Thursday, October 16, 2014

Discussing the LMS and CMS (Navigate 1.3.1)

Before we begin to compare and contrast, we need to know what an "LMS" and a "CMS" means within the world of online education.  

What is an LMS?


An LMS, or learning management system, is a system of educational content information that is managed and distributed to its users.  This system can help manage its users and also track their use and progress within the system.  "Its usefulness consists of three fields: content delivery, user administration and behavioral tracking."



http://www.educatorly.com/Best-Practice/the-differences-between-cms-lms-and-lcms.html
What is a CMS?

A CMS, or content management system, is a system which focuses primarily upon "collaboratively creating, cataloging, publishing, editing and tracking content. Content can be text, audio, picture and video files, but also lessons and complete courses."

http://www.educatorly.com/Best-Practice/the-differences-between-cms-lms-and-lcms.html
So, when would one need a full blown LMS?

An LMS is a better choice for managing and implementing an entire educational system across the board.  There are more options and levels available to an organization, particularly if there are different tracks of learning and numerous grades, various reporting times, groupings, course offerings, and the like.  A CMS would likely be adequate for a fairly contained and narrow set of educational offerings and content.  

Discuss the perceived difference in the industry between LMS and CMS.

Without question, the LMS is regarded as the almost limitless entity which would likely be chosen for a larger and more sophisticated management capability.  It also has SCORM capability (SCORM is a set of technical standards for e-learning software products), which is optimal for educational software processes.  

A CMS, for the most part, has a narrower audience.  It is designed and utilized mainly for creating, presenting, and facilitating content.  Course management is its main focus, rather than management and administrative utilization like the LMS.  

No comments:

Post a Comment