A learning management system is designed not only to store and deliver learning content but also to manage learner-related information and organizational learning activity. It can maintain enrollment records, completion status, assessment results, certifications, compliance information, and other employee learning records that can support organizational and human-resources reporting.
A general content management system primarily manages digital content-creating, storing, organizing, publishing, and maintaining information. Both types of systems may provide content storage and delivery, and both may allow users to access content. Those capabilities therefore do not clearly distinguish the LMS.
The key differentiator represented in the choices is the LMS's ability to associate learning activities and outcomes with individual employees and generate reports from that information. Such reporting may help HR and talent development monitor required training, qualification status, learning histories, completion rates, and development activity.
For TD professionals, understanding differences among learning technologies is important when defining system requirements. An LMS primarily manages learners and learning processes, while other systems may specialize in content creation, knowledge repositories, learning records, or performance support.
Study Guide Topics: Technology Application; learning management systems; content management systems; learner records; reporting.