Best Learning Management Systems (LMS)
Want to grow your education LMS software with engaging features? Many of the learning management system software will agree with you and provide an excellent study experience for your students. While finding the best LMS software in the market is daunting, GoodFirms understands your dilemma. Thus, we curate a list of the best learning management systems for schools that clients can employ to enhance their LMS systems. Service-seekers can check these learning management software profiles to go through the vendor details and package pricing options and verified client reviews to aid their search efforts.
List of Best Learning Management Systems (LMS) Software with Reviews
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Dokeos LMS provides Learning Management Solutions for high-consequence industries such as pharmaceutical, healthcare, manufacturing, financial services and training centers. Our ability to customize our services to our clients needs made our success. In our service offer, we adapt to new needs and changes in business practices, such as for practical communities, informal learning, social business ... read more about Dokeos
Entry Level PriceContact vendorFree Trial30 DaysCategory Focus50% in Learning Management System (LMS) Software -
eLucid is a powerful learning management platform that covers every aspect of the training process— learning, practicing, and testing— making it a one-of-a-kind learning ecosystem. It combines a number of essential and advanced features into one user-friendly platform. eLucid is a leading learning technology platform built to enterprises worldwide with the right tools to deliver meaningful and ... read more about eLucid
Entry Level PriceContact vendorFree Trial14 DaysCategory Focus33% in Learning Management System (LMS) Software -
Flipick LMS is the best saas based Learning Management System (LMS) software for higher education, employee training and corporate training in the USA, UK, and India. Our enterprise-grade platform delivers adaptive learning and assessments, tailored to the unique needs of each user. With Flipick Corporate LMS, you have the power to customize learning experiences the way you want to. Sharply focuse ... read more about Flipick LMS
Entry Level PriceContact vendorFree TrialN/ACategory Focus100% in Learning Management System (LMS) Software -
Founded in 2013, Easy LMS is a user-friendly, intuitive and easy-to-distribute Learning Management System and a one of a kind solution for organizations. We provide a competitive Quiz solution, formal Exam solution, informative Course solution and an engaging Assessment solution with certification. All of this for very competitive pricing! With our easy-to-use tool, you can engage, train and certi ... read more about Easy LMS
Entry Level Price$50 Per MonthFree Trial7 DaysCategory Focus100% in Learning Management System (LMS) Software -
PESOFTS is a reliable platform that allows you to conduct exams online, also offline on exam conducting platform with any type of questions or test(objective, Subjective or others), high speed, high security and in a cost-effective way. It provides the best and very responsive, understandable website panel and mobile app panel, which can be a support to all desktop, android, and ios devices. We o ... read more about Pesofts
Entry Level PriceFree versionFree TrialAvailableCategory Focus30% in Learning Management System (LMS) Software -
Schoox has everything you need to train your teams, measure results, and develop the skills people need to pursue opportunities. Provide intuitive user experiences that amplify learning and development for everyone and watch your learners thrive. Schoox is a complete, intelligent, innovative Talent Development Platform and it goes far beyond simply managing your learning process. It helps employee ... read more about Schoox
Entry Level PriceContact vendorFree TrialN/ACategory Focus100% in Learning Management System (LMS) Software -
Schoolbox LMS Learning and engagement made easy for K–12 schools. A single platform to connect, communicate, and collaborate with parents, teachers, students, and your broader school community. Designed specifically to support primary and secondary education, Schoolbox is an all-in-one learning management system (LMS), community portal, and engagement platform. Encompassing 21st-century pedagogy ... read more about Schoolbox LMS
Entry Level Price$16 Per MonthFree TrialN/ACategory Focus100% in Learning Management System (LMS) Software -
Blackboard Learn
Leading in innovation in creating optimized, organic and customizable educational experiences.Blackboard Learn is a learning management system that puts the power of learning in the hands of instructors and learners. It offers a variety of features that make it easy to create and deliver engaging courses, assess learner progress, and collaborate with others. Blackboard Learn is constantly being updated with new features and improvements. Some of the latest developments include a new course ... read more about Blackboard Learn
Entry Level PriceContact vendorFree TrialN/ACategory Focus100% in Learning Management System (LMS) Software -
LearnUpon's LMS helps businesses to train their employees, partners, and customers. Our platform is built to deliver high-quality corporate learning experiences in a scalable way. Businesses can manage, track, and achieve their learning goals — all through a single, powerful solution. ... read more about LearnUpon
Entry Level Price$699 Per MonthFree TrialN/ACategory Focus34% in Learning Management System (LMS) Software -
Canvas is a cloud-based LMS software that provides a comprehensive set of tools for teaching and learning. It offers a variety of features, including course management, communication, assessment, and collaboration tools. Over 40 million users use Canvas in over 2,000 institutions around the world. Canvas is constantly being updated with new features and improvements. Some of the latest development ... read more about Canvas LMS
Entry Level PriceContact vendorFree TrialN/ACategory Focus30% in Learning Management System (LMS) Software -
GoSkills is an award-winning online learning platform that helps teams of all sizes learn, share, and grow together. Through its learning management system (LMS), teams can create, manage, and track all their training in one central place. With over 110 off-the-shelf business courses, the GoSkills course library has become the go-to training choice for thousands of businesses that want to de ... read more about GoSkills
Entry Level Price$0.00 Per YearFree TrialAvailableCategory Focus100% in Learning Management System (LMS) Software -
Innform is the trusted LMS for modern enterprises. Create and deliver high-quality online training to learners worldwide. Innform is a simple LMS to train your hospitality employees across all your properties. The software enables hospitality organizations to automate their training and learning tasks ad processes, from creating online programs and courses to distributing them to employees, and mo ... read more about Innform
Entry Level Price$1.26 Per MonthFree TrialN/ACategory Focus100% in Learning Management System (LMS) Software -
Tovuti LMS is a cloud-based LMS system that helps organizations deliver engaging and compelling learning experiences. It offers a comprehensive set of features, including making it easy to create and manage courses, with a drag-and-drop course builder and a wide range of content tools; it helps learners progress through their learning journey with learning paths, which are personalized sequences o ... read more about Tovuti
Entry Level PriceContact vendorFree TrialN/ACategory Focus50% in Learning Management System (LMS) Software -
Abara LMS is a modern, mobile-first Learning Management System for Corporates, Training and eLearning companies. Abara, which means ‘coach’ in Igbo, an African language, provides the Learning Management System domain with an innovative and intelligent approach to e-learning. Built for today’s dynamic workplace, it leverages a mobile-first approach in the HTML5 user interface, and can be acce ... read more about Abara LMS
Entry Level PriceFree versionFree TrialAvailableCategory Focus100% in Learning Management System (LMS) Software -
When designing learning programs, we recognize that everyone has different learning preferences, and any proposed solution should support multiple types of learning activities. Some of the options provided include eLearning modules, instructor-led training and blended approaches. Using best practice adult education principles and the latest eLearning development toolset, our eLearning (course) ... read more about SkillBuilder LMS
Entry Level Price$193 Per MonthFree Trial14 DaysCategory Focus30% in Learning Management System (LMS) Software -
Absorb LMS is a learning management system built to accelerate learning and drive results and focuses on all learning and development needs in one place. Absorb LMS offers several unique features that set it apart from other LMSs, including allowing instructors to personalize the learning experience for each learner by creating custom learning paths, providing personalized feedback, tracking learn ... read more about Absorb LMS
Entry Level PriceContact vendorFree TrialN/ACategory Focus34% in Learning Management System (LMS) Software -
360Learning is the best LMS software that delivers the proper training to learners faster. 360Learning's award-winning authoring tool comes with many rich editing possibilities and can be used by anyone with no technical training required. 360Learning offers several unique features that set it apart from other LMSs, including that it can be scaled to meet the needs of any organization, regardless ... read more about 360Learning
Entry Level Price$8 Per MonthFree Trial14 DaysCategory Focus70% in Learning Management System (LMS) Software -
Edvance360 is a leading provider of eLearning software and services to academic-oriented institutions. Our Internet-based Learning Management System (LMS) empowers institutions by utilizing web-based software to increase learning, share resources, and create community. The learning tools are comprehensive and easy-to-use and the embedded features uniquely support relational learning. ... read more about Edvance360
Entry Level PriceContact vendorFree Trial30 DaysCategory Focus50% in Learning Management System (LMS) Software -
D2L (Brightspace) is more than a learning management system (LMS) packed with powerful tools, customizable content, and best-in-class service and support. Brightspace leaves the limitations of a traditional LMS in the dust. Create personalized learning at scale and help learners realize their true potential with a learning innovation platform that’s evolved as purposefully as education itself. A ... read more about Brightspace
Entry Level PriceContact vendorFree Trial30 DaysCategory Focus100% in Learning Management System (LMS) Software -
DigitalChalk LMS Learning-as-a-Solution training will elevate your employee development to be the catalyst that takes your workforce AND your entire business to the next level. DigitalChalk LMS provides the functionality and expertise you need for your eLearning program. ... read more about DigitalChalk
Entry Level Price$25 Per YearFree TrialN/ACategory Focus50% in Learning Management System (LMS) Software -
Growth Engineering LMS is the world’s most engaging learning management system — by a long shot. We use a brain science-backed approach to change behavior, improve learning outcomes and smash training goals. Here at Growth Engineering, we like to do things a little differently. We focus on the end-user experience to help ensure the best possible learning outcomes. ... read more about Growth Engineering LMS
Entry Level PriceContact vendorFree TrialN/ACategory Focus100% in Learning Management System (LMS) Software -
The Agylia LMS is a powerful learning platform with mobile, social, CPD and microlearning features that delivers today's modern learning experiences. Fully mobile, Agylia makes digital learning accessible anywhere - even offline. ... read more about Agylia
Entry Level PriceContact vendorFree TrialN/ACategory Focus50% in Learning Management System (LMS) Software -
Totara Learn is a customizable and adaptable enterprise learning management system that gives organizations the tools and flexibility to shape the employee learning experience. Learn your way, upskill your people, and adapt to a changing market with a learning solution that scales and grows with your organization's needs. Totara empowers people to do their best work by combining self-directed lear ... read more about Totara Learn
Entry Level PriceContact vendorFree TrialN/ACategory Focus40% in Learning Management System (LMS) Software -
CYPHER LEARNING is a company that specializes in providing learning platforms for schools, businesses, and entrepreneurs around the world. CYPHER LEARNING has three products: NEO LMS for Schools and Universities, MATRIX LMS for Businesses, and INDIE LMS for Entrepreneurs. CYPHER LEARNING is currently the only company that offers learning management systems in all major e-learning sectors: academic ... read more about CYPHER LEARNING
Entry Level PriceContact vendorFree TrialN/ACategory Focus100% in Learning Management System (LMS) Software -
eloomi is an easy to use, intuitive learning & development platform. It allows professionals to create or import micro-learning and enhance every stage of the employee experience: Learning & Development, Performance Management, Appraisals, and Surveys. Onboard new employees, improve skills and engagement. ... read more about eloomi
Entry Level PriceContact vendorFree TrialN/ACategory Focus34% in Learning Management System (LMS) Software -
UpsideLMS is one of the most trusted Cloud-based Learning Management Systems the world over. Our AI-powered LMS, along with its user-centric UI, makes for an enriched learning journey and ample learner engagement. Relevant content suggestions, deep search results, gamification, knowledge collaboration, LMS mobile app with a conversational interface infuse fun into your training programs - anytime, ... read more about UpsideLMS
Entry Level PriceContact vendorFree Trial14 DaysCategory Focus100% in Learning Management System (LMS) Software -
Classe365 was created with a vision of a Smart Education Solution. It's the next gen cloud based Student Information System that caters to everything a school, college or university requires. A platform designed to provide a unified approach to education management, it supports educators to be more empowered, interconnected and intelligent, producing data that could used to improve the quality of ... read more about Classe365
Entry Level Price$50 Per MonthFree Trial15 DaysCategory Focus25% in Learning Management System (LMS) Software -
Sell, deliver, and track your training online. Universal solution JoomLMS makes it easy to turn your training programs into powerful revenue generators. Take advantage of JoomLMS and become a successful online course provider. Monetize your blog, provide coaching services or start your own language program online. Create courses in minutes Generate new revenue streams Build your reputation ... read more about JoomlaLMS
Entry Level PriceContact vendorFree Trial30 DaysCategory Focus50% in Learning Management System (LMS) Software -
The Meridian LMS™ provides you with the means to easily create, catalog, manage, track and report on all learning activities, including online, instructor-led, video-based courses including SCORM, AICC and xAPI compliant e-learning. Meridian LMS is leveraged by organizations dedicated to building world-class learning enterprises. Our SAAS/PAAS solution is used by over 7 million users worldwide. ... read more about Meridian LMS
Entry Level PriceContact vendorFree TrialN/ACategory Focus40% in Learning Management System (LMS) Software
Buyer’s Guide
Buyer’s Guide for Learning Management System (LMS) Software
Learning management systems (LMS) are the outcome of the paradigm shift from the closed model and instructor-centric learning sessions to an open, interactive, and learner-centric approach. The learning management systems pioneered the transition from institutional to individual-centric learning instructions. The functionalities of the learning management system to deliver learning content rapidly with centralized administration, self-service options for learners, and the scalable online platform have made it a preferred alternative for traditional classroom learning. Learning management system software, popular as LMS software, is a sought-after application suite by the corporate and education sector for skill development, training, content, and course delivery to employees, students, workers, and clients.
According to research by a leading learning management software vendor, around 77% of U.S. corporations use a learning management system to train employees.
With a plethora of LMS software available in the software market, choosing and deploying the best suitable LMS software for your training and development purposes can be confusing. This buyer's guide for Learning Management System (LMS) software intends to be a helpful resource and guidance tool for those seeking to buy and implement LMS software for their organization. This guide will assist you in selecting the best available LMS software option for your learning needs. But before we go there, let us understand what learning management systems mean and how they work.
What is a Learning Management System?
A learning management system is a program designed to create, track, and manage training modules, teaching resources, online learning content, assessment modules, and many more. It is used by organizations, subject matter experts, professionals, academicians, and trainers to deliver training or learning content to their target audience (learner). The target audience is often referred to as 'learners.' Usually, these learners are employees, students, workers, clients, external resource persons, channel partners, officials, etc.
How does an LMS work?
An LMS provides training content online and regulates the learning activity. Extension of horizons in the online training and e-learning modules led to the developing of learning management systems with an engaging interface and standardized formats.
Learning management systems are popular due to their unprecedented reach and flexibility. A learning management system is an all-rounder concept that works by taking care of the administration, reporting, documentation, e-learning, training, evaluation, and analysis of the learning process or training activity.
What is the Learning Management System (LMS) Software?
A learning management system software is a set of tools, applications, and suites designed to create learning modules, automate the learning processes, assist trainers in course management and administration, and provide a collaborative workspace for data-driven learning. It comes with features such as course building, web-conferencing, assessment tools, gamification, social media integration, and many more to help the companies, instructors, and trainers to instruct and train their learners effectively and in an engaging way.
What are the reasons you need an LMS software?
The major reasons you will need a learning management system software for your company are rooted in the fact that current market dynamics are changing rapidly. In present times, business and academic environments around the world have seen increased adoption of digital learning, e-learning in the corporates and academics, inclination towards (BYOD) Bring Your Own Device policy, initiatives towards training and development, Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered personalized learning, enterprise mobility, and Machine Learning (ML). Companies know that trained employees can bring a greater return on investment and significantly increase your business's productivity. Professionals can improve their qualifications and skills by enrolling in new courses and adding more value to their profession.
Companies need LMS software to create a content database in one place, accessible by all employees with a simple login. Your company needs LMS software to track employees' learning progress and timely completion, of course. With the LMS software, companies can reduce training and development costs and ensure that all employees are getting uniform content irrespective of their location. With LMS software in hand, it is easy for businesses to handle the documentation, regulatory compliance, administration, content, and learning progress of employees. It is also easy to modify and update the course with LMS software.
What are the different types of LMS Software?
SaaS-Based
SaaS (Software as a Service) based LMS software can be on-premise software installed on your local servers or a cloud-based or web-based service provided by the vendor.
Open Source:
Open-source learning management software lets users access codes and configure and reprogram them to address their needs.
Cloud-based or Web-based
Cloud-based or web-hosted LMS is hosted on the cloud server or online servers and is accessible online by administrators./p>
On-premise
An on-premise learning management system software is installed on your internal local servers, and your own IT personnel look after the updates and maintenance.
What is the right time to invest in LMS software?
When traditional board training is not bringing in results
When the number of employees increases, it is no longer possible to stick to the traditional classroom sessions for training employees. In such situations, existing learning systems have to be either upgraded or a new mode of learning system has to be introduced. So, whenever the traditional modes of imparting training and learning fail to bring the desired results, then it's advisable to shift to a new Learning management system.
Employee or learner’s disinterest in the course:
The newer interactive learning concepts such as MOOCs (Massive open online courses) came into existence to provide highly engaging content and soon became popular as a new addition to corporate learning strategy. Most of the MOOCs run on the LMS platform. Most of these courses enjoy a higher rate of completion, learner engagement, and positive learner feedback. So, companies should deploy LMS software if their learners show disinterest in the traditional learning program.
When employees are not accessible simultaneously:
Hotter Comfort Concept Shoes, UK, had 76 outlets spread across the UK. With such a massive staff spread, the company needed an identical training module at every location to train the retail staff. It was not possible to get all the staff at one place from the stores located at different places for training sessions. Therefore, they deployed LMS software to train the staff.
When employees/Clients/associates demand flexibility to learn:
Pennsylvania Automotive Association (PAA) caters to over 1000 car and truck dealers and provides training to their employees to make them comply with legislative requirements, meet safety regulations, etc. However, the dealers were unwilling to let their employees leave dealerships to attend the sessions as this would create a scarcity of office staff. They objected to the inconvenience and demanded flexibility. PAA deployed LMS software to train employees spread across Pennsylvania.
When the best trainer is not accessible physically:
Sometimes you need the best trainer in a particular field, and you want all your employees to be trained by him or her only. If you have employees located in different geographic locations, then it may not always be feasible for the instructor to visit each place physically. In such a case, LMS software can solve the issue. You can deploy LMS software to train your staff on a digital platform.
What is the Industry-wise requirements of LMS Software?
Corporate companies
The corporate world has always been more receptive to technological advancements. They act swiftly with the need of the hour. Today, the corporate world utilizes LMS software for employee training and development, employee engagement, and employee training assessments.
Education
The increased usage and adoption of mobile devices by students have brought a significant change in the educational field. Schools, colleges, and universities cannot deny that students use mobile devices to search for information and download learning material. The only issue is the curation of the information that students access. Knowing the need of the time, schools, universities, professors, and academicians now use LMS to record and deliver lectures, and sessions, design MOOCs (Massive open online courses), supplement material for hybrid or blended learning, etc.
Fitness Companies
Fitness brands are driving growth by using LMS software to train their Gym instructors in the latest fitness routines. Gyms with multiple branches use LMS software to enable their trainers to share information and ideas with each other.
Medical
Today medical practitioners use LMS software for internetworking with experts around the globe. Medical practitioners working in other countries use it to do culture-sensitive courses. Doctors serving in multi-ethnic groups do courses to understand the protocols to be followed while treating patients, especially female patients of different cultures. LMS is also used to maintain an information hub for medical practitioners or to train patient support representatives.
Franchises
It is essential for a franchise to maintain the same standard of service across all units. Franchises use LMS software to train staff and maintain uniformity in their business.
Companies that specialize in Staffing and Training
Companies specializing in staffing and training use LMS software to train the staff of their client companies. It also helps them to ensure learning is engaging and effective with digitized content.
What are the Current Trends in Learning Management and the role of LMS software in it?
Blended Learning
Blended learning is quite popular in the modern training world. Blended learning is the union of traditional instructor-led training and online e-learning. Blended learning capitalizes on both traditional learning and e-learning to provide a robust and engaging experience to learners. LMS software provides a platform for blended learning where learners can log into LMS and attend a live session delivered by the instructor. Learners can ask the instructor questions, give feedback, and discuss content with fellow learners. The instructor can use tools such as a whiteboard, class polling, charts, etc., to provide an actual classroom experience to the learners. It is a virtual classroom session that can be recorded for replay or for the learners who were unable to attend the live session. Instructors can give online assessment tests to learners and evaluate them online.
Gamification
The most crucial aspect of training is to keep the learner engaged and attentive. It won't take long for the boredom to creep in if the course is monotonous. Gamification has established itself as a new method of instruction and training. It is fun, rewarding, and challenging. LMS software assists in keeping scores, awarding visual badges, unlocking game levels, and monitoring game learning. Adobe created a 'LevelUp for Photoshop' gamification to teach its users to use the free trial version of Adobe Photoshop. It brought four times more conversions from free trials to paid ones.
Learner Centric Approach
The modern approach to training is learner-centric. Learner's progress is one of the core metrics on which the success of a training program is evaluated. In a learner-centric approach, the focus is on the learner's responsiveness and satisfaction. Collaboration and interaction with fellow learners are essential attributes of learner-centered course design. An LMS software has features to design a learner-centric course, and based on the learner's feedback, it can be easily modified by the instructor.
Mooc Integrations
With prestigious universities offering MOOCs, there is a radical shift of importance from institutions to the learners. MOOCs are the latest addition to teaching advancement and learning methodology. MOOC is an online course that runs smoothly if an LMS platform is used to deliver MOOCs. LMS software has tools and features that make MOOCs highly efficient and engaging.
Video-based Interactive learning
The future of content is 'Video.' Audio-visual content is the best strategy when it comes to corporate training. Trainers are relying more and more on videos to engage learners and keep them interested in the content. LMS software has features that make it easy to create interactive videos for learners.
Micro-learning
The concept of micro-learning emerged to cater to the present-day busy and savvy information consumer. Micro-learning refers to the learners grasping short, authentic, eye-catching, and engaging information. Mostly the content used in micro-learning is in the form of infographics and videos. LMS is used to compile and manage these 'bite-sized pieces' of information.
Peer Interaction
In both instructor-led training and e-learning, the present trend is to make sure that there is maximum interaction between fellow learners and between the instructor and the learners. Learners can use LMS software tools to collaborate and discuss research and findings.
Social media integration
Today, social media has become a part of the work culture of many organizations. Learners utilize social media tools to make learning more engaging and fun for them. Sharing informative blogs, video content, and podcasts using social media and aligning the course with social media learning tools and analytics increases learners' engagement and participation.
What are the Functions and Features to look before buying an LMS software?
Course Creation
An important feature that one should look at in an LMS software is its ability to design and create courses. This feature can distribute and update the course as required.
Administration
Administrative features to automate course enrollment and notifications, define user roles, provide access control to the dashboard, and track activities are all available on a single panel.
Learner Portal
The learning portal of LMS software lets the learners login and manage their courses, assignments, discussion forums, etc. This section also provides them with the details of their progress rate and course completion reports.
Mobile Learning
Mobile learning support is an important feature that one should look for in an LMS software. As most of the learners use mobile phones to read the content, the LMS needs to work flawlessly on mobile devices.
SCORM Compliance
SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) is an internationally accepted standard for e-learning. An LMS software should be SCORM compatible.
Data Collection Tools
It should have data collection tools to assist the learners in collecting, segregating, and analyzing data.
Certification Management
This feature allows you to create relevant certificate-yielding programs and courses.
Customization
The user interface, themes, layouts, and profile settings can be customized using this option.
Gamification
LMS should have pre-installed gamification tools such as badges, leaderboards, points, etc.
Reporting
Learning statistics and analytics provide an in-depth understanding of course gaps.
Branding Tools
LMS software that allows you to customize a logo, color scheme, etc., to suit your brand's image and marketing needs is preferable.
Scalability
Learning management software comes with a scalable structure. As your employee or learner base increases, you can expand the software to accommodate more learners.
AI-powered
LMS software uses artificial intelligence-powered technology to produce deeper personalization and automated experience.
Social Media Integration:
LMS software should be able to integrate with social media tools to provide an engaging experience to the learners.
Data Migration
LMS should be able to gather data of all formats from old LMS software and move it to the current drive.
Customer support
Technical assistance should be prompt and easy to access.
What are the advantages of using Learning management software?
Empowerment
The system can empower the learners and support them in gaining career progression. A sales executive can train herself to become a sales manager. A marketing manager can train himself to gain a leadership position.
Easy Curriculum management
The training content can be polished with the help of LMS software, and it fills the critical gaps in content to provide a seamless curriculum.
Easy delivery at multiple levels and in various formats
A learning module can be divided into phases and can be delivered in various formats such as quizzes, audio lectures, video lectures, forum discussions, etc
No Geographic constraints
An LMS can be accessed from anywhere and anytime. Learners need not be physically present at a particular venue or classroom to attend a lecture. They can access the learning content on their devices anytime and complete the sessions.
Increased learner interaction
LMS software has tools to improve the communication and interaction of the learner with the trainer and also with the peer group. Real-time messaging, emails, video-conferencing, peer-to-peer discussion forums, announcement posts, and more significant interaction is assured.
Easy Collaboration
With resource-sharing tools of online learning management systems, the trainer can share modules, projects, worksheets, etc., to let the learner group join together as a community or team to collaborate on projects.
Easy tracking of learner's progress
The trainer or course instructor can track the course completion status, learner’s hitherto progress, and assimilation points easily with the help of the LMS software.
How to evaluate and select the right LMS software for you?
The focus of learning management software is now on the learning experience. Software vendors are offering niche products to help businesses reach their learning goals. Amidst multiple equally appealing and lucrative options, businesses will likely get confused when selecting the best one for their needs. Businesses must identify requirements and evaluate vendors before making the purchase decision. Any wrong selection can be disruptive to their business.
Below are some steps that businesses are advised to follow:
- Your learner's skills, qualifications, age factor, tech-savvyness, learning goals, demographics, etc., are important factors that need to be taken into consideration to set the requirements of the right LMS software for your business.
- Once you know what you need, relate the same to vendors and ask for price quotations. The vendors offering the lowest pricing should be considered first for trial and demo sessions.
- During the trial period, ask as many questions as possible to understand the features thoroughly; this exercise will also help you know the vendor's grasp of the system. You can also ask your vendor to demonstrate how their product will resolve a particular problem that you are facing.
- Remember the strategic, operational, and technical requirements and learner's goals and see which learning management software is compatible with handling all your requirements.
What are the Essential Things to keep in mind (Checklist) before buying LMS software?
1. Does your LMS software provide these four reports?
Completion rate and progress
An essential report generated by learning software is regarding the rate of course completion and the current progress of the learner. Check whether it is provided by the LMS software that you are evaluating to buy.
Feedback Report
The instructor should receive learner feedback after every module of the course is completed. Based on the input, an instructor can decide if the course needs to be modified or not.
Assessment Reports
Assessment reports are generated when the learners complete some assignments. The assignment can be in the form of a quiz, open-ended questions, writing tasks, etc. When learners complete the assignment, the LMS software will evaluate and generate an assessment report.
Certificates of Completion
Once the course is complete and the learner has submitted his/her all assignments, they should get a certificate of completion.
2. Does your LMS Vendor fulfill the below criteria?
Customer Support
Robust customer support is important to get you through the downtime or when your software is caught in glitches.
Customer reviews
Always check the reviews of users on verified sites before investing in learning software. Software that has garnered positive reviews should be your first choice.
Industry Experience
The vendor's service history is an aspect that one can check to analyze the vendor's experience in the field. With time, most of the vendors have gotten rid of all the major and minor errors and are now in a position to provide flawless services and improved products.
Free Trials and Demo
Go for a free trial and demo before you actually put your money in any system. A vendor that denies providing a full-featured free trial or demo should not make it onto your list.
3. Does the software fall under your budget?
Cost of the software
Cost is an important criterion when investing in LMS software. Adherence to your budget and buying affordable software best suits your needs is preferable.
Return on investment
Calculate the return on investment by comparing the costs v/s the expected monetary benefits. One can also consider intangible benefits by assigning them a monetary value. The ROI should always exceed the costs.
Hidden fees
Some vendors provide you with a monthly subscription, but there may be other hidden costs such as hardware costs, installation costs, registration costs, agreement costs, etc. These costs may increase your budget drastically.
Subscription model v/s License buy
If it is a subscription model, then you have to pay monthly, half-yearly, or annually depending on what plan you choose. But if it is a license model, you have to pay a one-time fee to buy a license for a fixed duration or lifetime, depending upon the vendor's policies.
What are the Average Costs for buying LMS software?
The costs of LMS software depend on a large number of factors, such as:
- Functions and features it offers
- Whether it is a SaaS-based, on-premise software, open source21 or cloud-based
- Number of admins/ users/learners it accommodates
- Quality of service offered
- The user interface and learner experience it offers
An advanced LMS such as Skyprep will cost you around $349 for 100 learners and $749 for 500 learners per month, whereas ispringsolutions LMS will cost you only $366 for 100 users and $1410 for 500 users per month. A learning management system such as Proprofs will cost you $100 for 100 users for the essential plan and $200 for 100 users per month for a premium plan. LearnUpon will cost you around $1699 for a premium plan for 500 users per month.
On average, a full-featured and custom Learning management system software costs around $2 per month per user. The costs, however, decrease if you have more employees on board. There are also some free learning management systems available in the market. These free LMS systems can be utilized if you require limited features. You can also use free and open source learning management system software such as Moodle with an accessible and open ‘source code’ as a stand-alone solution for your needs.
What is the Future of companies opting for LMS software?
From classroom learning to PC-based learning and then digital learning and e-learning, the corporate training world has revolutionized in the past decades. Economic changes and technological advancements led to the explosion in the LMS market. With the addition of blended learning, micro-learning, Virtual reality-based learning, etc., the LMS software reached its full potential. With employees valuing training and development as an essential perk for their growth, the corporates understood the need to spend substantial money on learning and development.
Research has shown the benefits of improved productivity, decreased employee attrition, increased revenues, and employee satisfaction after deploying LMS software. The global LMS software market is expected to reach USD 22.4 billion by 2023 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 19.6% during the forecast period. This shows how LMS software is a massive industry and how popular it has become in corporate training. With all the benefits and advantages discussed in this buyer's guide, it is clear that companies investing in LMS software are bound to have a great future and significant leverage over their competitors who refrain from this compelling technology.
Why to refer to GoodFirms' list of top LMS software?
GoodFirms helps you know the authenticity and accuracy of the software categorization. GoodFirms researches, categorizes, and lists the top software based on its merits, features, costs, customer support, and usability. GoodFirms meticulously analyzes and regularly updates a vast database of over 9000 software services. The verified users further review all software included in the final list. This makes the GoodFirms’ software list highly reliable and trustworthy. Businesses and academic professionals looking for the best learning management system software are advised to apply filters based on deployment criteria, pricing models, available support, devices supported, etc., to find the LMS software that best suits their needs.
Learning Management Systems (LMS) Comparison: Blackboard Learn, Cornerstone Learning, Docebo, Adobe Captivate, and Talent LMS
Feature | Blackboard Learn | Cornerstone Learning | Docebo | Adobe Captivate | Talent LMS |
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Company Background | Blackboard Learn is developed by Blackboard Inc., a leading educational technology company founded in 1997. | Cornerstone OnDemand, Inc., a global talent management software company, develops Cornerstone Learning. | Docebo is developed by Docebo Inc., a cloud-based learning management system provider founded in 2005. | Adobe Captivate is developed by Adobe Inc., a leading software company known for its creative solutions. | Talent LMS was developed by Epignosis LLC, a software company that has been focusing on e-learning solutions since 2012. |
Target Audience | Educational institutions, businesses of all sizes | Large enterprises focus on corporate training | Businesses of all sizes | Individual course creators, eLearning professionals | Businesses of all sizes |
Pricing | Paid plans | Paid plans | Paid plans | Paid plans | Paid plans |
Focus | Comprehensive LMS for delivering and managing online courses | Enterprise LMS with talent management features | Learner-centric LMS with social and gamification elements | eLearning authoring tool for creating interactive courses | Cloud-based LMS with a focus on user experience |
Strengths | Scalable, robust features for managing learning content and users | Powerful learning paths, social learning features, analytics | User-friendly interface, mobile learning capabilities, strong integrations | Powerful authoring tools for creating high-quality, interactive courses | Easy to use, affordable, focus on user experience |
Weaknesses | Can be complex to set up and manage, expensive for small businesses | Expensive, requires significant IT resources | May lack advanced features compared to enterprise LMS | Not an LMS platform, focuses on course creation | Limited features compared to enterprise LMS options |
Best for | Educational institutions and businesses need a comprehensive LMS with robust features | Large enterprises with complex training needs | Businesses seeking a user-friendly and social learning platform | Creating high-quality, interactive eLearning courses | Businesses seeking an affordable and user-friendly LMS |
Integration | Integrates with various learning tools, student information systems (SIS), library systems, video conferencing platforms, and third-party applications. | Integrates with HR systems, talent management software, applicant tracking systems, performance management tools, and other HR software. | Integrates with HRIS, CRM, CMS, webinar platforms, ecommerce systems, HR tools, and other business applications through APIs and connectors. | Integrates with Adobe Creative Cloud, SCORM-compliant authoring tools, learning management systems (LMS), and third-party platforms. | Integrates with HR systems, CRM software, video conferencing platforms, ecommerce systems, and other business applications through APIs and connectors. |
GoodFirms Notes: | Blackboard Learn is an established LMS platform with robust features for managing learning content and users. | Cornerstone Learning is an established LMS platform with robust features for managing learning content and users. | Docebo offers a user-friendly interface and social learning features, which are ideal for businesses seeking an engaging learning experience. | Adobe Captivate is not an LMS but a powerful tool for creating eLearning courses that can be integrated with various LMS platforms. | Talent LMS is a cloud-based LMS focusing on user experience, offering a good balance of features and affordability for businesses of all sizes. |