An LMS (learning management system) is a software platform for creating, delivering and managing courses online. It handles enrollment, content delivery, quizzes and assignments, grading, certificates and reporting on learner progress.
Why it matters
Schools, universities and companies use an LMS to give many learners consistent access to material and to keep records, such as who completed mandatory compliance training and when. Most LMS products are SaaS and integrate with other systems through SSO and APIs. Many support content packages in the SCORM format so courses can move between platforms.
Example
A typical flow in a company LMS:
- HR enrolls 200 new hires in "Security Basics".
- Each learner watches modules and takes a quiz; a score of 80% or more passes.
- The LMS records completion dates and sends reminders to people who are overdue.
- A manager exports a completion report for an audit.
Common mistakes
- Choosing a platform on feature lists without testing the learner and administrator experience.
- Uploading content that is not standards-compliant, then being unable to migrate it later.
- Treating the LMS as the strategy; poor course design still produces poor results.
Related
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