Types of Learning Management Systems: Your ULTIMATE Checklist!

Due to technological innovations, the education sector has seen ubiquitous advancement in every corner of fields. And it has mitigated many methods in traditional education.

However, with the advent of COVID-19 in 2020, the education systems have fluctuated in providing education online on digital platforms.

So it is crucial to have a strong beholder who can take the responsibility to develop and deliver the eLearning resources. Here, the Learning Management Systems (LMS) comes into the picture.

What are Learning Management Systems?

LMS is the application that helps in designing & managing the content for training and learning development courses.

Both corporate and non-corporate fields of companies are using the LMS for official purposes and learning requisites.

How can the educational system use the LMS to provide the best learning experience?

Universities and schools can provide both hybrid and online classes in LMS. And it also facilitates the advanced features of integrating technology in the learning resources.

Types of Learning Management Systems

When it comes to Learning Management Systems (LMS), not all are created equal! Different organizations have unique needs, and thankfully, there’s an LMS for almost every situation.

Let’s break down the main types of LMS and how each can help support learning, training, and development.

1. Cloud-Based LMS  

Cloud-based LMS, often known as SaaS (Software as a Service), is one of the most popular types today. With a cloud-based LMS, users can access the platform from anywhere, on any device, with an internet connection.

It’s hosted on the provider’s server, meaning there’s no need for organizations to manage hardware or installations.

These systems are updated automatically, which reduces IT management and often provides enhanced security. This type is ideal for remote teams or global organizations looking for flexibility.

2. Installed LMS  

An installed LMS, also called on-premise LMS, is hosted on the organization’s own servers. While it requires more IT support for installation, maintenance, and updates, it provides greater control over data and customizations.

Installed LMS is often the choice for organizations that need strict data security or want to create a highly tailored learning environment.

3. Open-Source LMS  

Open-source LMS are free systems that allow users to access the code and modify it to suit their needs. Popular options like Moodle and Open edX offer robust community support and customization.

Open-source systems are great for organizations with technical resources or teams with unique learning requirements. However, keep in mind that customization, security, and support are usually the responsibility of the organization.

4. Corporate LMS  

Specifically designed for business training, a corporate LMS focuses on employee onboarding, skill-building, and compliance training.

Corporate LMS platforms often include features like reporting, certifications, and integration with HR systems. This type of LMS is great for companies focused on upskilling, maintaining compliance, or developing talent.

5. Academic LMS  

Academic LMS, commonly used in schools and universities, is tailored to support structured learning. Platforms like Canvas and Blackboard fall into this category, offering features such as course creation, assessments, and student engagement tools.

Academic LMS is perfect for educational institutions looking to manage course materials, track progress, and foster a virtual classroom environment.

Best LMS Software You Can Try

There are immense options available for choosing the LMS for your educational system. Hence, below are the five top-most lists of Learning Management Systems (LMS) software to select for your eLearning management.

Moodle LMS:

Moodle is a free e-learning platform that provides open-source solutions among educators around the world.

Moodle is maintained by an effective network of certified Moodle teams to help with the integration of technology in e-learning modules. It consists of a technical team of designers, developers, and supporters.

Moodle has released its new version MoodleCLoud, which makes it convenient for non-technical users to get started without any hassle of setup and server.

The free plan of Moodle allows 50 students with 200MB to upload learning material. Whereas, the paid plan starts at $80/year with advanced features creating and publishing classes.

Blackboard LMS:

Blackboard is a popular name in the digital learning market. It offers all the core learning and advanced techniques such as exquisite communication channels, powerful data analytics, and a compelling user interface.

Blackboard analytics allows the reviewing of valuable insights like student engagement, performance, and more.

Learning facilitators can effectively deliver the homework and track the grades of the tests.

Additionally, it provides access to the latest educational information, notifications, and alerts on any mobile-compatible device.

Schoology LMS:

Schoology is a full-fledged learning platform that aims to design lessons, collaborate with educators, and communicate with the learners.

It not only includes the segregated class levels but also connects the entire school in one space. This will allow students to interact with their teachers during class hours.

Next, Schoology comes with the professional learning community (PLC) which helps faculties to share their ideas and assets on the platform.

The software comes with the Basic and Enterprise packages. The basics give access to the free version of LMS while Enterprise includes the advanced features in the classroom integrations, communication channels, and learning resources.

Google Classroom LMS:

Google has a ubiquitous tool in every distinct field of industries and also has a stronghold in education-centric tools.

As an Education initiative, Google has launched the Google Classroom LMS which uses Google Solutions to keep the learners free from complicated setup or configuration.

The Google Classroom assists teachers in creating learning resources, and classes, communicating with students, sending assignments, articulating grades, and posting feedback on one platform.

Google Classroom is both mobile compatible: Android and IoS. The platform is free and just needs a sign-up in G Suite to create the education account.

Absorb LMS:

Absorb LMS was built for small, medium, and large enterprises and public institutions. It is exemplary for universities and schools for the holistic LMS. Absorb Training LMS also offers features fit for employee training.

The core features are centered on the fast-paced learning environment. Apart from creating your eLearning courses, Absorb LMS has pre-made eLearning content libraries that allow you to publish classes fast and right away.

Additionally, it comes with administrative features and mobile applications.

Choose the Right LMS

Educational institutions need a systemized and digital ecosystem to deliver effective learning resources and knowledge.

Therefore, LMS provides all the prerequisites from the centralization of the education hub from courses, managing students, scaling grades, and online content management.

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