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Examples of Learning Management Systems
Learning management systems have become commonplace as the globe has turned to virtual learning.
A learning management system allows for learners and educators to seamlessly complete the learning process virtually just as easily as they can in a classroom. Let us take a quick look at what is required to define a piece of software as a learning management system.
What Makes a Learning Management System?
In order for something to be regarded as a learning management system (LMS), it requires some key functionality. We can say that a learning management system needs to allow evaluation, management, and creation.
The first thing that an LMS requires is for a teacher to be able to create a course. Notably, this can be either directly in the learning management system through an authoring tool or the capability to upload courses created in a third-party environment. Courses that are created should support text and rich media such as video, audio, images, and interactive components.
Additionally, a learning management system (LMS) should allow a teacher to manage the course. This implies that instructors can make changes such as adding new lessons, managing users, and organizing courses. This is made possible since a learning management system has an administration interface.
Moreover, a learning management system (LMS) should allow for the evaluation of learners. There should be ways of testing the knowledge of learners during and after lessons. Basically, there ought to be a wide array of doing this, like submission of creative projects such as videos, multiple choices, or free-response questions.
Top 9 Learning Management Systems
Let’s now turn to some successful examples of learning management systems that exist out there on the internet, beginning with one of the most important out there, EdApp.
EdApp
This award-winning learning management system that is mobile-focused and excels at offering a teacher the ability to create, manage, and evaluate courses.
In regard to the creation of content, EdApp has an authoring tool that enables teachers to make their own lessons easily or even import them from PowerPoint slides. All kinds of multi-sensory educational modules can be added from templates, as well as interactive graphics and video slides. Also, teachers can administer their online courses with ease. This means that teachers can review the progress of their learners through a dashboard, monitor performance, and reward users with EdApp’s gamification system that offers real rewards such as gift certificates.
Additionally, there are many ways of evaluating students. All categories of different are available, and learners can also meet together in discussions that can be turned in. All these great features make EdApp a perfect example of a learning management system.
Schoology
The other example of a learning management system is Schoology. This learning management system is focused more on K-12 Learning than corporate training.
With this learning management system, teachers can create their lessons and post daily reminders and assignments to learners. The assignments can consist of quizzes and discussion sessions. Additionally, there are many assessment options, including timed tests. Rubrics can also be attached to assessments and assignments, so students know what they are scored upon.
Its Learning
Its learning is another learning management system with lots of useful features. It is designed for K-12 education and also higher education, so it is not as focused on organizational training as EdApp is.
Its learning features a large content library that assists in the creation of courses. That can make it easy for teachers since they do not have to make everything from scratch. It also has advanced reporting and analytics for course management, as well as the capability to do group projects which can allow for the assessment of learners in team settings.
Spongelab
Another example of a learning management system is Spongelab. This learning management system is focused on science education.
Spongelab has a large collection of lessons as well as other media such as games, images, and video. Teachers can join the site and make lessons from its content.
Also, there is analytics so that instructors can track the work of their students.
Sakai
Another learning management is Sakai. This learning management system is free and open-source.
Sakai allows course building through modules where you can store text, videos, quizzes, and other resources. Also, it focuses on facilitating collaboration and communication between students and instructors. Assessments and grades are also taken into account, and Sakai enables teachers to give rich feedback on assignments.
Edmodo
One more learning management system is Edmodo. This is another K-12 learning management system and focuses on satisfying the needs of teachers for classes that have turned remote.
Additionally, courses can be created that focus on empowering learners to take part by giving them great communication tools. Assessments are also made accessible to parents, whose point of view is given a lot of consideration.
Kadenze
Kadenze is a learning management system that has numerous partner institutions that come together under one platform. Unlike the other learning management system in this list, this one targets college-level education.
Designers of courses can create lessons that are usually video-based lectures. They can be either be adaptive or scheduled. Scheduled courses are live and have stricter due dates, while adaptive courses allow learners to work through the curriculum on their terms.
Kadenze enables instructors to award certificates when students finish courses. Nevertheless, there is a tier-shaped membership model that can affect how learners receive feedback on their work.
ATutor
Another example of a learning management system is ATutor. This learning management system is especially interesting since it is a free and open-source LMS.
ATutor LMS enables instructors to create teaching materials that are available to all due to its accessibility features. Additionally, it allows for adaptability since it enables instructors to distribute administrative tasks to others.
WizIQ
WizIQ is an LMS that enables instructors to create, market, and sell their courses to a large audience.
Teachers can create beautifully themed courses that attract students with multi-media lessons. A wide range of evaluation types also helps teachers understand how well their students are taking in the content. WizIQ is a system that functions well for teachers who are entrepreneurs as well as companies looking to train their workers.
What Factors Must Be Considered When Choosing An LMS?
If you have already decided to use ‘Learning Management Systems’ in your institution then it is necessary for you to consider the following factors:
1. What are the objectives of using an LMS?
This is very important because a learning management system can help you achieve your goals or not. So, first and foremost, identify what types of goals you want to set up in order to use an LMS. These goals could be the adoption of several types of e-learning courses, storing information about students and recording their progress or learning objectives.
2. How is it going to help you?
Is it going to assist in analyzing data, providing efficient resources or helping your instructors with getting course material? Identify all the areas that would help you boost your performance and make better use of the LMS.
3. Identify all possible options for your institution
 When it comes to using a learning management system, there are many available options in today’s market. You must do thorough research about the different possibilities so that you can choose the one that best suits your requirements. Compare and contrast important features of various systems to find out which is suitable for you.
4. Identify budget constraints
Keep in mind that using LMS is going to impact your finances to a certain extent, so it is necessary for you to make a financial plan based on how much you are going to spend on the LMS. You should keep in mind that you will have to shell out money not only for initial investment but also on a regular basis.
5. Take advantage of available tools and resources
By using an LMS, your institution is going to come across a number of new technological advancements that you might not be aware of before making the decision to use LMS. So, it is necessary for you to make sure that you are making the best out of these new technologies and tools so that you can leverage the full potential of the learning management system.
6. Security issues and policies
 It is very important for your institution to have a detailed document regarding security policies and procedures so that your system cannot be hacked. It is also crucial to have a security policy as it will help you in deciding how data is going to be handled and who has access to sensitive information.
7. Integrate with other technologies strategically
 If you are paying for the LMS then it is important for you to make use of the system on a regular basis. The best way to achieve this goal is by integrating it with other useful technologies that will help you in achieving your goals faster and better.
8. Look for a vendor who has experience with similar institutions like yoursÂ
You should look for a vendor who is experienced in dealing with educational institutions because he can provide you with better assistance. He knows the nuances of the system and can help you get the most out of it in a quick manner.
9. Find out about your support options and how to take advantage of them effectively
When you start using an LMS, there are several technical issues that may crop up from time to time. That is why it is very important to understand that you have proper support provided by your vendor. Find out about the types of support available and how it will help you in resolving technical issues.
10. The impact of implementing LMS on the faculty members and students
You should take into consideration the amount of time and effort required for those who are going to use and maintain your system.
Keep in mind that the more you know about the learning management system, the better off you are going to be because it will help you in maximizing its potential and getting the most out of it so that your institution can benefit from it. LMS is not just a tool or a technology; it is an instrument for change so make sure that you take advantage of the opportunities it offers for a better learning experience.
Conclusion
In this piece, we have discussed various examples of LMSs. There are all types of learning management systems out there, but you will find that this list is a good start when you are searching for an example of a learning management system K-12 or corporate training.