The online learning market is going through huge growth and will soon go beyond the value of $375 billion by 2026. With more people choosing to stay at home, Learning Management Systems (LMS) is the most used software for online tutoring. The market offers different types of the best Learning Management System for schools, making it difficult for one to choose the best software. This article has the solution with a list of top learning management platforms and additional info. Read on for more.
Ranking methodology of the best learning management system
Choosing the best learning management system examples is not an easy task. Strict criteria have to be followed before adding a product to the list. In this case, we look at the highest-ranked system from multiple ranking services to sort out the top 100. Furthermore, we go through customer reviews, software features, metadata, demos of the product and finally let experts evaluate usability and UI. By taking into account all the above, a score is set and the products are ranked.
Conclusion
The best Learning Management System for schools software is open for both professionals and individuals to learn and show their skills. Students use the software to get learning materials and join programs while professionals deliver the courses via LMS for schools software.
Every individual or company has specific requirements for a Learning Management System. The list provided above was derived from the top 100+ best Learning Management System examples using a strict ranking methodology. Choosing one or more of these solutions will give you value for your money and provide the best learning services. However, always make sure that the Learning Management System software examples you choose have the features required by your learning program.
To get the best out of these LMS for schools products, we advise testing them in a real use environment. Make use of demo versions or free trials first to see how well the best Learning Management System performs.
Remember, individual needs are what determine an ideal solution for your best Learning Management System product. Take into consideration your users as well as the platform you are going to use. The user interface, functionality, and pricing are also other things you should consider before choosing the best LMS for schools solution. Now, let’s take a deep dive into the topic.
Learning Management Systems Overview
Learning has been the key to educating people across the world. With advancements in technology, different forms of education have been implemented in different institutions. One thing that is at the center of every online learning course or institution is a learning management platform. So, what is it anyway? Why do you need one for your online learning activities?
What is a learning management system?
A Learning Management System (LMS) is a web-based technology or software application used to assess, plan and implement specific learning processes. Its main use is in e-Learning services. The system consists of two main elements. These are a server that hosts and runs the base functionalities and a user interface controlled by students, instructors, and administrators.
Normally, the best Learning Management System for schools gives instructors a way to create learning materials, deliver them to students, assess participation and student performances. Students have access to interactive features such as video conferencing, discussion threads, and forums. Learning establishments of all sizes including government agencies, online-based institutions, local governments, and traditional education systems can use this type of LMS system.
What Does the Best Learning Management System Do?
The best Learning Management System examples offer tools for designing and developing an integral e-Learning process. This is especially important if you have a great deal of subject matter to deliver to a larger audience. If you are still not sure whether to get a learning management platform, here are a few benefits and convincing reasons for all teaching professionals.
- Organize learning materials — Instead of having learning materials spread out across multiple devices like hard drives, you can have everything stored in a single location. This reduces the risk of data loss and allows easy access.
- Provide unlimited access to learning materials — After your course materials have been uploaded, learners have unlimited access wherever they are. Furthermore, multiple learners can access the same materials.
- Track and monitor learner performance and progress — Learning management systems have the ability to track learners’ progress. This gives the instructors a tool to ensure each learner achieves the desired milestones.
- Cut down on development and learning costs — The Best Learning Management System examples cut down on costs by eliminating the need for instructors to travel and print materials. Also, this reduces the costs of development in case of an increase in learners.
- Integrate social learning tools — LMS for schools integrates social learning experiences by including tools like online forums. This may be beneficial to learners and also help you to market your e-learning courses.
Learning Management Systems Meaning
Learning Management System services are described as software applications used for the documentation, administration, tracking, reporting, automation, and delivery of educational materials. LMS systems make up a huge percentage of the largest segments in the learning market. This type of system was introduced back in the 1990s, and it has seen huge growth during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Main Features of Learning Management Systems
LMS for schools can be considered a large repository that allows its users to store and track users in a single place. Any user with secure login credentials can have access to learning resources in the system. To make this possible, the best Learning Management System examples offer a range of different features. These features help both instructors and learners perform different actions on the platform. They include:
- Responsive design — Users should have access to all the features of a learning platform regardless of the device they use. The best Learning Management System for schools displays the best version of the platform on desktops, laptops, and smartphones.
- Artificial Intelligence — Artificial Intelligence (AI) helps to create a personalized learning experience for each user. This is made possible by providing course formats best suited for their needs.
- Automation — Learning often involves repetitive tasks. A management system should allow administrators and instructors to automate these repeated activities.
- User-friendly interface — Learners should have an easy time navigating to different sections of the platform. The UI should align with the goals and abilities of both the user and the organization.
- Reports and analytics — These are tools used by instructors and administrators to track user activities and accomplishments. This can also be applied to a group of learners to create reports.
Benefits of Using the Best Learning Management System
The majority of industries and teachers leverage e-learning management platforms to create, deliver and manage content as well as monitor learner performance and participation. A well-implemented and effective learning management platform has several advantages. Below are some use case scenarios for LMS software followed by the advantages of using LMS for schools in different learning industries.
Use Case Scenario of Learning Management System platforms
Employee training is one of the most common uses of e-learning systems. In this scenario, employers create an immersive learning experience that gives users a chance to learn new skills. Technologies like augmented reality and virtual reality can be implemented to boost problem-solving capabilities for employees.
Another use case scenario is in sales training. New employees can use an LMS with onboarding instructions as well as seminars on product information and customer interaction. The information can include case scenarios of previous customer interactions that can help improve future interactions. This helps companies improve client services hence boosting their businesses.
Benefits of LMS for schools
Here are some benefits of using an LMS for schools platform:
Creation of interactive and engaging courses
Learning materials can be delivered to learners in the form of relevant images, texts, videos, or audio from different sources. This helps to create an engaging and interactive learning experience among the users. Furthermore, learners can communicate or interact with both the instructor and their coursemates in online discussion forums.
Simple content customization
Educational materials can change over time. This means they have to be updated in all formats to ensure the materials remain relevant. LMS platforms allow instructors to update the current content or add new content effortlessly. Doing so keeps the learning materials fresh and germane for a better learning experience.
Conserves money and time
The best Learning Management System examples offer flexibility in terms of where and when content can be delivered to learners. Students and employees can access the materials at their convenience and finish up a course. This saves the institution money and time that would have otherwise been used for transport, renting theaters, printing class materials, and so on.
Scalable and consistent content delivery
Since all learning materials are stored in a single source, distribution becomes uncomplicated. Furthermore, the content is not limited to an individual or class but is open to everyone who can access it. This applies to people in different geographical locations while not affecting the consistency of training.
Effective assessment of learners
LMS services act as a single source for centralized education and information. Instructors can add quizzes or tests to their courses to evaluate the learners. Built-in tools and controls help prevent the occurrence of cheating and this ensures an effective way to assess the levels of learners.
Open source advantage
Open source platforms including Moodle are some of the best learning management system examples that offer a free-to-use service. This means zero licensing costs but access to all functionalities of the best Learning Management System examples. Furthermore, these platforms have a huge number of learners from all over the world. In case of issues with the platform, current users can help you troubleshoot the problems.
Monetize courses
LMS for schools platforms can be a source of income for e-commerce platforms and instructors. Different online platforms offer courses with recognizable certificates and diplomas. Learners pay the platform depending on what course they want to access and the funds go to both the instructors and the e-commerce platform.
Which Companies should Buy the Best Learning Management System
The best Learning Management System examples are probably among the tools that have revolutionized the 21st century. The possibilities are boundless. The best Learning Management Systems can be used for everything from reaching students worldwide, to providing internal training for employees to individuals teaching one-to-one.
Different industries have been using these services for years. However, e-learning became a necessity during the pandemic. Needless to say, this has led to significant growth in the use of an LMS platform among different industries. Here are some companies that could benefit from buying the best LMS software.
Educational institutions
The inclusion of the best Learning Management System in learning institutions makes perfect sense. In fact, the best LMS for schools was an inspiration for the development of such systems. Currently, a huge percentage of educational institutions are using some of the best LMS software in different ways. One thing that makes this a sensible idea is the personalized approach to learning. Today, there are hundreds of virtual campuses where students and instructors meet.
Healthcare
Healthcare is the next major supporter of growth in the LMS market. Giving the correct kind of training to employees is now easier through the use of the best LMS integrated systems. With management tools, employers and trainers can track progress and assess the skills of different employees leading to improved healthcare services. Another advantage is the cost-effectiveness compared to classroom training.
IT industry
The IT industry is always in need of new and advanced technologies to make the industry run smoother and faster. Enterprises should consider implementing the best Learning Management System examples in their IT structure. With an integrated best LMS system, staff can easily be educated on new technologies and get updates about the IT tools they use. Similarly, a personalized approach makes the process fun and convenient.
The legal industry
As with healthcare, using LMS software can provide better options for any mandatory training for paralegals and other staff while cutting down on costs. Furthermore, staff have access to the learning materials at all times making the process significantly more convenient. With such merits, the future of LMS software in the legal industry could see market growth.
Manufacturing industries
The implementation of LMS software training could see the gap between the lack of skilled employees and skill training filled. Currently, many companies face different problems that stem from faulty training practices. However, with the help of LMS software technology, this could change. The main motive for this industry to use a Learning Management System is to keep employees updated on the changing rules and regulations required to restore the global economy.
What Does the Best Learning Management System Cost?
The cost of LMS software services is determined by whether you are using cloud-based or self-hosted storage. Clout-based LMS software services can either be licensed per user or through a single license fee. License fees usually range from $500 to $20,000 depending on your business and existing user data. For those using enterprise packages, the prices change accordingly.`
Types of Best Learning Management Systems
The market offers dozens of different types of LMS software used by e-learning platforms and organizations. While these systems have the same purpose, individual features may vary depending on the vendor. It is therefore important to understand the different types of LMS systems on the market. Each of these types of the best LMS platforms will have a different pricing plan.
Cloud-based
This is an LMS hosted on the internet. It can be accessed by logging into a portal. It does not require any installation or specific hardware for users to access the platform. This is probably the best learning management system for schools. Many of the best LMS platforms are cloud-based and most businesses have chosen the cloud-based SaaS LMS software model.
Self-hosted
Self-hosted LMS systems run directly from a hosting server controlled by the company using the system. This type of LMS platform is suitable for large enterprises, security-conscious companies, and those offering unique courses. Self-hosted best LMS platforms are less popular compared to cloud-based.
Desktop applications
The best LMS desktop applications are installed directly on the user’s computer. The application is still accessible across different devices that might be using the same network. This type of best LMS can also be implemented with cloud-based data that can only be accessed through the application.
Mobile application
LMS platforms that run on mobiles through mobile apps are becoming popular. One advantage of this type of LMS software is that you can access it on the go. With these platforms, users can access learning materials and track their online activities.
Trends in the Best Learning Management System
The release of the first-ever LMS platform in the 90s gave education a glimpse into the future of learning. Since then, these platforms have evolved into core systems that can handle huge amounts of data, track engagement, provide reports, and more. Each year there are new trends and technologies that are integrated into LMS systems to improve their functionality. Below are some top trends in LMS software.
- Big data analysis — Big data analytics provides an easy way for education content creators to personalize content for individual learners. With the introduction of this technology to new LMS platforms, it is expected to explode and increase the training ROI of different companies for them to provide a suitable training format.
- Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and Mixed reality Training — As stated earlier, augmented reality and virtual reality provide an interactive way to learn. It generates a real depiction of actual learning tools combined with computing elements. All three technologies work together to create an easy way to learn through interactive content.
- Mobile-first new LMS platforms — Almost all students own a mobile phone or a tablet. Research shows that about 87% of students search for online learning platforms each year. With this increase, new LMS platform vendors have created mobile responsive systems to capture the growing reliance on smartphones. These platforms provide an easy way for students to access learning material through mobile devices.
- xAPI tools for developments — No doubt, xAPI will definitely play a significant role in future LMS systems. Capabilities from the technology known as SCORM are used for compatibility standards for a variety of new LMS systems. However, with SCORM only four types of data are captured. xAPI captures a wider scope of data types making it a perfect solution.
Which is the Best Learning Management System
It is difficult to point out one learning management platform as the best among its competitors. Each of the listed solutions above works best under different circumstances. To find one that suits your needs, consider testing the services starting with the ones listed above. This is possible thanks to demo versions and free trials from the software providers.
How to Choose the Right Best Learning Management System
With the market growing fast, there are a lot of new LMS platform options out there to choose from. Hunting for a system that will perfectly fit your needs can be time-consuming and also stressful. Each of the new LMS systems out there has different features and technology and this makes it hard for you to know where to start.
We are here to help you avoid these situations by advising on the best solution available in the market. Choosing one or more of our recommended LMS systems ensures that you can provide the best services to learners. Furthermore, we recommend that you make use of free trials and demo versions for each product to test them before you make a final decision to purchase.
Summary
Whether you are creating a certificated training program for employees or opening up an e-Learning course for students, it makes perfect sense to implement the best learning management system. Keep in mind that you need the best LMS systems to reap the benefits of a digital learning platform. Take advantage of free trials and demos to find one that works for you.
If you have a difficult time trying to choose an ideal platform, this article provides a solution with a list of the top LMS systems and more information about these types of products. For a product to make it to the list, we followed strict guidelines to ensure you get value for your money. Choose one of the above services for the best e-Learning solutions.