One of the least understood learning technologies is Learning Content Management Systems (LCMS). We’re here to give you the lowdown – and explain the differences between LCMS vs LMS. The learning technologies market is fast-growing and full of innovative products. With so many options and acronyms (LCMS, LMS, CMS …), it can be tricky to work out exactly what you need and which products can deliver it.
What is a Learning Content Management System (LCMS)?
First thing’s first: an LCMS stands for Learning Content Management System. It’s a platform that allows you to create, manage, host and track digital learning content. You can think of it like a one-stop-shop for elearning, from creation to delivery. Some technologies that you think of primarily as authoring tools may actually tick all the LCMS boxes;
What’s the difference between an LCMS and LMS?
There is a bit of crossover between Learning Content Management Systems (LCMS’s) and Learning Management Systems (LMS’s), and it doesn’t help that their names are similar too. Both allow you to host and deliver digital learning, and both are SCORM compatible. But there are important differences between the two. The main difference between LCMS vs LMS is where they specialize…
Type of learning
As we’ve seen, Learning Content Management Systems specialize in digital learning content, whereas an LMS’s are platforms that allows you to manage a wider range of learning experiences. E-learning is one of them, but an LMS also manages more traditional forms of learning and training such as scheduling face-to-face workshops, facilitating learner conversations through social forums and sharing resources.