This document addresses common questions you might have about the upcoming launch of DS Learning, our new Learning Management System. We're excited to bring you an improved learning experience!

General Information

What is an LMS? An LMS, or Learning Management System, is a software application or web-based technology used to plan, implement, and assess a specific learning process. It provides a centralized platform for delivering educational courses or training programs. Our previous LMS was called Cornerstone( Learning Hub), and our new LMS for Digital Science is called DS Learning. 

Why are we launching DS Learning? DS Learning is being launched to align with Holtzbrinck, but also it gives us a great opportunity to dedicate more focus on learning in the organisation. DS Learning offers a more intuitive user experience, enhanced features, and greater flexibility to support our learning and development initiatives. It will provide a more modern and engaging platform for accessing training, tracking progress, and collaborating with peers.

When will DS Learning be available? DS Learning is being launched today (3rd September). Today, all colleagues will have access to the new platform. 

Accessing DS Learning

How do I access the new LMS? You will be able to access DS Learning through JumpCloud. No password will be required to access the platform. 

Will I need to access Linkedin Learning separately? When you go into JumpCloud you will be able to go directly into Linkedin Learning. If you decide to launch a course from Linkedin Learning, you will be asked to put in your JumpCloud password again, and then you can access any course from the catalogue. 

Will there be a mobile app for the new LMS? Yes, you’ll be able to access DS Learning by downloading both the JumpCloud Protect mobile app and the 360Learning mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. First, connect the JumpCloud Protect app to your device by following the instructions in the JumpCloud user portal. Once that’s done, you’ll be able to sign in to the 360Learning app using SSO.

What will I have access to upon launch? The platform has been configured with five learner groups - All Employees, New Joiner, People Managers, Leaders, DS MDP and Accelerate Community. You will have access to the groups that you are in i.e. if you are a colleague and a people manager, you will have access to both the All Employee and People Manager groups.

Content and Courses

Will my existing learning history transfer to DS Learning? Yes, your Learning History over the past 5 years has been downloaded into DS Learning, and is available for you to view on the platform. The history will only reflect completed courses. 

Will all of the courses from the Cornerstone be available immediately? Yes, all of the courses that were in Cornerstone, will be available through DS Learning upon launch. 

How will I find courses in DS Learning? In DS Learning you will find a search facility and you can use this to state the name of the topic that you are interested in learning about, and this will then produce a list of (at this stage) all of the linked in learning courses that are available. You then select the course link that is of interest to you, and start your learning. 

Can I request new courses or training materials? Yes, this is really important. We will be doing this through our new network of Learning Champions. We will have a new Learning Champion appointed for each of our functions. As a first step we will be partnering with them to agree on the specific learning needs (technical and soft) for the function. These needs will be aligned with the new functional strategies that have been developed. 

Will there be any functional specific content available upon launch? No, we will be setting up functional groups on DS Learning, with content specific to the needs of each function, in partnership with the Learning Champions. Our intention will be to have all function specific groups launched on DS Learning by the end of 2026. 

Will Mandatory Training also be completed through DS Learning? Yes all mandatory training will be completed through DS Learning from the 3rd September onwards. If you are a new joiner you will access this through the New Joiner group. If you are an established colleague then this training will be assigned to you via the All Employee group. 

Do I need to do any training when the platform is first launched? Yes, all colleagues have been assigned the new Dignity At Work training in DS Learning. Please ensure that this is completed, as this will help you to see the quality of content that can be developed within the platform. 

Can I create my own courses on the platform? Yes you can create your own courses on the platform, but we will manage this step in a structured way to ensure that we get high quality content uploaded on the platform. As mentioned above content will be agreed with the Learning Champions, agreed SMEs and the Learning function to ensure that we give everyone the best learning experience.

Support and Training

Will training be provided on how to use the new LMS? Absolutely! We will be running drop-in sessions on the 4th and 5th September, just after the launch to make sure that you feel supported. 

Who do I contact if I have problems or questions about the new LMS? You will be able to raise a People Team Support ticket, and we will address these as swiftly as possible.

Future Enhancements

What new features can we expect from DS Learning? In the future within DS Learning you will be able to include your own specific learning needs which we can then focus on. For now this functionality will be managed through the Learning Needs Analysis that we will be running for every function. 

How will feedback be collected for future improvements? We will be gathering feedback through your Learning Champions on specific courses. However, we will also plan periodic pulse surveys via BOB to ensure that we capture ongoing feedback.

Can’t find what you are looking for? Contact us via People Team Support ticket.