Understand Key Differences Between LMS and E-learning Platforms

The covid-19 pandemic has brought a boost to the growing demand for LMS and eLearning sites. Although lots of are presently utilizing them, there is a lower level of people who perceive that despite being in a similar field, for example, education. Particularly, LMS and eLearning solutions are both sides of a single aspect. ?

Mostly, people are trying to end up selecting the wrong education solution for the companies and not to meet users' expectation, along with massive spending. In some cases, LMS or eLearning platforms can be the same. To define the right eLearning platforms for users, it is essential to research well and obtain knowledge from experts. Also, to help users to avoid inconvenience and choose the right product, the article will discuss key differences between LMS and eLearning sites. ?

I. Key definitions: LMS vs eLearning Platforms ?

The eLearning system will be an online learning section displayed on the website, on video streaming platforms or the LMS. However, LMS solutions require features such as course creating, learning tracking process of students, reports and content-based delivery. All features help separate LMS from the eLearning platform. ?

Besides, LMS systems can be designed to endorse a particular group of users within companies. However, users can access the eLearning sites when they have connected with the Internet. Thus, LMS could be online learning platforms, however, not all online learning systems are always LMS. This article will show the main features that are in line with the differences between LMS and online learning sites. ?

II. Fundamental Features of LMS vs Online Learning Platforms ?

Explore the main differences between LMS system and eLearning platforms. Both share some common, here are several differences. ?

1. Basis focus ?

LMS: Content creation and delivery?

eLearning platforms: Student and course management?

2. Target audiences?

LMS: Suitable for instructors, coaches or business-oriented providing online courses. ?

eLearning platforms: Helps enterprise manage learning courses for employees, business partners, students. ?

3. Features?

LMS: Fundamentally provides content hosting, delivery as well as engagement (eg. Quizzes, discussions and gamifications). ?

eLearning platforms: Provides comprehensive collections of content management, assessment, tools, reports and analytics. ?

4. Customization ?

LMS: Emphasizing on branding and fundamental course settings. ?

eLearning platforms: Customizations such as branding, themes, learning paths, etc. ?

5. Support ?

LMS: Can be varied from platform to platform. ?

eLearning platforms: Comprise of dedicated teams to aid technical issues, user-oriented and administration. ?

6. Social integration ?

LMS: Limited integration abilities. ?

eLearning platforms: Integration capabilities with mobile apps such as CRM, eCommerce and payment gateways, and more. ?

III. LMS vs eLearning Platforms: Which Sites Should We Select? ?

Normally, online learning platforms are selected over LMS system since they are easy to utilize and have eye-catching interface with drag-and-drop features. Also, they enable users to blend and match different content types, graphics and videos. However, LMS solutions will come with built-in features that online learning platforms lack. For example, LMSs can aid you to track students' learning progress and assign suitable certifications to them. If you are looking for an appropriate learning platform, then online learning sites can be more than enough. ?

IV. Popular use for LMS across sectors ?

Often, LMS solutions can serve diverse purposes in many fields. This article will show some main cases for LMS learning. ?

1. Customer training ?

The LMS solution endorses companies to be on-boarding with suitable customers so they can use their learning products as soon as possible and achieve values. This might consist of live or virtual instructing-led training, learning paths and role-oriented courses. ?

2. Employee training and career path development ?

Companies often utilize LMS platforms to onboard new workers and offer compliance training, skill-related training sections to enhance professional development. ?

3. Partner training ?

The partner training includes education and empower external partner-oriented, for example, resellers, distributors, suppliers and affiliates. ?

4. Distance learning ?

In the market, LMS solutions are widely utilized by educational institutions and obtain higher education solutions to provide online courses and endorse distance learning. These solutions offer a virtual classroom environment in which students have accessed diverse learning materials, submitted assignments and delivered assessments remotely.?

Final Thoughts ?

Online learning platforms and LMS systems both act as valuable tools for obtaining knowledge, yet they can serve distinctive purposes and provide different features. Also, these features can overlap, which generate the whole entity along. You could utilize an LMS for some things such as managing students' learning process and controlling their professional performances, but online learning platforms are much more to leverage. Besides, you can select between both sites based on the requirements and must-have features. Adamo Software is a leading software development company in Vietnam, we help you build custom education apps and web-based applications in education, contact us for further IT consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions: LMS vs Online Learning Platforms ?

1. Can LMS be an online learning platform? ?

LMS is an online learning site. It allows you to create, monitor and deliver education-based content through Internet connection and provides features compared to primary eLearning tools. ?

Besides, an LMS will track the learning process and results of learners, handle assessment criteria and offer specific reports. It is utilized in organic courses, share learning materials and interact with others. ?

2. Which criteria should schools consider when choosing online learning platforms vs LMS solutions? ?

As choosing between eLearning sites and LMS, consider the following aspects: ?

- Learning goals and content types?

- Numbers of students that you are about to manage. ?

- How to track and report learning performances. ?

- Budget and technical resources. ?

3. How do LMS solutions integrate with other edtech solutions? ?

LMS solutions typically work with other education-based technology tools through some aspects: ?

- API connections ?

- Learning tools interoperability (LTI) standards. ?

- Single sign-on systems. ?