Learning Management Systems (LMS)

A learning management system (commonly abbreviated as LMS) is a software application for the administration, documentation, tracking, and reporting of training programs, classroom and online events, e-learning programs, and training content. As described in (Ellis 2009) a robust LMS should be able to do the following:

• 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.

LMS's offer a single platform that delivers content, manages assessment, provides communication forums and virtual collaboration spaces for students.

Open source LMS's are much cheaper and more flexible with a vast amount of plug-ins for a range of functions, but sometimes they do not come with good documentation, or any backup support.

Here is a list of some LMS applications other than Moodle (which we use at CQUniversity):

• Lotus Learning Space (IBM LOTUS)


• SABA Learning (SABA)


• PathLore LMS (PathLore)


• Blackboard Learning System 6 (Blackboard)

image retrieved from www.flickr.com/search/moodle