A learning management system is a software package that enables the management and delivery of online and instructor-led training content to learners. Most LMSs are Web-based to facilitate anytime, anyplace and any pace access to learning content and administration.
Generally, an LMS will allow for learner registration, delivery of learning activities and learner assessment in an online environment. You can also get more comprehensive LMSs that will include tools like:
- competency management
- skills-gap analysis
- succession planning
- certifications
- resource allocation
Overall, an LMS is a high-level, strategic solution for planning, delivering, and managing all learning events within an organization, including online, virtual classroom and instructor-led courses. It is the perfect solution for replacing isolated and fragmented learning programs with a methodical means of assessing and raising competency and performance levels throughout the organization. read more
What is an LCMS
A LCMS is a system that creates, stores, assembles and delivers personalized e-learning content in the form of learning objects. Though an LMS manages and administers all forms of learning within an organization, an LCMS concentrates on online learning content, usually in the form of learning objects.
The LCMS gives instructors, course authors and designers the ability to create e-learning content more efficiently. The goal of a LCMS is to create just enough content, just in time, to meet the needs of individual students or groups of learners. For example, traditionally, an entire course would be developed and then adapted to multiple audiences. With a LCMS, instructional designers will create content chunks that are reusable. These are then made available to course developers throughout the organization. The LCMS eliminates duplicate development efforts and allows courses to be developed rather quickly. read more
The LCMS can also provide certification and tracking for individual learners, who need specific knowledge to certify for regulatory needs, professional licensure, or quality control. For instance, a hospital with a new piece of medical equipment can use an LCMS to ensure that all nurses and doctors are fully trained on the processes for the new medical equipment. Certification results could then be provided to necessary regulatory bodies. The following table shows the major differences.
