Those new to the world of eLearning may think the difference between an LMS and an LCMS is a single letter. Indeed, LMS stands for learning management system, while LCMS refers to a learning content management system: but that little difference – the powerful word “content” – represents a world of difference so a learning content management system comparison is extremely important.
Confused? Don’t be – so let’s spell out whether an LMS or an LCMS is right for your business.
First up: What’s the difference, anyway?
Firstly, the LMS is highly popular, and that’s no surprise given the power of eLearning software platforms that have delivered businesses and other organisations hitherto unparalleled capacity to deliver and track training courses. In widespread use across educational and corporate training settings, the LMS allows organisations to roll out customised training and learning content and then track the results.
And in many ways, the LCMS is similar – and yet distinct. The biggest difference? It’s all in that C for ‘content’, putting extraordinary control into the hands of those in charge of their eLearning programs not only to manage the programs’ content but also to author it. In that way, the LMS – and its lack of that missing ‘C’ – stands in stark contrast.
The LCMS began its climb to ascendancy as organisations got more and more control of their custom training programs – and moved to squeeze every last dollar out of those training dollars. The secret to that evolved power was, indeed, the fact that the content really must stand apart from the presentation. The result is that learning content can now be exactly what each individual organisation needs it to be, no matter the system, the device, or the intended learning experience. LCMS, therefore, revolutionised eLearning and is regarded as a formidable tool to add to any training strategy – even if investments in LMS systems have already been made.
Turn your organisation into an eLearning creator
So while an LMS delivers learning content, an LCMS presides over it as your organisation takes full control of the creation, storage and organisation of the exact learning programs you need – whatever they are.
If the LMS allows organisations to roll out courses for mass audiences, the LCMS turns that organisation into an eLearning content creator that can tailor programs down to the individual. Those creators can then collaborate with peers, publish in a myriad of formats, and keep honing and perfecting the program depending on the need or the mood of the moment. Design templates can be used, content can be imported and modified, and the publishing of the course rolled out for the desired output and a multitude of devices. The cherry on the top is highly advanced features in analytics and reporting so that while an existing LMS is a solid place to start, the LCMS really brings an organisation’s eLearning potential to life.
The final word: Always ask an expert
Finally, while an LMS versus LCMS learning content management system comparison is crucial, it’s simply a fact that every single organisation is different – and so what your organisation needs is definitely not a binary choice. There are similarities, there are key differences, but the final choice should always be made with the guidance of those who specialise in the field – so tap up your eLearning guru today for direction as your organisation powers up the mighty potential of eLearning.