What is LMS (Learning management system) ?

New words and phrases enter into usage on an almost daily basis. One of the newer ones related to homeschooled students is “LMS.” LMS stands for Learning Management System. It is software commonly used for training and education by a variety of people. LMS has been in use for a little while now, but often under different names. Its purpose is to handle nearly all things involved in the process for learning. There are a lot of different types and functionalities of LMS. It is important to choose the right kind of LMS program for your individual needs.

The name LMS wasn’t the original name for this kind of idea. The first idea set was known as CBI, which was computer based instruction. This generic term did not carry enough weight, or even describe the style of program well enough for its continued use. CBI eventually came to be known as ILS, or Integrated Learning System. This name carried a lot more meaning to it and was used much more often. It offered tracking, management, and personalization in a way that the CBI’s did not. The term LMS came to be under the PLATO K-12 system and was just a singular piece of software.

From there it grew into a more encompassing term, used to describe a much wider variety of programs meant for one’s learning requirements.

Another key part of the history of LMS was its issues with usability. For many years the only LMS program you could get was difficult and had a clunky user interface. Even the main name out there, Blackboard, knew that in order for LMS to succeed, their program would need a major renovation. Simple had become the name of the game. It was as though a revolution had started. Different sources started springing up with claims that their programs were less complicated to use and more efficient. Suddenly LMS programs had become hassle-free and were an integral part of E-learning.

LMS programs are used by all sorts of people and businesses. From homeschoolers to college professors to even include major corporations, LMS programs had found their way into the lives of many. Homeschoolers were able to utilize the program to help manage and keep track of their education. Colleges followed suit and spent time working on their online and hybrid classes. Business owners weren’t to be left out. They created training regimens for their employees to follow. It was all safe, it was all secure, and it was all simple.

Each program has different aspects, but many of them follow the same line of thinking. Almost all LMS programs are based online, mobile friendly, have a “cloud” feature, and is constantly changing. Two major points of interest are the configuration and the extent to which the software can be used. Only about half of the programs boast about being “highly configurable” to emphasize and individuals priorities through the use of widgets. This also relates to the usability. According to HMH, an LMS program company, some of their competitor’s programs actually hold teachers back just due to the features and configurations.

Some of the big name companies for LMS include ProProfs, Blackboard, Moodle, D2L, and Sakai.Each program offers invaluable tools to help teach students different subjects. Each program enables instructors to manage their training and evaluations, as well as organize their entire curriculum! LMS programs are especially great for online learner’s due to the cloud and mobility aspects. LMS, also known as Learning Management system, is the leader in software and programs created with the purpose of simplifying instruction and education by connecting all of the tools in one easily accessed spot.