What IS a Learning Management System?
A
Learning Management System (or LMS) is a software package, usually
on a large scale (that scale is decreasing rapidly), that enables
the management and delivery of learning content and resources to
students. Most LMS systems are web-based to facilitate "anytime,
anywhere" access to learning content and administration.
At a
minimum, the LMS usually allows for student registration, the
delivery and tracking of e-learning courses and content, and
testing, and may also allow for the management of instructor-led
training classes. In the most comprehensive of LMSs, one may find
tools such as competency management, skills-gap analysis, succession
planning, certifications, virtual live classes, and resource
allocation (venues, rooms, textbooks, instructors, etc.). Most
systems allow for learner self-service, facilitating
self-enrollment, and access to courses.
Some
LMS vendors do not distinguish between LMS and LCMS, preferring to
refer to both under the term "LMS", but there is a difference. The
LCMS, which stands for "Learning Content Management System",
facilitates organization of content from authoring tools, and
presentation of this content to students via the LMS.
LMSs
are based on a variety of development platforms, from Java EE based
architectures to Microsoft .NET, and usually employ the use of a
robust database back-end. While most systems are commercially
developed, free and open-source models do exist. Other than the most
simplistic, basic functionality, all LMSs cater to, and focus on
different educational, administrative, and deployment requirements.