What is an LMS?

A Learning management system is software that deploys, manages, tracks and reports on interaction between learner & content and between learner & instructor. In particular, LMS performs student registration, tracks learner progress, records test scores, and indicates course completions and finally it allows trainers to assess the performance of their learners.

Main features of an LMS:

 

• Registration
  enroll and administer learners online for web-based, instructor-led, and all other learning activities.
  
  
• Scheduling
  schedule courses and define curricula to address individual and organizational learning needs. Also off-line resources can be included (classrooms, books, coaches etc.).
  
  
• Delivery
  deliver online courses, learning material and assessments or schedule instructor-led courses.
  
  
• Tracking
  track the progress of the learners and create reports.
  
  
• Communication
  communicate by chat, discussion forum, wiki, blogs, mail, screensharing and e-seminars.
  
  
• Testing
  test and assess competency, learning styles and student commitment.

Although the main functionalities will be part of every LMS, every system is developed from a different point of view and therefore the emphasize on functionalities and strong point and weak points will differ a lot!