A learning management system, often referred to as LMS, is software used for storing, deploying, tracking, and measuring learning content. Content can be in the form of eLearning modules, videos, documents, and even extended reality activities.
An organization’s LMS can be accessed either through an internal intranet connection or by logging into a website. Users typically have their own portals to access assigned training materials and keep track of progress and important metrics. Most LMSs have admin capabilities to track key metrics and generate reports.
The landscape of LMS providers is vast and can vary from simple to complex functionalities.
Ready to learn more about learning management systems? Let’s dive into the capabilities of a typical learning management system. We will also review popular learning management systems on the market.
Learning Management System Capabilities
The landscape of LMS providers is vast; there are many LMSs to choose from to fit your organization’s needs. Depending on your organization’s needs, you can adopt a simple LMS for employees to access materials in one location or invest in a complex system with authoring tools, learning paths, and integrations.
Read More: 8 LMS Features That Improve ROI And Reduce Risks
Here are just a few popular features for current LMS platforms:
- Offline learning trackers – giving learners the ability to work through content when they are not connected to the internet
- Automated alerts and notifications – sending alerts and notifications to the user’s desktop or email to keep them updated and on track
- Remote or mobile-workforce ready – giving learners the ability to work through content on their phone or tablet
- Authoring capabilities – allowing training professionals to design and create learning content within the LMS
- Branding – customize the look and feel of the LMS to match your organization’s brand colors and logos
- Surveys – integrated surveys to collect feedback throughout the training programs
- Social learning – the ability to share accomplishments, badges, or certificates with peers through the LMS or social media (LinkedIn)
- Gamification – the ability to integrate games, quizzes, badges, or leaderboards
- Customized reporting – giving admins the ability to organize their reporting dashboards and print-outs
Read More: Top 29 Learning Management System Features
Popular Learning Management Systems
Adobe Captivate Prime
Location: San Jose, California
Year Founded: 1982
Integrations:
- Adobe Connect
- API
- Okta
- Outlook Calendar
- Salesforce CRM
- Slack
- Zoom
Supported Specifications:
- AICC
- SCORM 1.1
- SCORM 1.2
- SCORM 2004
- SCORM 2004 3rd Edition
- SCORM 2004 4th Edition
TalentLMS
Location: San Francisco, California
Year Founded: 2012
Integrations:
- API
- BambooHR
- BigBlueButton
- G Suite
- Google Calendar
- GoToMeeting
- GoToTraining
- GoToWebinar
- Mailchimp
- Okta
- OneLogin
- Outlook Calendar
- Paypal
- Salesforce CRM
- Shopify
- Slack
- Stripe
- WebEx
- WooCommerce
- WordPress
- Zapier
- Zendesk
- Zoom
- Zopim
Supported Specifications:
- SCORM 1.2
- Section 508
- xAPI/Tin Can API
Docebo
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Year Founded: 2005
Integrations:
- Adobe Connect
- API
- BambooHR
- G Suite
- Gmail
- Google Analytics
- Google Calendar
- GoToMeeting
- GoToTraining
- GoToWebinar
- Okta
- Paypal
- Salesforce
- CRM
- Shopify
- Slack
- Stripe
- WebEx
- WooCommerce
- WordPress
- Zapier
- Zendesk
- Zoom
Supported Specifications:
- AICC
- SCORM 1.2
- SCORM 2004
- xAPI/Tin Can API
360Learning
Location: New York, New York
Year Founded: 2013
Integrations:
- ADP
- GoToMeeting
- Office 365
- Oracle Sales Cloud CRM
- Salesforce CRM
- SAP CRM
Supported Specifications:
- SCORM 1.1
- SCORM 1.2
- SCORM 2004
- SCORM 2004 3rd Edition
- SCORM 2004 4th Edition
SAP Litmos
Location: Dublin, California
Year Founded: 2007
Integrations:
- Drupal
- Google Calendar
- GoToMeeting
- Mailchimp
- Okta
- OneLogin
- Salesforce CRM
- Shopify
- WebEx
- WordPress
- Zendesk
- Zoom
Supported Specifications:
- AICC
- SCORM 1.2
- SCORM 2004
- SCORM 2004 3rd Edition
- SCORM 2004 4th Edition
- Section 508
- xAPI/Tin Can API
iSpring Learn
Location: Alexandria, Virginia
Year Founded: 2001
Integrations:
- API
- Outlook Calendar
- Zoom
Supported Specifications:
- SCORM 1.2
- SCORM 2004
- SCORM 2004 3rd Edition
- SCORM 2004 4th Edition
Absorb LMS
Location: Calgary, CA
Year Founded: 2002
Integrations:
- ADP
- API
- BambooHR
- Google Analytics
- Namely
- Okta
- OneLogin
- Salesforce CRM
- Zoom
Supported Specifications:
- AICC
- SCORM 1.1
- SCORM 1.2
- SCORM 2004
- SCORM 2004 3rd Edition
- SCORM 2004 4th Edition
xAPI/Tin Can API
