A learning management system (LMS) is a software application or web-based technology that is used to deliver, track, and manage learning processes. An LMS allows instructors to create and deliver content, monitor student participation, and assess student performance. It also provides interactive features like discussions and video conferencing for students. Key aspects of an LMS include its capabilities for media, creating an interactive experience, administration of student and course data, communication tools, and authoring tools for instructors to create assessments.

1. An Overview of Learning
Management Systems
By
Melissa Winfield-Corbett

2. What is a Learning Management
System?
• A learning management system,
also referred to as LMS, is a
software application or Web-
based technology used to plan,
implement, and assess a specific
learning process. Typically, a
learning management system
provides a teacher with a way to
create and deliver content,
monitor student participation,
and assess student performance.
A learning management system
may also provide students with
the ability to use interactive
features such as threaded
discussions, video conferencing,
and discussion forums.

3. Characteristics of LMS
• There are many
components to consider
when selecting an LMS
program that will work
best for the instructional
needs of the instructor
and students. The
following are some basic
aspects to consider when
selecting and LMS
program.

4. Media Capabilities
• Another essential feature
to any LMS program is its
ability to support various
multimedia file formats
such as Flash, Shockwave,
mp3, and Rich Text. This
will also help to engage
learners by enabling
different components to
be part of the curriculum.

5. Create an Interactive E-Learning
Experience
• Student engagement is
essential in a LMS. Effective
student engagement can be
achieved by making the
courses more interactive.
Features such as embedded
videos, clicking on a text to
obtain extra information or
selecting answers from a
pull down list engage the
students and enhance the
learning process.

6. Administrative Capabilities
• A good LMS has to
manage information
pertaining to students,
courses and instructors. It
should have provisions for
controlling access
privileges. Not all users
should be able to access
all the features. An
effective LMS must also
enable the instructors to
check the progress of the
students.

7. Effective Communication
• Instructors using LMS
should be able to
communicate with other
users within the system
readily. Most LMS programs
offer messaging and
notification systems.
Communication facilities
such as chat rooms, e-mail,
blogs and forums, all help
users create a virtual
learning community where
learners can connect with
each other and enrich their
learning experience.

8. Authoring Tools
• An effective LMS has to
enable the instructors to
develop courses easily.
The tools should have
provisions for adding
pictures, videos and
navigation buttons. The
tools should also enable
the instructors to create
different kinds of
evaluation tests to assess
the student’s learning.

9. Citations
1. "Learning Management System (LMS)." What Is ? N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Aug.
2013.
2. "Learning Management Systems (LMS)." EXIR Knowledge Solutions. N.p., n.d.
Web. 30 Aug. 2013.
3."Triumph India Blog." Triumph India Blog. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Aug. 2013.
4. "Online Communication for NGO-s and Non-Profit Organisations." Crosslang. N.p.,
n.d. Web. 30 Aug. 2013.
5. "My Stylo: Effective Online Communication Tips." My Stylo: Effective Online
Communication Tips. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Aug. 2013.