The Differences Between LMS and LCMS
With similar names and acronyms, the terms LMS and LCMS are often used interchangeably. However, they are two distinct systems with both similarities and differences. A LMS is a learning management system while a LCMS is a learning content management system. If you're considering investing in a learning system of some sort, it's important to understand the differences between the two.
What is a Learning Management System (LMS)?
Learning management systems are just that: systems for managing learning. With a LMS, you can plan, deploy, and track learning from a centralized platform. Typically Web-based, learning management systems allow you to manage and deliver training to individuals on a case-by-case basis. For example, if you have one employee that needs to learn Microsoft Excel and another who's preparing for the CCNA certification, you could send an Excel e-learning course to the first employee and a CCNA training course to the second one. As your trainees progress through their courses, you can easily view their progress and test scores. Meanwhile, your two trainees can participate in the training from their desks and learn at their own pace. With a well-designed LMS equipped with hundreds of courses, your entire workforce can receive training tailored to individual needs.
What is a Learning Content Management System (LCMS)?
In contrast, a learning content management system is more focused on managing content rather than individual trainees. Both types of systems deliver training to employees; however, learning content management systems rely less on individual courses provided by a content provider in favor of content creation by individual instructors and in-house content developers.
With a LCMS, you can take pre-existing content "modules" or "objects" and assemble new courses by mixing and matching objects. This allows you to repurpose existing learning content rather than having to develop a brand new course from scratch.
Which is best for your organization? That depends on your needs. For example, if your organization has a staff of course instructors and authors, offering them the opportunity to create and manage content via a LCMS could be effective. On the other hand, if you're not interested in creating and managing course content and would prefer to use pre-developed courses from a content provider, a LMS is an excellent choice.
About K Alliance:
K Alliance is a content provider that offers comprehensive network deployable courseware, corporate online training, and training material for just about any type of learning management system you may have. Whether you need instructor-led Microsoft Excel 2010 training or an in-depth exploration of complex IT topics, K Alliance has comprehensive training courses to match.
If you would like to receive permission to use our articles on your website, you may contact us at permission@kalliance.com.
