Learning Management Systems (LMS)

Learning management systems (LMS) are software applications for delivering, tracking and managing training. LMS range from simple systems that are designed for managing educational records to complex applications for distributing coursework over the Internet. Often, these Web-based LMS incorporate features such as online collaboration so that students who live in different geographic areas can work together on class projects. In the business world, corporate training departments often purchase learning management systems (LMS) to keep records of employee attendance at training events and workshops. Software applications that track both classroom and online courses are available.

Learning management systems (LMS) differ in terms of capabilities and features. Some educational software applications are designed to allow schools, colleges, and universities to define users, courses, instructors, and facilities. These applications generate standard reports, or allow a system administrator to produce customized reporting. Learning management systems (LMS) that provide a course calendar, learning path, and student messaging features are also available. In the case of elementary schools or high schools, student notification systems may be used to communicate testing information. These learning management systems (LMS) are designed to handle student pre-testing and post-posting, display scores and transcripts, and facilitate roster processing and wait-listing.

Selecting learning management systems (LMS) requires an analysis of available products and an understanding of implementation requirements. LMS products that support blogs, wikis, podcasts and other forms of social media are sometimes used instead of immersive learning simulations (ILS). With corporate training departments, however, the ability to support business process models (BPM) and talent management initiatives may be more important than social networking or Web 2.0 features. The cost to acquire, install and customize learning management systems (LMS) is important, and the requirements of the implementation process should not be overlooked. Businesses that deploy an LMS must consider factors such as cost, time, and number of personnel required.

Most learning management systems (LMS) are designed to run on personal computers (PC), thin clients, or hand-held devices. PC-based products usually run on versions of the Microsoft Windows operating system (OS) and differ in terms of system requirements such as processor speed, random access memory (RAM), and available disk space. Web-based learning management systems (LMS) use browsers such as Internet Explorer and provide remote access. Microsoft, Windows, and Internet Explorer are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

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