Lesson 42: Learning Management

Systems (LMS) and Online Learning

Platforms for Language Instruction

LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (LMS)20

A learning management system is Typically, an LMS provides an

a software application or web-based instructor with a way to create and
technology used to plan, implement and deliver content, monitor student
assess a specific learning process. It's used participation, and assess student
for e-learning practices and, in its most performance. It might also provide
common form, consists of two elements: students with interactive features, such as
a server that performs the base threaded discussions, video conferencing
functionality and a user interface (UI) and discussion forums.
that is operated by instructors, students
and administrators.

20
Retrieved from: Kirvan, P., & Brush, K. (2023). learning management system (LMS). CIO.
https://www.techtarget.com/searchcio/definition/learning-management-system

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 What are learning management customer training improves the customer
systems used for? experience and can increase brand
LMSes are beneficial to a range of loyalty.
organizations, including higher When using an LMS for these
education institutions and companies. purposes, instructors can create
They're primarily used for knowledge immersive learning experiences that let
management: the gathering, organizing, users develop new skills and problem-
sharing and analysis of an organization's solving capabilities. For example, an
knowledge in terms of resources, LMS could be used to create tutorials that
documents and people skills. The role of incorporate augmented reality, virtual
the LMS varies according to the reality and artificial intelligence (AI).
organization's training strategy and goals. This will likely have the effect of
Onboarding and training improving creativity and innovation
Employee training and throughout the workforce.
onboarding are two common uses of How do learning management systems
LMSes in a business environment. For work?
onboarding, the LMS helps train new An LMS can be thought of as a
employees, providing opportunities to large repository where users store and
access training programs across various track information in one place. Any user
devices. New employees are able to add with a login and password can access the
their own knowledge and provide system and its online learning resources.
feedback, helping employers understand If the system is self-hosted, the user must
how effective the training course either install the software on their
materials are and identify areas where computer or access it via their company's
new hires need assistance. server.
An LMS can be used for extended Types of LMS deployments
enterprise training purposes as well. This The different LMS deployment
includes customer, partner and member options include the following:
training. Customer learning activities are • Cloud-based LMSes are hosted on the
common in software and technology cloud and often follow a software as a
companies where user learning goals service (SaaS) business model. Providers
might include learning how to use a maintain the system and handle updates
product or system. Ongoing LMS-based or upgrades. Online users can access the

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 system apps from anywhere at any time from the training company's own data
using a username and password. center or private cloud.
• Self-hosted LMSes require the • Desktop application LMSes are installed
organization to download and install the on the user's desktop. However, the
LMS software. The self-hosted platform application might still be accessible on
provides creative control and multiple devices.
customization, but the organization is • Mobile application LMSes support a
responsible for maintaining the system mobile learning environment and are
and might also have to pay for updates. accessible wherever and whenever
• Third-party hosted LMSes are also through mobile devices. This platform
learning resources hosted by a third-party deployment type lets users engage with
organization. Courses can be obtained and track their online learning initiatives
directly from a public cloud location, or on the go.

Exercise 1: LMS Applications

Read the following statements and decide whether they are true (T) or false (F) based
on the information provided in the text.

1. Learning management systems are primarily used for managing

financial resources in organizations. ( )
2. LMSes are beneficial for employee onboarding and training. ( )
3. Customer learning activities are not common in software and
technology companies. ( )
4. Augmented reality and virtual reality cannot be integrated into an LMS
for immersive learning experiences. ( )
5. LMS-based customer training can enhance the customer experience
and increase brand loyalty. ( )

Exercise 2: LMS Deployments

Match each type of LMS deployment with its description.

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 Types of LMS Deployments: Descriptions:
1. Designed for a mobile learning
environment, this LMS allows
users to engage with and track
their online learning initiatives on
the go.
2. Courses can be obtained from a
public cloud location or the
training company's own data
center or private cloud. It is
hosted by a third-party
organization.
a) Cloud-based LMS
3. This type of LMS is hosted on the
b) Self-hosted LMS
cloud and accessed through a
c) Third-party hosted LMS
username and password. The
d) Desktop application LMS
system is maintained by a
e) Mobile application LMS
provider, and users can access it
from anywhere at any time.
4. This LMS is installed on the
user's desktop but can still be
accessed on multiple devices.
5. Organizations need to download
and install the LMS software for
this type of deployment. They
have more control and
customization but are responsible
for system maintenance.

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Exercise 3: LMS Features
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate words or phrases from the text.

1. An LMS provides instructors with a way to create and deliver

________, monitor student participation, and assess student
performance.
2. Some interactive features of an LMS include threaded discussions,
_________, and discussion forums.
3. LMSes are primarily used for knowledge _________, which involves
gathering, organizing, sharing, and analyzing an organization's
knowledge.
4. In a business environment, LMSes can be used for employee
_________ and training, as well as extended enterprise training for
customers, partners, and members.
5. An LMS can help new employees with onboarding by providing access
to ________ programs and allowing them to provide feedback on the
training materials.

Exercise 4: LMS Deployment Comparison

Read the statements below and decide which type of LMS deployment (cloud-based,
self-hosted, third-party hosted, desktop application, or mobile application) is being
described.

1. This type of LMS requires organizations to download and install the

software on their own computers or access it via their company's server.
2. Courses can be obtained directly from a public cloud location or from
the training company's own data center or private cloud.
3. Users can access this LMS through mobile devices, enabling
engagement and tracking of online learning initiatives on the go.

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 4. The LMS is hosted on the cloud, and users can access it from anywhere
at any time using a username and password.
5. This LMS is installed on the user's desktop but can still be accessed on
multiple devices.

Exercise 5: Advantages and Disadvantages

Consider the advantages and disadvantages of using a learning management system.
Write a short paragraph discussing the advantages and disadvantages based on the
information provided in the text. Use at least three advantages and three disadvantages
in your response.

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