Learning Management System (Definition and List of Vendors)

Do you want to understand what a Learning management system (LMS) is? How can it be used to improve your skills? If yes, then this is the perfect blog post for you! 

This blog will discuss the definition of LMS, its uses in the education sector, and a list of 5 best learning management system software for educational organizations with features and pricing.

Learning management system definition

It is a software application that allows organizations to create, manage and deliver e-learning content for users. This technology allows businesses to provide online training courses and other educational materials to their staff members in an organized manner.

LMS is used to automate the online learning process. They have a wide range of features that make learning easier and more effective.

For example, they can track progress and completion levels, provide learning resources such as quizzes and games, create learning paths, assign tasks to learners, and much more.

The COVID pandemic has drastically altered how we learn, with Learning Management Systems playing a crucial role in keeping learners worldwide connected and engaged.

As a result, schools, universities, and companies worldwide have fully embraced this technology to ensure learning continues during these unprecedented times.

Uses of LMS in the education sector

• Learning management systems are used in education to help the process of teaching and learning.
• They provide a platform for content delivery, assessment, and communication between teachers, students, and administrators.
• The primary use of LMSs is to deliver course materials such as lectures, assignments, tests, and quizzes. That helps streamline the delivery of content to students by allowing teachers to easily organize course materials and make them available in one place.
• It also makes it easier for instructors to get feedback on student performance since they can use the system’s assessment tools.
• It facilitates collaboration among students and teachers. Instructors can create discussion forums where students can ask questions or discuss topics related to the class material.
• Students can also work on group projects using the system’s file-sharing capabilities.
• It offers a secure method of communication between instructors and students.
• It eliminates the need for traditional methods such as email, which may be insecure or inappropriate for certain conversations.
• It provides an effective way for educators to manage their courses while providing a comprehensive platform that allows students to access all course materials from anywhere with an internet connection.

Five best learning management systems for education.

1. Google Classroom

Google Classroom is a free online education platform developed by Google for schools. It allows educators to create and manage assignments, communicate with students, and provide feedback on student work. Google Classroom is tightly integrated with other services such as Gmail, Drive, and Docs.

Features

• It is an all-in-one learning platform that can manage multiple classes in one central location.

• Easy to use and easy to access in minutes.
• Collaborate remotely with your classmates in real-time. Experience the convenience of simultaneously working on the same document or connecting face-to-face through Google Meet.
• Teaching and learning can be done anywhere from any device.
• It is completely secured.

Likes

• Easy for setting and easily connecting the whole classroom.
• It became a lifesaver during the pandemic time.
• Google Classroom, with great functionality, makes learners use it more efficiently.
• It sends email notifications about day-to-day updates.
• Allows to use google Sheets, Docs, Google Forms, and google drive.

Dislikes 

• Students may create disturbances in the class by editing themselves.
• By accidentally any assignment is deleted, it will be a problem for all the students.
• Some users feel difficulty in searching for actual messages in the unread notifications.
• No parental control feature.
• Content management could be improved with a sub-section of notes and syllabus.

Other details

Deployment	Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based
Supported device	Mac, Windows, Android, iPad, iPhone
Support	FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Chat
Training	Live Online, Webinars, Documentation, Videos
Customer ratings	Capterra: 4.6 (2152+reviews), G2: 4.5(1229+reviews)

2. Canvas LMS

Canvas is an online k-12 (Kindergarten to 12) learning platform that enables educators to create and deliver courses online.

In addition, it provides educators with a range of tools to manage their students, including the ability to track student progress and assign homework. Canvas LMS also includes a social media feature that allows students to communicate with one another and collaborate on projects.

Features

• Everything is in one place.
• Canvas API easily links with any other app like Microsoft team, Adobe, G Suite, etc.
• Best features like rubrics, schedules, calendars, quizzes, and speed graders are available.
• Easy communication in the class and massaging video or audio notes.

Likes

• Canvas is a great way to see all materials and information in one place.
• It helps use it to communicate with other people, store documents, and take tests.
• Easy to use and makes learning fun.
• Different color codes and the graphic user interface are pretty good.

Dislikes 

• The electronic grade book is a little difficult to understand
• Difficult to current the mistakes of assignments

Other details

Deployment	Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based
Supported device	Mac, Windows, Android, iPad, iPhone
Supported languages	Arabic, Catalan, Welsh, Danish, German, Greek, English, Persian, Finnish, French, Haitian, Hebrew, Hungarian, Armenian, Icelandic, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Dutch, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Slovenian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, Ukrainian, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Maori
Support	Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support
Training	Videos
Customer ratings	Capterra: 4.5(3580+reviews), G2: 4.5(1270+reviews)

3. Blackboard Learn LMS

Blackboard is a learning management system software that provides educators with various tools to create and manage online courses. It can track student progress, upload files, and post announcements.

Blackboard is often used in higher education institutions, but it can also be helpful for K-12 schools, businesses, and training organizations. 

Features

• Freedom for educators to utilize the best practices
• High technology environment with different tools, data access, and integration
• Uses best student engagement strategy for a good learning experience
• Easy accessibility and anti-plagiarism tools for educators 
• Simple, efficient, and reliable
• High visibility, quick access, and keeping students on track
• Easy interaction anytime, anywhere

Likes

• It provides comfortable learning environments through online
• Lots of integration that is easily accessible and adaptable
• It helps to merge the class with multiple users
• Easy integration with ZOOM
• Some users feel that it is not suitable for higher education
• Safe Assign is a great feature that checks the student’s assignments for plagiarism

Dislikes

• Locating the content is frustrating
• Lack of clarity in the task Some need to create users only
• Lack of compatible add-ons
• Easy visualization of tasks, homework, and projects by combining calendar
• Users expect more integration and improvements in mobile apps

4. UQualio LMS

UQualio is the ultimate tool for expanding learning opportunities. This cloud-based application gives users around-the-clock access to create effective video eLearning courses on any device, all backed by Scandinavian principles and EU GDPR – meaning your data remains secure! It’s time to unlock easy learning anytime, anywhere.

Features

• Course Builder
• Course management
• Reporting and communication
• Customize the platform
• Quizzes and tests
• Gamification and certificates
• Security and reliability
• Supporting material ad advanced setting 
• Video creation on mobile

Likes

• Easy to learn and intuitive
• Easy to track the courses progress
• The concept of creating video learning and using it is very different
• Userfriendly and great functionality

Dislikes

• Not many customizable options
• No SCORM compliance
• No video conferencing and virtual classroom

Other details

Deployment	Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based
Support	Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Chat
Training	Live Online, Webinars, Documentation, Videos

5. Claned

With Claned, you can give learners the education they need with ease and speed. This revolutionary digital learning platform creates custom courses to fit any purpose – corporate training or university classes. And its automated learning capabilities, your materials will have a maximum impact on participants.

Features

• Interactive materials and contextual commenting
• Social learning
• White labeling
• Track learning in real-time
• Learning analytics

Likes

• The modern interface is easy to use
• Responsive staff and useful training session
• Features help produce quality content. 

Dislikes

• No integrated conference tool
• No grading of student collaboration

Other details

Deployment	Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based
Supported languages	Arabic, German, English, Finnish, French, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Mongolian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, Vietnamese, Chinese (Simplified)
Support	Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base
Training	Live Online, Documentation
Customer ratings	Capterra: 4.5 (11+ reviews), G2: 4.9(17+reviews)

Conclusion

In the era of digitalization, learning management system software has taken an important role in online teaching and training. It helps to manage, administer, deliver and monitor all aspects of learning. 

This blog post provided complete information regarding LMS with its importance. The listicles of LMS will help you to select a good one for your need.

Reference

• Guides of Canvas
• Learn quick start guide of Blackboard Learn LMS.
• Case studies of Claned