Learning Management Systems (LMS)
This page provides links to a number of resources that give guidance on choosing a LMS (Learning Management System).
Articles in date order, most recent first.
Submit a new Library item
| 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 |
"Learning management systems (LMS) and learning content management systems (LCMS) really have two very different functions. It's unfortunate that both have such similar names and a shared acronym, which only serves to confuse e-learning buyers even more." From Brandon Hall.
Added: 11 May 2006
Reviewer's Note:
An overview and summary of the differences
Learning and Management systems - Analysis and Market Activity
"Research and analysis on the LMS market from Elearnity, Europe's leading corporate learning analyst. Includes comprehensive coverage of LMS news and announcements from leading vendors, as well as research and articles from Elearnity."
Added: 20 February 2006
Reviewer's Note:
Articles and news relating to LMS
Course management systems v Learning management systems
"One question that vexes many e-learning specialists is, "What is the real difference between course management systems (CMSs), like WebCT and Blackboard, and learning management systems (LMSs), like NetDimensions EKP, Saba, and SumTotal?" Here's a description of what CMSs are and the issues that arise when using them, followed by a similar discussion of LMSs" Saul Carliner, Learning Circuits, November 2005
Added: 6 November 2005
Reviewer's Note:
Good description and explanations of these two types of systems
ASTD's Field Guide to Learning Management Systems
"The Field Guide outlines tips, tools, strategies-and challenges- for buying and implementing an LMS." Learning Circuits, August 2005
Added: 20 August 2005
Reviewer's Note:
This is part of a Learning Circuits series
"In September 2004, Learning Circuits ran its annual trends survey. When LC asked what e-learning support services their organizations provide in-house, either via electronic means or via personnel, course registration came out on top at 71 percent. However, when asked to identify the leading tools that most organizations use to build, deploy, and support e-learning, only 46 percent of respondents said that they use a learning management systems. Earlier this year, ASTD launched a survey to take the analysis a step further.Here's what readers had to say." Learning Circuits, June 2005
Added: 4 June 2005
Reviewer's Note:
Results to the LMS Survey are based on 153 responses to the survey that ran in February/March 2005.
Learning management systems: the wrong place to start learning
"Learning Management Systems (LMS) are often viewed as being the starting point (or critical component) of any elearning or blended learning program. This perspective is valid from a management and control standpoint, but antithetical to the way in which most people learn today." George Siemens, elearnspace, 22 November 2004
Added: 25 November 2004
Reviewer's Note:
"Beginning learning with an LMS is often a matter of wrong tool for wrong purposes (which results in failed elearning implementations, ineffective learning, and unnecessary expenses). Implementing an LMS as part of a holistic learning environment gives the end user flexibility and control to move in various paths (driven by learning needs, not by LMS design). "
How to avoid the pitfalls of LMS implementations
"To be sure, there are many things that can go wrong in a systems implementation. Bersin & Associates has found that ... there are four common issues that companies face again and again.These pitfalls will seem obvious to those folkswho have already been through a system integration project, but they may surprise some of you who are knee-deep implementing your LMS. Chris Howard, Learning Circuits, July 2004
Added: 29 July 2004
Reviewer's Note:
Issues discussed: Where is the data? Can you access it? Extensive customisations; Lengthy projects; Conflicting requirements
LMS Selection Kit: Everything you need to select the right LMS
"In 2002 and 2003 we researched more than 30 companies which had successfully selected, purchased, and implemented a learning management system. Through this process we learned "What Works" in selecting and implementing an LMS."
Added: 29 July 2004
Reviewer's Note:
$495
"My second morning of TechKnowledge began with a panel of vendors of LMS and eLearning platforms addressing "Where are they going?" ... Josh Bersin (Bersin & Associates) pulled these nuggets of wisdom and rules of thumb from the panelists ... Next I visited a panel of buyers. .. egged on by moderator Sam Herring (LGuide), told stories of the "Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.":" Jay Cross, Internet Time Blog, 11 February 2004
Added: 11 February 2004
Reviewer's Note:
Jay provides a very useful summary of points from the sessions of vendors and buyers. I like these best "Watch out for two similar-sounding but very different terms. Configurable means you can flip a few switches to change things to your liking. Customization is recoding - and you will pay for it." AND "For every $1 you spend on LMS software, expect to spend three or four times more for implementation."
Seven steps to selecting a Learning Management System
"This article takes a look at one approach based on my experience at a Fortune 500 company that might facilitate the selection process." Pat Alvarado, Chief Learning Officer Magazine, January 2004.
Added: 31 January 2004
Reviewer's Note:
A very useful look at selecting a LMS
Management systems for Higher Education institutions
"Over the past five years or so, Institutions of Higher Education have been increasingly keen to adopt various combinations of technically-advanced management systems to deal with the growing complexities of modern educational delivery." Graeme Daniel, wwwtools for Education
Added: 17 November 2003
Reviewer's Note:
You will need to register to access this article
Open Source Course Management Systems
Added: 24 October 2003
Reviewer's Note:
An extensive list of open source (ie free) course management systems) produced by Scott Leslie, edtechpost/edutools
Report on Authoring Systems and Learning Management Systems
"This regularly updated report is an overview of authoring systems and learning management systems available in the UK." PeakDean Interactive Ltd, December 2002
Added: 7 April 2003
Reviewer's Note:
This report (116 pages) is available to download for free.
E-Learning hits Web services books
"As e-learning platforms and content evolve toward open standards, the capability to surface learning seamlessly within the context of enterprise applications and business processes is almost within reach." InfoWorld
Added: 17 February 2003
Reviewer's Note:
overview of development of LMS
Assessing learning management systems
"A learning management system provides the platform for the enterprise's online learning environment by enabling the management, delivery and tracking of blended learning (i.e., online and traditional classroom) for employees, stakeholders and customers. A robust LMS should integrate with other departments, such as human resources, accounting and e-commerce, so administrative and supervisory tasks can be streamlined and automated and the overall cost and impact of education can be tracked and quantified." John Hall, (Oracle), Chief Learning Officer Magazine, January 2003
Added: 11 January 2003
Reviewer's Note:
Some useful advice on evaluating LMS
LMS and LCMS: What's the difference?
"If you're confused about the differences between a learning management system (LMS) and a learning content management system (LCMS), you're not alone. Not only are the names similar, some suppliers are positioning LCMSs as the new wave of LMSs. In fact, an LMS and an LCMS are complementary but very different systems that serve different masters and address unique business challenges." Leonard Greenberg, Learning Circuits, December 2002
Added: 7 December 2002
Reviewer's Note:
A useful article that summarises the capabilities and functionalities of the two systems
Top 10 LMS purchasing mistakes (and how to avoid them)
"All LMSs are not created equal. A lot of money has been wasted on LMSs that don't meet a company's needs or match its business objectives, or never go live because they don't work within the user's environment. The task of researching LMS products and companies is daunting, fraught with difficult decisions and plagued with misinformation. Here's a list of some common mistakes to avoid when purchasing an LMS." Dave Egan, Learning Circuits, March 2002
Added: 8 March 2002
Reviewer's Note:
Some useful advice
"Learning management systems haven't caused any life-threatening breakdowns that we know of, mental or system-wide, but they have been known to cause their fair share of heartache. The inconsistencies in terms just add to the confusion. LMSs have different definitions depending on who you ask." Allyson Shafter, Learning Circuits, March 2002.
Added: 8 March 2002
Reviewer's Note:
For those companies who still have not invested in a learning management system, here is more advice
"If your organization has bought into the notion of learning as a strategic initiative--and many leading companies have--your next challenge is to select and implement a learning management system. Here's how." John V Moran, Learning Circuits, January 2002
Added: 23 January 2002
Reviewer's Note:
Yet another article on how to buy an LMS if your company hasn't already done so.
Ten steps to successfully selecting a Learning Management System
"The typical Learning Management System (LMS) used to be a mere training registration system. Not any more. Over the past few years LMSs have become full-scale enterprise software." An Lguide publication, 2001
Added: 18 December 2001
Reviewer's Note:
useful advice for buying an LMS
Can LMS survive the sophisticated buyer
"The LMS market frustrates buyers, almost defying a company to select the appropriate supplier. It's nearly impossible to compare suppliers because every implementation is different, both at the back-end and at the logic and business-flow level" Clark Aldrich, Learning Circuits, November 2001
Added: 18 December 2001
Reviewer's Note:
Clark Aldrich overviews LMS
Getting ready for a new generation of Course Management Systems
"More sophistication - and higher prices - are likely soon" Chronicle of Higher Education
Added: 18 December 2001
Reviewer's Note:
A US professor's view of what is likely to happen in the CMS space
"Six pieces of advice on how to evaluate a learning management system." Amy Sitze, Online Learning Magazine, September 2001
Added: 3 September 2001
Reviewer's Note:
Still more advice on buying a LMS
"Touted by their marketers as "one size fits all" solutions, in reality these [course management] systems meet the needs of a few people well, many people adequately, and some people poorly." Peshe Kuriloff, the technology source, July/August 2001
Added: 5 July 2001
Reviewer's Note:
a personal view from a university educator on the value of course management systems
A day in the life of a learning management system
"Every training manager thinks they know what a learning management system is. The problem is that they're all thinking different things. Is it a learning portal? A training records system? An authoring tool? A competency management system? A virtual classroom? The answer is that it could be all of these things, but rarely is. The term 'learning management system' (LMS) embraces just about any use of web technology to plan, organise, implement and control aspects of the learning process." Clive Shepherd, tactix, 2000.
Added: 24 June 2001
Reviewer's Note:
An interesting look at LMS which helps to explain their functionality.
onLearning Management Systems: Voice of the Customer
"Results from the landmark Learning Management Systems Customer Satisfaction Study are now available" Brandon-Hall. $395 to download as a pdf file.
Added: June 2001
Reviewer's Note:
This page also lists 10 Lessons learned by Customers and the free Executive summary is a useful place to see if this report is valuable for you.
"As the e-learning market has expanded, so have the number of learning management systems. Here's a look at the latest trends among LMS offerings: An excerpt from Learning Management Systems 2001: How to Choose the Right System for Your Organization." Brandon Hall, LearningCircuits, January 2001
Added: April 2001
Reviewer's Note:
0
ANSWER: from guest answer geek Larry Pakieser, technical training manager at FirstWorld Communications, LearningCircuits, February 2001
Added: April 2001
Reviewer's Note:
"A frothy sea of competitors are jostling for dominance. Business and technology models are evolving at Internet speed. New products and capabilities are sprouting up weekly. Pity the training professional who must select a learning management system." Tom Barron, Learning Circuits, April 2000
Added: 2000
Reviewer's Note:
"Following is a collection of advice on how to make the right choice in selecting an LMS." Tom Barron, Learning Circuits, April 2000.
Added: 2000
Reviewer's Note:
New Features for Learning Management Systems
"In the future, learning systems will be omniscient and omnipresent. How do we begin the journey? This article suggests seven features--annotation, natural language integration, live multimedia interaction, quality control, spontaneous group formation, credits-royalties-modularity, and other structured interactions--for learning network users, researchers and developers to consider." ALN Magazine, December 1999
Added: 2000
Reviewer's Note:
"Learning management systems (LMS) and learning content management systems (LCMS) really have two very different functions. It's unfortunate that both have such similar names and a shared acronym, which only serves to confuse e-learning buyers even more." From Brandon Hall.
Added: 11 May 2006
Reviewer's Note:
An overview and summary of the differences
Learning and Management systems - Analysis and Market Activity
"Research and analysis on the LMS market from Elearnity, Europe's leading corporate learning analyst. Includes comprehensive coverage of LMS news and announcements from leading vendors, as well as research and articles from Elearnity."
Added: 20 February 2006
Reviewer's Note:
Articles and news relating to LMS
Course management systems v Learning management systems
"One question that vexes many e-learning specialists is, "What is the real difference between course management systems (CMSs), like WebCT and Blackboard, and learning management systems (LMSs), like NetDimensions EKP, Saba, and SumTotal?" Here's a description of what CMSs are and the issues that arise when using them, followed by a similar discussion of LMSs" Saul Carliner, Learning Circuits, November 2005
Added: 6 November 2005
Reviewer's Note:
Good description and explanations of these two types of systems
ASTD's Field Guide to Learning Management Systems
"The Field Guide outlines tips, tools, strategies-and challenges- for buying and implementing an LMS." Learning Circuits, August 2005
Added: 20 August 205
Reviewer's Note:
This is part of a Learning Circuits series
"In September 2004, Learning Circuits ran its annual trends survey. When LC asked what e-learning support services their organizations provide in-house, either via electronic means or via personnel, course registration came out on top at 71 percent. However, when asked to identify the leading tools that most organizations use to build, deploy, and support e-learning, only 46 percent of respondents said that they use a learning management systems. Earlier this year, ASTD launched a survey to take the analysis a step further.Here's what readers had to say." Learning Circuits, June 2005
Added: 4 June 2005
Reviewer's Note:
Results to the LMS Survey are based on 153 responses to the survey that ran in February/March 2005.
Learning management systems: the wrong place to start learning
"Learning Management Systems (LMS) are often viewed as being the starting point (or critical component) of any elearning or blended learning program. This perspective is valid from a management and control standpoint, but antithetical to the way in which most people learn today." George Siemens, elearnspace, 22 November 2004
Added: 25 November 2004
Reviewer's Note:
"Beginning learning with an LMS is often a matter of wrong tool for wrong purposes (which results in failed elearning implementations, ineffective learning, and unnecessary expenses). Implementing an LMS as part of a holistic learning environment gives the end user flexibility and control to move in various paths (driven by learning needs, not by LMS design). "
How to avoid the pitfalls of LMS implementations
"To be sure, there are many things that can go wrong in a systems implementation. Bersin & Associates has found that ... there are four common issues that companies face again and again.These pitfalls will seem obvious to those folkswho have already been through a system integration project, but they may surprise some of you who are knee-deep implementing your LMS. Chris Howard, Learning Circuits, July 2004
Added: 29 July 2004
Reviewer's Note:
Issues discussed: Where is the data? Can you access it? Extensive customisations; Lengthy projects; Conflicting requirements
LMS Selection Kit: Everything you need to select the right LMS
"In 2002 and 2003 we researched more than 30 companies which had successfully selected, purchased, and implemented a learning management system. Through this process we learned "What Works" in selecting and implementing an LMS."
Added: 29 July 2004
Reviewer's Note:
$495
"My second morning of TechKnowledge began with a panel of vendors of LMS and eLearning platforms addressing "Where are they going?" ... Josh Bersin (Bersin & Associates) pulled these nuggets of wisdom and rules of thumb from the panelists ... Next I visited a panel of buyers. .. egged on by moderator Sam Herring (LGuide), told stories of the "Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.":" Jay Cross, Internet Time Blog, 11 February 2004
Added: 11 February 2004
Reviewer's Note:
Jay provides a very useful summary of points from the sessions of vendors and buyers. I like these best "Watch out for two similar-sounding but very different terms. Configurable means you can flip a few switches to change things to your liking. Customization is recoding - and you will pay for it." AND "For every $1 you spend on LMS software, expect to spend three or four times more for implementation."
Seven steps to selecting a Learning Management System
"This article takes a look at one approach based on my experience at a Fortune 500 company that might facilitate the selection process." Pat Alvarado, Chief Learning Officer Magazine, January 2004.
Added: 31 January 2004
Reviewer's Note:
A very useful look at selecting a LMS
Management systems for Higher Education institutions
"Over the past five years or so, Institutions of Higher Education have been increasingly keen to adopt various combinations of technically-advanced management systems to deal with the growing complexities of modern educational delivery." Graeme Daniel, wwwtools for Education
Added: 17 November 2003
Reviewer's Note:
You will need to register to access this article
Open Source Course Management Systems
Added: 24 October 2003
Reviewer's Note:
An extensive list of open source (ie free) course management systems) produced by Scott Leslie, edtechpost/edutools
Report on Authoring Systems and Learning Management Systems
"This regularly updated report is an overview of authoring systems and learning management systems available in the UK." PeakDean Interactive Ltd, December 2002
Added: 7 April 2003
Reviewer's Note:
This report (116 pages) is available to download for free.
E-Learning hits Web services books
"As e-learning platforms and content evolve toward open standards, the capability to surface learning seamlessly within the context of enterprise applications and business processes is almost within reach." InfoWorld
Added: 17 February 2003
Reviewer's Note:
overview of development of LMS
Assessing learning management systems
"A learning management system provides the platform for the enterprise's online learning environment by enabling the management, delivery and tracking of blended learning (i.e., online and traditional classroom) for employees, stakeholders and customers. A robust LMS should integrate with other departments, such as human resources, accounting and e-commerce, so administrative and supervisory tasks can be streamlined and automated and the overall cost and impact of education can be tracked and quantified." John Hall, (Oracle), Chief Learning Officer Magazine, January 2003
Added: 11 January 2003
Reviewer's Note:
Some useful advice on evaluating LMS
LMS and LCMS: What's the difference?
"If you're confused about the differences between a learning management system (LMS) and a learning content management system (LCMS), you're not alone. Not only are the names similar, some suppliers are positioning LCMSs as the new wave of LMSs. In fact, an LMS and an LCMS are complementary but very different systems that serve different masters and address unique business challenges." Leonard Greenberg, Learning Circuits, December 2002
Added: 7 December 2002
Reviewer's Note:
A useful article that summarises the capabilities and functionalities of the two systems
Top 10 LMS purchasing mistakes (and how to avoid them)
"All LMSs are not created equal. A lot of money has been wasted on LMSs that don't meet a company's needs or match its business objectives, or never go live because they don't work within the user's environment. The task of researching LMS products and companies is daunting, fraught with difficult decisions and plagued with misinformation. Here's a list of some common mistakes to avoid when purchasing an LMS." Dave Egan, Learning Circuits, March 2002
Added: 8 March 2002
Reviewer's Note:
Some useful advice
"Learning management systems haven't caused any life-threatening breakdowns that we know of, mental or system-wide, but they have been known to cause their fair share of heartache. The inconsistencies in terms just add to the confusion. LMSs have different definitions depending on who you ask." Allyson Shafter, Learning Circuits, March 2002.
Added: 8 March 2002
Reviewer's Note:
For those companies who still have not invested in a learning management system, here is more advice
"If your organization has bought into the notion of learning as a strategic initiative--and many leading companies have--your next challenge is to select and implement a learning management system. Here's how." John V Moran, Learning Circuits, January 2002
Added: 23 January 2002
Reviewer's Note:
Yet another article on how to buy an LMS if your company hasn't already done so.
Ten steps to successfully selecting a Learning Management System
"The typical Learning Management System (LMS) used to be a mere training registration system. Not any more. Over the past few years LMSs have become full-scale enterprise software." An Lguide publication, 2001
Added: 18 December 2001
Reviewer's Note:
useful advice for buying an LMS
Can LMS survive the sophisticated buyer
"The LMS market frustrates buyers, almost defying a company to select the appropriate supplier. It's nearly impossible to compare suppliers because every implementation is different, both at the back-end and at the logic and business-flow level" Clark Aldrich, Learning Circuits, November 2001
Added: 18 December 2001
Reviewer's Note:
Clark Aldrich overviews LMS
Getting ready for a new generation of Course Management Systems
"More sophistication - and higher prices - are likely soon" Chronicle of Higher Education
Added: 18 December 2001
Reviewer's Note:
A US professor's view of what is likely to happen in the CMS space
"Six pieces of advice on how to evaluate a learning management system." Amy Sitze, Online Learning Magazine, September 2001
Added: 3 September 2001
Reviewer's Note:
Still more advice on buying a LMS
"Touted by their marketers as "one size fits all" solutions, in reality these [course management] systems meet the needs of a few people well, many people adequately, and some people poorly." Peshe Kuriloff, the technology source, July/August 2001
Added: 5 July 2001
Reviewer's Note:
a personal view from a university educator on the value of course management systems
A day in the life of a learning management system
"Every training manager thinks they know what a learning management system is. The problem is that they're all thinking different things. Is it a learning portal? A training records system? An authoring tool? A competency management system? A virtual classroom? The answer is that it could be all of these things, but rarely is. The term 'learning management system' (LMS) embraces just about any use of web technology to plan, organise, implement and control aspects of the learning process." Clive Shepherd, tactix, 2000.
Added: 24 June 2001
Reviewer's Note:
An interesting look at LMS which helps to explain their functionality.
onLearning Management Systems: Voice of the Customer
"Results from the landmark Learning Management Systems Customer Satisfaction Study are now available" Brandon-Hall. $395 to download as a pdf file.
Added: June 2001
Reviewer's Note:
This page also lists 10 Lessons learned by Customers and the free Executive summary is a useful place to see if this report is valuable for you.
"As the e-learning market has expanded, so have the number of learning management systems. Here's a look at the latest trends among LMS offerings: An excerpt from Learning Management Systems 2001: How to Choose the Right System for Your Organization." Brandon Hall, LearningCircuits, January 2001
Added: April 2001
Reviewer's Note:
ANSWER: from guest answer geek Larry Pakieser, technical training manager at FirstWorld Communications, LearningCircuits, February 2001
Added: April 2001
Reviewer's Note:
"A frothy sea of competitors are jostling for dominance. Business and technology models are evolving at Internet speed. New products and capabilities are sprouting up weekly. Pity the training professional who must select a learning management system." Tom Barron, Learning Circuits, April 2000
Added: 2000
Reviewer's Note:
"Following is a collection of advice on how to make the right choice in selecting an LMS." Tom Barron, Learning Circuits, April 2000.
Added: 2000
Reviewer's Note:
New Features for Learning Management Systems
"In the future, learning systems will be omniscient and omnipresent. How do we begin the journey? This article suggests seven features--annotation, natural language integration, live multimedia interaction, quality control, spontaneous group formation, credits-royalties-modularity, and other structured interactions--for learning network users, researchers and developers to consider." ALN Magazine, December 1999
Added: 2000
Reviewer's Note:
Shootout scorecard: learning management systems
eWeek, November 1999
Added: 2000
Reviewer's Note:
