Before we get to the finer points of how LMS and eLearning platforms differ, we should first understand both terms.
LMS is a software application, whereas eLearning platforms are web-based apps.
LMS users are able to create, design, and also deliver their own courses, but they are also able to make these courses available for others to use in order to learn.
eLearning platforms, on the other hand, will let people create and share online courses with other learners. Both educators and learners find these two essential when it comes to creating, organizing, but also managing the teaching/learning process.
eLearning explained
eLearning is a kind of online learning platform with a focus on digital channels as a means to deliver the content of the course in question. This means that courses found on eLearning platforms are usually delivered via the internet.
As a great bonus to this, such courses typically come with loads of different kinds of multimedia elements. We’re talking interactive simulations, presentations, videos, as well as audio files.
In addition to this, users can also access course content from any location and at any time, allowing them to set the pace and find the place that best suits their learning needs.
eLearning platforms are so popular that even Google took an interest in them and ranked the best ones that might help you develop your skills and jump-start your career.
LMS explained
LMS is an acronym for Learning Management System. Even though this is a kind of online platform, it’s not the same as eLearning.
LMS platforms also allow educators to take control of their own online courses and create, deliver, and manage them according to their needs. These platforms are most commonly used by educational institutions, and on the online courses found here are most commonly formal classroom courses.
That being said, LMS platforms aren’t just used for formal education; there are also informal training courses and corporate training programs being delivered there.
With LMS, educators and trainers can track the progress of their students.
The biggest differences
While the basic functions of both platforms are, in essence, the same, there are some major differences that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
The way they function is different, as LMS is way more comprehensive. This is because LMS platforms offer not only messaging and collaboration between users but also enable file sharing and data storage.
Still, it shouldn’t be forgotten that the main focus of eLearning platforms is on housing online courses. Also, while LMS platforms are either on-premises or hosted, eLearning platforms are almost exclusively hosted, giving them more flexibility as well as a higher degree of scalability.
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The differences in set-up and pricing
In order to use LMS platforms, you will usually be asked to access them from your organization’s network. In addition to this, the set-up is not as simple because it requires some time to prepare and set it up, as well as link it with other applications.
This is where eLearning platforms have a better advantage since these happen to be already integrated into something. The complexity of LMS platform set-ups makes them less desirable among less tech-savvy people.
Not only that, but LMSs also tend to cost significantly more as they come with a lot of different kinds of integrations. It is their diversity and power that set them apart from their competition and caused the spike in price.
If you’re looking for something more affordable, eLearning platforms are the best solution. They are designed to handle lighter content which means they offer more flexibility which, in turn, makes them significantly cheaper than LMS.
Progress tracking differences
We already mentioned progress tracking with LMS platforms, but did you know that eLearning platforms have a much different way to track progress than LMS platforms?
This is because eLearning platforms often rely on the use of tests, quizzes, questionnaires, and other kinds of assessments in order to track students’ progress. In case a learner fails one of those, they can’t access the following module or a lesson.
As a result, all of the students are putting effort into completing and understanding all of the content before moving on. LMS platforms, however, track progress through points or badges, meaning that a student can move on even if they haven’t completed the previous one.
Over the past few years, the world has changed drastically, and with it, the way we approach and understand learning. Everything and everyone went remote and long-distance.
And while people were at first afraid that such an approach to working and learning wouldn’t stick, they have been proven wrong over and over again. People thrived when allowed to set their own pace, and today, we have more options to make long-distance learning even better.
Whatever you choose, LMS or eLearning, make sure to check in with others occasionally and track your progress.
Image Credit: differences between elearning and LMS by envato.com
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