Learning Management Systems

An educational software program for the creation, implementation, and distribution of courses is called a learning management systems (LMS).

An LMS is being used in increasing places and ways by teachers and students in K–12 schools, especially after the pandemic of 2020.

Universities employ online learning systems to offer and administer courses in addition to K–12 education. Completely online courses are offered by several colleges, and students frequently select them because they are convenient and allow for distant work. Colleges and other post-secondary education, whether academic or vocational, are related to this.

Benefits of LMS

• Support efficient dissemination of class materials
• Allows for various formats of resources/content
• Parents can be provided access to class schedules, course outlines, and assessments
• Enables multiple assessment options
• Feedback transparency
• Variety of ways to communicate
• Student data tracking
• Improves learning workflow
• Digitalization of teaching and learning
• Easy and quick transition from traditional to digital learning

Read more about the benefits of LMS here.

Top 4 Learning Management Systems available

Blackboard Learn

The LMS for assessment and content reporting/analytics is Blackboard Learn. It is appropriate for K–12 institutions, colleges and universities, government and military initiatives, and enterprises. It may be used in SaaS, managed hosting, or self-hosting configurations. Mobile devices are also compatible with it.

Many academic institutions began utilizing Blackboard Learn in the late 1990s. According to research, it is one of the most extensively used LMS systems, with 28% of institutes and 37% of enrollments claiming to utilize it (Fenton, 2018).

Features

• Renowned for its capacity for online classrooms, improved content management, and student involvement
• Has tools for managing certifications, customizing courses, expanding enterprise, and social learning
• Upgraded student cloud profiles and portfolios
• Students can use a pop-up to preview, safely assign, and schedule conferences or discussions.
• Data management, group administration, grading improvement techniques, a Blackboard drive, and a content editor are all integrated into one system.
• Program enrollments, a retention center, progressive content, and active cooperation
• Has an integrated calendar
• An activity feed that groups objects according to their need for attention
• Available gamification features alongside an e-commerce component

Check out Blackboard here.

Canvas

The LMS for simple learning and productivity is Canvas, a cloud-based educational innovation of Instructure. Being specifically designed for K–5 to higher education institutions, it is one of the finest LMS systems for schools. Small classrooms and large institutions with a blended or totally online learning setup may both utilize it (Software Advice, n.d.). It can be used by schools of all shapes and sizes.

Canvas is a reliable, flexible, adaptable, practical, and interactive learning platform since it results from listening to users’ requirements and wishes (G2, n.d.). Bridge’s open-source and business versions are also available. Additionally, according to statistics on interactive learning, 27% of students and 21% of institutes use this LMS.

Features

• Development of course materials
• Standardized grade books
• Tailor-fit learner assessments
• Enables students to record, post, and exchange video messages and resources
• May utilize a content editor to modify user profiles based on needs and analytics
• Provides tools for mobile training and communication that may be expanded to include new functions.
• connections with other platforms that are thorough
• Integrates Facebook, Google, and Canvas into mobile apps for Android or iOS
• Hosting native clouds
• It is compatible with existing Student Information Systems (SIS) and other educational resources.

Check out Canvas here.

Moodle

When it comes to open-source learning and flexibility, Moodle is the greatest learning management system for use in the classroom. For the majority of students in secondary education, it is also a cost-effective and modular LMS choice. It includes robust, secure, and safe tools that may be used to develop flexible training programs. Both the academic and commercial sectors are served by this LMS with expanded features that are run by developers.

Because Moodle is not very user-friendly and lacks a 24/7 help center, users will have to possess technical skills in using this platform. However, tech-savvy users could find the program to be completely adjustable and manageable (Dorwart, 2020). 25% of institutes and 12% of enrollments utilize this LMS.

Features

• A simplified and adaptable dashboard that uses predictive analytics to track program completion and student development
• Course development in parallel, quick data backup and administration, contact management, activity tracking, and an integrated calendar
• Allows for the delivery of online lessons, the administration of online tests, engagement and collaboration through forums and wikis, and the effective management of grades.
• Integrated plans and resources, thorough logs and reporting, prompt notifications and alarms, and regular security upgrades
• Flexible design and layout, ability to include other content and control over user permissions and responsibilities
• It has multimedia integration, progress tracking tools, multilingual functionality, and results and criteria.
• Enables using a messaging function to respond to inquiries and hasten community contact in general.

Check out Moodle here.

Google Classroom

The LMS ideal for creating courses is thought to be Google Classroom. Its competitive advantage is the integration of strong educational management systems and first-rate communication technologies. Teachers can communicate with children and parents thanks to this innovation.

Google Apps for Education includes Google Classroom. For schools enmeshed in the Google ecosystem, it is the finest LMS application (Gewirtz, 2020). It only works well in academic environments, though.

Features

• Enables access from smartphones, tablets, and desktops
• Enables users to use Google Docs to complete assignments, share YouTube videos, and upload files from Google Drive. You can even leave comments on files to give feedback.
• Maintains a record of and assigns online tasks related to blended learning
• May create online classrooms where teachers can exchange teaching materials that can be viewed or downloaded.
• Creation of online tests to evaluate student progress
• When sharing displays and locking things down, you may set your own permissions.
• may be used to support digital learning through additional Google apps, including Calendar, Gmail, Google Docs, Google Slides, and Google Drive.
• Students that sign up for a beta program and have an associated system may also push their grades to the SIS.

Check out Google Classroom here.

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