First blog

What is a Learner Management System:

Learner Management System also known as LMS, is described by Greenberg (2002) as a “strategic solution for planning, delivering, and managing all learning events within an organization, including online, virtual classroom, and instructor-led courses” (Greenberg, 2002, para.2). An LMS is actually a very broad term that is used to provide a learning environment online to employees, and employers.

Moreover, Greenberg (2002) also adds that the LMS is used as a primary admistration, and manages learners, tracking their progress through the activities provided online. It bascially shows the trainer what activities have been completed and the scores of the exams.

What is a Learner Content Management System?

Carliner (2005) clearly outlines the Course Management System as an “online systems that were originally designed to support classroom learning in academic settings, such as universities and high schools”. CMS are a little different to the LMS as it provides an asynchronous communication and is best used for university’s and schools with distance education. Furthermore, Greenberg (2002) clearly outlines the basic purpose of the LCMS by stating that this system gives the creator information on was to create the e-learning systems for effectively. .

What would i recommend to my organisation?

The system that i would reccomend to my organisation would vary to what the organisation would offer and the budget. As established the Learner Management System is effective but quiet expensive. Luxottica is the company i am currently working at, and i believe that the LMS system would be most appropriate to the company needs. Because learning and development is vital for the optometrist within the organisation, posting all the courses online would be an advantage for the employees. Yes it will be an expensive system to put in place but putting into perspective that there are over 500 employees, in the long run the online database would be more profitable for the organisation.  

Carliner, S. 2005, Course Management System Versus Learner Management Systems, Learning Circuits, viewed 24/05/08, http://www.learningcircuits.org/2005/Nov2005/carliner.htm

Greenberg, L. 2002, LMS and LCMS: What’s the Difference, Learning Circuits, viewed 23/04/08, <http://www.learningcircuits.org/NR/exeres/72E3F68C-4047-4379-8454-2B88C9D38FC5.htm >.