This paper offers an understanding of the term Learning Management System as it is established in the JOIN project, which is supported by the European e-learning initiative program. This paper outlines the term Learning Management and how it differs from other types of applications. Also a set of requirements any Learning Management System should offer is provided.

Synonyms

Sometimes the term Learning Management system is used synonymously to learning platform or Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Other types of applications: CMS

Content management system (CMS) allow to create, manage and publish content. They are typically employed to run a website. They might be used for educational purposes but the do not offer assessment features.

Two approaches to employ an LMS

Learning Management Systems are employed in educational scenarios, where teachers and learners are in seperate locations during the course or at least occassionally during the course. Scenarios that rely or partly rely on web-based presentation and distribution of educational content and / or require two-way communication between leraners and teachers via the computer.

Educational scenarios implemented with a LMS can simplisticly be devided into two broad categories: The component approach and the integrated approach .

• Following the component approach various tools are used. This means at least two tools are employed: a tool for content creation and a LMS for content presentation. One can think of component approaches where a seperate accounting system, logistics system or the like is employed. On the pro side we have to say that the component approach is very flexible and allows to put together exactly the assortment of products you need. On the contra side the component model requires import/export of all data as well as training on all tools for the persons working with them.
• In the integrated approach all authoring, presentation, assessment is carried out within one single source application. LMSs are usually integrated applications they are designed as all-in-one solutions in order to facilitate e-learing for an institution. The big pro is that this is transparent and requires training for just one application. The contra is that you cannot choose what should be in the package, but have to take if off-the-shelf.

Processes to be supported by a LMS

A LMS should support the standard processes in training situations by offering features and services to learner, teacher and administrator. Students take course at least partly online and stay in the LMS for the duration of this period. So the content usually includes some self-instructional parts.

Learning Management Systems are web-based programs used to create, store, deliver, re-use and manage an online or blended learning course. As well Learning Management Systems allow the management of all relevant stakeholders like training staff and students. Usually these systems offer a search functionality to allow quick retrieval of educational content. LMS s often aim at separating content from presentation allowing to deliver in a wide range of formats or devices. Typically a LMS supports learning and teaching processes by

• Displaying course catalogues
• Launching and organizing courses
• Displaying content
• Registering students
• Monitoring / tracking students participation
• Assessment students performance
• Tutoring
• Communication features as threaded discussions, chats, audio / video conferencing

A set of seven basic functions is considered constitutive for a Learning Management System. In the JOIN project we employ this minimum definition’�as a benchmark to decide whether a certain system will be evaluated in depth or has to be dropped. Systems that do not conform to this minimum definition’�will be excluded from the evaluation.

1. The system is browser-accessible. The Learning Management System should be based on the HTTP protocol in order to be accessible through a standard web browser.
2. The authoring options as the learning management features can be operated without needing to purchase for any additional plug-ins or viewers.
3. There are basic features for administration, users can be administrated.
4. The system must offer an authentication feature.
5. The system must offer a rights management for permissions.
6. The system must be open to localisation.
7. The learner can interact via the browser with the teacher, the system and other learners. Their communication must be supported electronically.