LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

One of the most recent innovations in distance education has been the implementation of course management or learning management systems that allow educators to develop and deliver instruction and learning opportunities in an organized and collaborative manner. These systems can incorporate a wide variety of materials, including text and multimedia resources such as learning objects obtained from various learning repositories. They can offer a variety of assignments that students can complete at a time that is convenient to them working alone or with other students. Learners can collaborate on projects and mentor each other. Instructors can provide timely and constructive feedback. Through the use of course management systems, educators are able to deliver the same quality learning experiences to students who are on campus and students who are many kilometers away.


A Learning Management System (commonly abbreviated as LMS) is a software application for the administration, documentation, tracking, and reporting of learning activities and events. Most LMSs are web-based which facilitate “anytime, anywhere, any pace” access to learning content and administration. Some LMSs can also help us to deliver and manage instructor-led synchronous and asynchronous online teaching. In essence, an LMS is a strategic solution for planning, delivering, and managing most learning events, including online, virtual classroom, and instructor-led courses. The LMSs are also called Content Management Systems. However, according to Chapman and Hall (2001), they are designed for a much broader purpose and are used to create information portals for organizations and can serve as the foundation for the practice of knowledge management. Generally LMS should be able to do the following (ASTD, 2009):

  • centralize and automate administration 
  • use self-service and self-guided services 
  • assemble and deliver learning content rapidly 
  • consolidate training initiatives on a scalable web-based platform 
  • support portability and standards 
  • personalize content and enable knowledge reuse.

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