.
2. Data-Driven Decision Making
   Leveraging learning data allows associations to refine content offerings. By analyzing member engagement, associations can identify content gaps, predict needs, and deliver timely, relevant educational materials.
3. Micro-Learning and Stackable Credentials
   Bite-sized, digestible learning modules are gaining traction. Members value flexible, on-demand content that fits their busy schedules. Stackable credentials also provide tangible recognition of skills and competencies, which fosters long-term engagement.
4. Time-Saving AI Content Creation
   AI simplifies course development by generating descriptions, assessments, and marketing copy. This reduces administrative burdens and speeds up time-to-market for new educational offerings.

Maximize the Impact of Your Associations Educational Programs

1. Implement a Connected Learning Ecosystem
   Platforms like Higher Logic Thrive Learn integrate LMS functionalities with job boards, marketing tools, and online communities. Having this seamless connection between all that you offer improves the member experience by connecting learning with member-to-member connections and professional growth opportunities.
2. Think About How You Package and Monetize Learning Opportunities
   Associations can explore tiered pricing models, bundled content, and organization-specific training packages. High-value programs targeting niche audiences can generate significant revenue while delivering targeted education.
3. Address Different Member Needs and Career Stages
   From early-career professionals to retirees, associations must cater to a wide range of member needs. Offering tailored content ensures continued relevance and engagement across all career stages.
4. Streamline Workflows
   Ease of use is just as important for administrators as it is for learners. LMS tools that simplify data management, content updates, and reporting can save staff time, allowing them to focus on strategic initiatives.

Personalized, Organized Learning for the Win

As association membership and education departments look for ways to enhance the value of the association and engagement with their programs, adopting a robust LMS that works together with all your other systems can go a long way toward providing the kind of educational opportunities today’s members look for. By focusing on personalized learning, leveraging data, and integrating systems, associations can deliver unparalleled educational and personal development experiences that attract and retain members.

Taking a comprehensive and connected approach to your learning strategy enhances the member experience, strengthens the association’s position as a leader in your industry, creates internal efficiencies within the association, and generates revenue opportunities. Now that’s a strategy worth learning!