Learning Technologies
What is an LMS?
Table of Contents
Introduction
A Learning Management System (LMS) is a software application that is used to manage, deliver, and track online learning content and courses. It provides a centralized platform for learners, instructors, and administrators to access and manage learning activities, including course materials, assessments, and communication tools.
There are several LMS options available in the market, the biggest being: Moodle, Totara, Blackboard, Canvas, and 360Learning.
Moodle
Moodle is an open-source LMS that is used by educators and organizations to create and deliver online courses.[1] It provides a wide range of features, including course management, grading, assessment tools, and communication tools. Moodle is highly customizable and can be modified to meet the specific needs of an organization or institution. It is used by over 250 million learners worldwide.
Totara
Totara LMS is a fully customizable talent experience platform designed to meet and exceed the unique needs of businesses of all sizes.[2] Compliance is a top concern for many industries, and Totara LMS allows you to tailor compliance training to specific roles, departments, or regions, guaranteeing that every employee receives the relevant training they need. Totara also include collaborative learning functionnalities to promote peer-to-peer learning. It is used by over 1500 businesses worldwide.
Anthology
Anthology (formerly Blackboard) is a commercial LMS that is used by universities, colleges, and K-12 schools to manage and deliver online courses.[3] It provides a range of features, including course content management, assessment tools, and communication tools. Blackboard also offers a mobile app that enables learners to access course materials and participate in discussions on-the-go.
Canvas
Canvas is a cloud-based LMS that is used by schools, universities, and businesses to manage and deliver online courses.[4] It provides a range of features, including course content management, assessment tools, and communication tools. Canvas also offers a mobile app that enables learners to access course materials and participate in discussions on-the-go. Canvas is known for its user-friendly interface and ease of use.
360Learning
360Learning is a collaborative learning platform that combines an LMS with social learning features.[5] It is used by businesses to create and deliver online courses and training programs. It provides a range of features, including course content management, assessment tools, and communication tools. 360Learning also allows learners to create and share their own content and engage in peer-to-peer learning. It is known for its user-friendly interface and intuitive design.
Conclusion
An LMS is a software application that is used to manage, deliver, and track online learning content and courses. Moodle, Totara, Anthology (Blackboard-, Canvas, and 360Learning are popular LMS options available in the market. Each LMS has its own set of features and benefits, and the choice of LMS will depend on the specific needs and requirements of an organization or institution.
References
[1] https://moodle.org
[2] https://www.totara.com/
[3] https://www.blackboard.com
[4] https://www.instructure.com/canvas
[5] https://360learning.com
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Licence
This work by Matthieu SONNATI is licensed under CC BY 4.0