What Is an LMS and Do You Actually Need One?
We like to keep things simple. The way we describe it to clients, is that a Learning Management System (LMS) is the house in which your content lives.
That’s it. Imagine a house with different rooms for your:
- Video content
- eLearning
- PDF files
- Quizzes
- Exams
- Etc., etc., etc.
If you’ve ever taken an online course or passed a module for compliance, then you were likely inside an LMS and didn’t know it. Many schools and colleges use them as well to house their content.
Do You Need an LMS?
Need is a strong word depending on your goal. LMSs make life easier, insofar that they house your content and you can refer people to just one place.
But, Do You Need One?
You could use Google Drive or Dropbox (or a similar platform) to have people download files, and that’s OK! Many companies simply have their IT departments set up folders and paths for their employees.
If you’re an entrepreneur and don’t have an LMS, your learners may have to go multiple places to get your content. If you’re trying to sell that content, then you’ll likely have to set up a separate eCommerce platform to get paid.
What’s the Difference Between an LMS and an Authoring Tool?
GREAT question! An authoring tool is simply where you create your content. For example, at Miranda Park Learning, we like to author eLearning in Adobe Captivate, written content in Adobe InDesign, and video in Adobe Premier Pro.
Then, when we surrender the content we authored to the client, the client will take it to their LMS professional or IT professional, and they’ll house the content we made.
What Types of LMSs Are There?
So many. There are platforms that people prefer according to their industry. Entrepreneurs, corporations, academia and government all have a preference for LMSs. Also, LMS companies cater to different industries.
How to Pick the Right LMS?
Really look for the platform that satisfies the requirements that you need. Do you want to provide education and monetize? You may be searching for an entrepreneurial platform. If you’re in education, government or corporate, you may refer back to your IT department as they may already have the LMS set up for you. You just need to author the content.
What About SCORM Compliant Content?
If you need to know what SCORM means, check out our previous blog on it. If you’re creating SCORM compliant content, then you want to ensure your LMS is able to house it.
Who Are We?
We are Miranda Park Learning, your instructional design services experts. When you need to consult an expert on which type of LMS is best for your company, contact us at mirandaparklearning.com or at 720-722-9998. We’ll help you make the right selection for your team.
Picture by: mentatdgt on Pexels.
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