Main functions of LMS
The role of a learning management system depends on your company or organization’s goals, e/online training strategy, and desired outcomes. The most common use of an LMS system is to deploy and track online training programs. We upload learning resources into the learning management system so that distance learners can easily access these learning resources. Some LMS systems even come with a built-in E-Learning Authoring Tool, allowing you to develop online training materials without the need for additional third-party software.
We can think of a learning management system as a huge repository where you can store and track information. Any user with a login and password can access these online training resources anytime, anywhere. For self-hosted learning management systems, users must install the learning management system on their computer or access the company server where the system is installed. LMS users generally fall into two broad categories: the first are online learners who use a learning management system to participate in online training courses; the second is your e-learning training team, who rely on the LMS system to distribute information and update online training content.
Who can benefit from an LMS?
The use of a learning management system is very beneficial for both educational institutions and corporate institutions alike. For example, companies are able to deploy online training resources to external sales channels, franchisees and even customers through a learning management system. Determining the goals of your organization and training before starting the LMS selection process is critical as different LMS providers cater to different groups of consumers, some focus on educational institutions, some focus on e-commerce, while others sell training functions online famous. For example, the ability to integrate CRM software.
Deployment of LMS
- Cloud-based (SaaS)
These LMS platforms are hosted on cloud servers. The LMS provider maintains the system and performs various technical upgrades or updates. Online learners and collaborators log into the Learning Management System with a username and password. There’s no software to install, making it a great option for organizations looking to get started as soon as possible. The downside is that some cloud-based learning management systems cannot be customized, and the nature of the enterprise and security requirements for data make it impossible to use this deployment method.
- Self-hosted
The LMS software is obtained through the LMS provider and installed on the organization’s own server. A self-hosted LMS platform enables better creative control and customization. The downside is that you usually have to pay for updates, and system maintenance and operation may require specialized IT technicians.
- Mobile Apps
Many LMS providers now provide different versions of applications, such as apps, mini programs, etc., that users can access through mobile devices anytime, anywhere. These apps also support uploading online training content so that online learners can track online training plans anytime, anywhere.
LMS customer type
- large corporations
Larger organizations can use these LMSs to keep track of hundreds or thousands of employees, and many multinational corporations deploy global online training programs through LMSs. In some cases, they may even have extended enterprise functionality, allowing you to keep your franchisees and distributors in the system.
- Small and Medium Enterprises (SMB)
Small and medium businesses (SMBs) can benefit from this type of learning management system as they can utilize fewer human resources to fulfill their training needs. For those SME users who use a SaaS-deployed LMS, the LMS can scale with your business to adapt to your changing training needs.
- Freelancers
The LMS platform is designed for e-learning freelancers who work with multiple clients and need to provide a variety of deliverables of e-learning courseware. These learning management systems may have built-in courseware authoring tools that allow you to produce courseware individually or in collaboration with remote e-learning teams.
LMS license type
- open source
Open Source Learning Management Systems are generally free and web-based. You can modify the source code to suit your needs. Additionally, many open source LMSs have active online communities, which means you can get tips and troubleshooting help in the community if you run into a problem. The downside is that you usually need some level of programming experience.
- Free License
There are many free LMSs, usually open source systems. If you don’t have any programming experience, the money you save on license or subscription fees may go to the IT staff. Also, you may need to go through a lot of learning to get the most out of a learning management system.
- Paid license
Paid learning management systems require a monthly or annual fee. Some even allow you to buy software outright. They usually offer more advanced support options and user-friendly features.