Short Answer: Lots, you can view our top 5 LMS in Australia here.
By our estimates, more than 800 LMS vendors compete in today’s learning platforms marketplace in 2019 (up from 600 we originally tracked in 2014). These LMS vendors range from global software companies to tiny cloud vendors.
Why so many? How do they all survive? Who is buying these systems? And what are they accomplishing with them?
I believe this spike can be explained by a combination of factors – primarily the rise of cloud computing and software-as-a-service (SaaS) business models, as well as growing interest in extended enterprise learning.
Much like many industries, the education sector has gone through advancements due to technological innovations. While the traditional classroom learning set-up still works, the needs of your students and faculty members are changing.
How do you deal with managing student-related information such as grades and scores? How do you help educators provide the best learning experience while making sure that they are working efficiently? What do you do when disasters strike–for instance, the COVID-19 virus causing lockdowns on a global scale–and students cannot come to school? Moreover, what can you do to improve access to course materials?
Fortunately, learning management systems (LMS) are developed to improve learner engagement and execute remote learning efforts. Universities, schools, and other institutions can offer online or hybrid classes using an LMS. What’s more, many of these platforms include advanced features to manage students, facilitate collaboration, and more.
The only question now is, can these digital learning platforms equip schools and universities to meet the latest academic requirements and trends?
LMS vs. eLearning Software
While there is some overlap between LMS platforms and eLearning software, there are a few key differences between the two.
ELearning content software offers the user access to a curated digital library that can include videos, ebooks, and online courses/lessons. The primary function of eLearning software is to provide the user with a large content library for self-guided learning or integration with an LMS platform.
LMS platforms, on the other hand, may not offer content libraries at all. Instead, they focus more on managing the learning process and storing and tracking individual/ aggregate progress. Most vendors offer eLearning software that can be integrated with an LMS platform.
