{"id":26768,"date":"2023-05-11T12:07:20","date_gmt":"2023-05-11T12:07:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sitenerdy.com\/?p=26768"},"modified":"2023-10-06T08:49:37","modified_gmt":"2023-10-06T08:49:37","slug":"what-is-an-lms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sitenerdy.com\/what-is-an-lms\/","title":{"rendered":"What is an LMS? (Meaning + How is it Used?)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Do you want to know what an LMS is<\/strong>? Or are you looking for ways to build your eLearning platform? If yes, then stay right here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In today\u2019s time, about 83% of businesses<\/a> have been using LMS solutions. This means that the demand for LMS solutions has risen significantly in the past two years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Basically, a Learning Management System (LMS) is used to build an e-learning platform. It allows you to build all sorts of online learning platforms, from training programs to academic teaching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But if you\u2019re still wondering what LMS really does and how it works, then we\u2019ve come up with this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this article, we\u2019ll explain what LMS means and how it works in real time. Further, we\u2019ve also included how you can build your first LMS site in just a few steps. So, let\u2019s dig in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n LMS stands for Learning Management System. It\u2019s a software application that allows you to build, manage, and deliver educational courses, training programs, or materials online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Educators and trainers can use it to create and manage digital content, track learner progress, and administer assessments. Besides that, it allows them to smoothly communicate with their learners through discussion forums, emails, and video calls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Similarly, learners can access their desired learning materials from anywhere, at any time. In fact, they can also interact with their instructors, receive feedback on their progress, and evaluate their performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In recent times, LMS has become a popular medium in different industries to train and teach their employees, students, and customers. Generally, LMS is applied at educational institutions, corporate training, sales enablement, and online courses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, in the educational field, LMS allows instructors to create and deliver courses, manage assignments, and communicate with their students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Likewise, in corporate businesses, LMS is used for employee training, compliance courses, CRM training, and performance management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An LMS provides a SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) platform for building and managing learning and training courses. Hence, delivering education and training programs online makes it easier and more efficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In simple terms, an LMS is used for building all kinds of learning activities. It acts as a centralized learning hub that includes learning activities based on your business model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some of the most common use cases for an LMS platform:<\/p>\n\n\n\n An LMS platform can be used by all kinds of businesses of all sizes. Whether it’s small or large government agencies or educational institutions, anyone can use it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hence, depending on the size and scope of the business, LMS can be pretty broad. In today\u2019s world, online education and training are more suitable and effective than traditional classroom experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Having said that, here are some of the industries that are heavily using online learning management systems \u2013<\/p>\n\n\n\n No doubt, LMS is one such great piece of software that allows you to build an excellent virtual classroom experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to your requirements, you can use it to build any learning environment you want. However, before you start building your training program, you should know how it works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s how LMS works in general:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The very first step toward building your LMS platform is to create and add courses to your LMS. Content creation is a major key functionality for any LMS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In order to create your course material, you can create it from scratch with the help of LMS tools and plugins. Or else, you can add or import existing course material to your LMS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve created your courses, it’s time to organize your eLearning courses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n LMS comes with a feature that allows you to store and organize your e-learning courses. Whether you create a single course or multiple courses, you can easily organize them according to your convenience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In fact, it can organize your courses depending on the needs and structure of your organization. This feature makes it easier to deliver the right training to your teams. Plus, your learners can also access the learning materials anytime they need them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that you’ve created and organized your courses, it\u2019s time to deliver your courses to your learners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending upon the structure of your business, it\u2019ll deliver the courses to respective learners. For instance, if it’s premium content, then it\u2019ll only be accessed once you\u2019ve purchased that course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meanwhile, a member-only course will be accessible to those who are members of that particular group. Like, any particular company-based training program will only be accessible to employee training inside your company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not just that, if you want, then you can also offer entirely free courses. Such as any NGO or community service can offer any training programs for free for children and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once the courses have been delivered to respective learners, you can begin tracking your learner\u2019s progress too. Indeed, LMS allows you to see how well your learners are doing with their training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, most LMS will automatically generate a comprehensive report that gives you valuable insights into how effective your training is. And based on that collected data, you can find the areas where you can improve and provide a greater experience to your users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that you know how LMS works, time to take a look at the LMS types. Just like most other software, there isn’t just one type of LMS. In fact, you\u2019ll be quite overwhelmed to find out that there are a sheer number of choices that exist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whereas all platforms are built with different purposes to serve. Indeed, you\u2019ll find that an LMS platform is only suitable for achieving a particular goal or industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, an LMS used by a school\/college is a quite different software from one used by an IT or corporate business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Having said that, let\u2019s break down and compare the different LMS types. And find out what\u2019d be the best fit for your business model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Installed LMS is a locally hosted LMS type that is installed on your premises and your server. It gives you complete power to customize every aspect of your software and store your database locally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019d recommend it only if you prioritize security above all else and have the in-house resources to manage the technology. As it comes with a cost. You\u2019ll be in charge of setting up, maintaining, and upgrading the system to run smoothly as your program scales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even more, you\u2019ll have to face and fix any unforeseeable downtime issues on your own. With that, it occupies a lot of server space and costs much more to maintain, making it a very expensive LMS option. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As the name suggests, it\u2019s a popular type of LMS that is hosted over the cloud network. It\u2019s also known as web-based LMS or Software as a Service (SaaS) LMS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best part is that it\u2019s easily accessible through any browser, so there\u2019s no need for a high installation fee. Such a type of LMS provides you with a relatively simple online, plug-and-play platform to create your e-learning solution. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, most web-based LMS solutions come with a subscription plan that requires a monthly fee. Don\u2019t worry, they still remain a more affordable option than other options on the list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The beauty of an open-source platform is that it’s license-free and flexible. Hence, it means that anyone with technical knowledge can use it to build and customize their LMS from scratch. Also, you can completely modify the entire system to match your business-specific needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Over the period of time, it has started gaining quite a popularity. As it\u2019s usually made freely available to the public and completely customizable. Hence, no expensive fee, and no one will make you pay extra for any add-ons and features. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the only downside is that it comes with lots of additional work. Plus, you\u2019re on your own for upgrading or fixing any bug issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t mix custom-built LMS with open-source LMS, as both of them are quite different. Unlike an open-source LMS, it gives you complete control over every element, including design, hosting, security, and more. Besides that, you can easily scale or build additional functionalities as you grow further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, it\u2019s great for those who are looking for the perfect LMS that will fulfill your unique e-learning requirements. Indeed, it saves you from the hassle of easily creating and delivering content on topics you want to train.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But here\u2019s the catch: it costs lots of time, money, and resources to build or maintain custom-built LMS. Hence, we recommend it if you\u2019ve got a good budget and specific requirements for your LMS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In recent times, everything has started moving to the palm of your hand, thanks to mobile devices. Hence, mobile LMS has started slowly gaining attention in the learning field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With this, it allows your learners to access their learning materials on any device \u2013 smartphones, tablets, and desktops. In fact, both instructors and trainers can use it to create and deliver training anytime, anywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, it eliminates the need to lug around with their big laptops. Instead, your learners can learn on the go based on their chosen pace and schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lastly, your learners can enjoy and engage in their learning journey with full control over how, where, and when they learn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Every LMS platform comes with a unique selection of special features. Here are some of the most important features to look out for in LMS \u2013<\/p>\n\n\n\n Everybody loves getting appreciated and praised for the goal they\u2019ve achieved and completed. In a similar manner, when you complete some course training, you\u2019ll receive completion certificates. This not only motivates you but also pushes you further to work even harder.<\/p>\n\n\n\nA.<\/span> What is a Learning Management System (LMS)?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nB.<\/span> What is LMS Used For?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n\n\n\nC.<\/span> Who Uses an LMS System?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n\n\n\nD.<\/span> How Does LMS Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
I. Create Online Courses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
II. Organize Your Courses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
III. Deliver and Track Your Learners\u2019 Progress<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
IV. Generate Comprehensive Reports<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nE.<\/span> Types of LMS and Popular Examples<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Installed LMS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n2. Cloud-based LMS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
List of Examples<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
S.N.<\/strong><\/td> Cloud-based LMS Examples<\/strong><\/td> Description<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> 01<\/td> TalentLMS<\/a><\/td> Perfect for companies who want to provide continuing education for their employees in order to reinforce their career growth.<\/td><\/tr> 02<\/td> Google Classroom<\/a><\/td> Powered by Google for educational institutions that aim to simplify creating, distributing, and grading assignments. <\/td><\/tr> 03<\/td> 360Learning<\/a><\/td> Comes with course optimization, real-time tracking, and A\/B split testing that makes it possible for trainers to sell and administer their online courses.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n3. Open-source LMS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
List of Examples<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
S.N.<\/strong><\/td> Open-source LMS Examples<\/strong><\/td> Description<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> 01<\/td> Moodle<\/a><\/td> Comes with a feature-rich option that allows anyone to download the entire software for free and customize how it works.<\/td><\/tr> 02<\/td> Open edX<\/a><\/td> Offers instructor-led courses, degree programs, and self-paced learning courses.<\/td><\/tr> 03<\/td> Canvas LMS<\/a><\/td> A popular open-source LMS suitable for a range of applications, be it school education programs or university degrees.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n4. Custom-built LMS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n5. Mobile LMS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
List of Examples<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
S.N.<\/strong><\/td> Mobile LMS Examples<\/strong><\/td> Description<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> 01<\/td> Duolingo<\/a><\/td> Most downloaded educational app for learning over 40+ languages.<\/td><\/tr> 02<\/td> SoloLearn<\/a><\/td> Best app for learning programming and coding in a variety of different languages.<\/td><\/tr> 03<\/td> Quizlet<\/a><\/td> Offers interactive study sets on a massive variety of subjects with a wide range of types of content \u2013 flashcards, videos, pop quizzes, etc.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nF.<\/span> LMS Features<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
i. Badges and Certificates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n