Learning management systems (LMS), which are currently used by 84% of organizations, are the dominant technology in the eLearning market. Companies tend to expand their eLearning environment beyond a traditional LMS as they strive to address diverse learning needs more effectively. 37 percent of businesses plan to invest in learning content authoring tools by 2021. There is a growing demand for solutions that enable personalized content creation, with 56 percent of companies preferring not to outsource custom learning content development. In contrast to a learning management system (LMS), which is typically not used for content authoring, a learning content management system (LCMS) offers extensive content development capabilities. Despite some similarities in functionality, LCMS and LMS differ in their primary purpose and key features.

LMS

A learning management system (LMS) is a web-based eLearning solution that allows for scalable personalized education for corporate and academic learners. It offers organizations a comprehensive set of tools for automated learning administration and delivery, learning content management, and learning assessment. While LMSs provide basic embedded content authoring capabilities, they are not typically used to create learning content.

Core features

·       Multiple learning styles, including web-based, offline, social, and blended learning, are supported.

·        Course assignment and scheduling are automated.

·        Keeping track of students' attendance and progress.

·        Quizzes and tests are used to assess learning.

·        Polls and surveys are used to collect feedback from students.

·        Management of compliance training.

·        Support for learning content developed with third-party tools.

·        Conformity with eLearning standards such as SCORM and xAPI.

·        Integration with ERP, CRM, HR, learning content creation tools, and other systems.

LCMS

A learning content management system (LCMS) is an eLearning platform designed to assist instructional designers in managing learning content, from authoring and publishing to in-depth content performance analysis. Integrations with other eLearning solutions, such as LMS, LXP, or learning portals, allow LCMS to deliver content to learners. The LCMS allows for the reuse of eLearning content and the creation of courses tailored to different audiences.

Core features

·        Learning content authoring tools for creating multi-format content such as text, audio, video, images, augmented reality, and virtual reality.

·        Storage of structured learning content.

·        Publishing content from a single source.

·        Help with content translation and localization.

·        Adherence to eLearning technical standards such as SCORM and xAPI

·        LMS, LXP, BI, and HR software integrations

Conclusion

There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution for LMS or LCMS. While LMSs are primarily used for learning management, LCMSs are best suited for creating learning content. When deciding between LMS and LCMS, keep your organization's specific needs in mind. Also, keep in mind that these solutions are not interchangeable, but rather serve as mutually beneficial eLearning software.