What is an LMS (Learning Management System)?

LMS stands for Learning Management System — a software platform for creating, delivering, tracking, and managing training and educational programs. Many organizations use LMS platforms to upskill employees, onboard new hires, maintain compliance, and provide customer training.

Learning	Management	System
Empowers users to access courses anytime, interact with engaging tools, and explore diverse media formats tailored to their learning preferences and goals.	Streamlines course and learner management with features like automated enrollment, progress tracking, and reporting, saving time for administrators.	A centralized platform for delivering training content online or offline, with seamless integration options for other tools and applications.

Free, open-source learning systems like Moodle and Open edX are often described as "unbundled" solutions. They come with no pre-loaded learning content and provide only basic functionality out of the box, such as:

• Course creation and delivery 
• Progress tracking with reporting and analytics
• Course enrollment, notifications, and recommendations

While these platforms are cost-effective, adding features or customizations often requires plugins, integrations, or technical expertise. In contrast, fully integrated solutions like GoSkills LMS simplify processes and remove technical barriers.

Types of LMS platforms

There are many types of learning platforms available. The best choice will depend on the specific needs of administrators, like HR managers, learners, employees, or students. Some examples are shown below.

LMS type	Description	GoSkills	Other examples
Cloud-based LMS	Hosted in the cloud, accessible anywhere, and maintained by the vendor	✓	Google Classroom, Absorb LMS
White-label LMS	Can be fully customized with your branding and logo, making it appear as your own proprietary platform	✓	AcademyOcean, Northpass
Corporate LMS	Designed for businesses to train employees, partners, and customers	✓	SAP Litmos, Cornerstone
AI-powered LMS	Leverages artificial intelligence to build courses, personalize training plans, and optimize experiences	✓	Learnosity, Brightspace
Gamified LMS	Uses game mechanics like badges, leaderboards, and rewards to enhance engagement	✓	Kahoot, Growth Engineering LMS
Integrated LMS	Connects with other tools like HR systems, CRMs, or productivity software	✓	Workday Learning, Salesforce LMS
Mobile-first LMS	Focused on mobile learning with responsive design to optimize the user experience on any device	✓	EdApp, LearnUpon
White-label LMS	Can be customized to reflect the organization's branding and other customizations	✓	LearnDash, Docebo
Academic LMS	Built for managing coursework, grading, and student progress in educational institutions	-	Canvas, Schoology
Industry-specific LMS	Tailored to meet specific industry compliance and training needs	-	Healthcare LMS
Open-source LMS	Free and customizable, but requires technical expertise for setup and maintenance	-	Moodle, Open edX
Self-hosted LMS	Installed on local servers, offering high customization and data control	-	Blackboard, Totara

Some platforms fall into multiple categories and offer broad functionality. For example, GoSkills qualifies as a cloud-based, corporate, white-label, and AI-powered LMS, making it suitable for diverse organizational needs.

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Why do companies use learning management systems?

Large corporations like Amazon, Walmart, and Target are investing billions to upskill their workforces. They leverage learning platforms to address both organizational and employee challenges. Reasons for investing in LMSs can be summarized as follows:

An LMS offers organizations tangible advantages that go beyond fostering employee motivation and morale. Learning platforms also save time and money by streamlining training and education processes.

Organizational advantages

Employees and learners can access training at their convenience, eliminating the need for travel or in-person sessions. This significantly reduces costs related to live instruction, printed materials, and venue rentals.

By delivering structured, scalable, and efficient training solutions, an LMS helps organizations improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and meet diverse learning needs effectively.

Additional benefits of business training platforms include:

• Tracking progress and performance: Administrators can monitor learner performance and track progress with ease.
• Expanded accessibility: Elearning content is accessible anytime, anywhere, removing geographic barriers.
• Customized learning experiences: Allow for personalized training and course content tailored to individual needs.
• Efficient content updates: Courses and materials can be updated quickly, ensuring content stays relevant and accurate.
• Consistent training delivery: Training materials are distributed uniformly across the organization, ensuring consistency.
• Automation of administrative tasks: Tasks like enrollment, certification, and reminders are automated, reducing manual effort.
• Centralized data management: All learning materials and user data are organized in one location, simplifying updates and maintenance.
• Enhanced security: Features like encryption protect sensitive data and ensure content remains secure.

Workplace learning benefits for employees

An LMS doesn’t just benefit organizations; it also provides significant advantages for learners. In an era of mass layoffs and economic uncertainty, employees offered training opportunities often feel more included in their company’s long-term plans.

A sense of inclusion fosters motivation and engagement, while the skills they gain can enhance their careers and improve their employability.

Some platforms, such as GoSkills and Articulate 360 offer both course authoring tools for instructors and pre-built professional courses for learners. This dual functionality allows users to either create online course content or upskill at their own pace with ready-made courses in areas like leadership, technical skills, or personal development.

Access to learning software not only lifts employee morale but also strengthens their commitment to organizational goals. Additional benefits for learners include:

• Personalized learning paths: Tailored training that aligns with individual career goals
• Flexibility: On-demand access to training, enabling learners to balance work and personal responsibilities
• Professional growth: Opportunities to upskill and enhance career prospects, improving long-term employability
• Increased motivation: Feeling included in organizational plans fosters commitment and a sense of purpose
• Accessible expert content: Platforms like GoSkills and LinkedIn Learning offer high-quality, pre-built courses for immediate learning opportunities

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Commercial LMS features

An LMS is designed to streamline training and development efforts by incorporating tools and technologies that cater to diverse organizational needs. While features vary between platforms, many modern LMS options share key functionalities. 

Function	LMS Features
Training management	Content delivery	Customization
	Enable easy upload and organization of materials, including PDFs, videos, audio, slides, and SCORM/xAPI-compliant files	Tools for creating targeted courses tailored to different departments, teams, or roles
User management	Role permissions	Group management
	Flexible role assignments, enabling administrators to define access levels for various user types	Automatically segment users based on roles, location, or milestones to streamline training efforts
Tracking, reporting, and analytics	Dashboards	Exportable reports
	Provide visual insights into learner progress, course completion rates, and knowledge gaps	Automate report generation and schedule updates for administrators or stakeholders
Assessment and certification	Exams and quizzes	Certification tracking
	Create engaging assessments with automated grading and feedback	Automatically issue and renew certificates upon course completion, with alerts for recertification requirements
Communication and collaboration	Social learning	Webinar integration
	Encourage interaction through forums, chat tools, and peer-to-peer collaboration	Seamlessly connect with platforms like Zoom, Teams, and Webex for live training sessions
Gamification	Built-in motivational tools	Goal-setting
	Incorporate leaderboards, badges, and point systems to boost learner engagement	Allow learners to set personal goals in the form of daily streaks and minimum learning times
Personalization	Learning paths	AI recommendations
	Offer structured or flexible plans to guide learners through sequential or self-selected courses	Suggest courses based on past performance, user preferences, or skill gaps
Automation	Enrollment and notifications	Dynamic rules
	Automatically assign courses and send reminders to learners	Configure triggers for certifications, course assignments, or group management
Accessibility	Mobile compatibility	Offline access
	Ensure responsive design for access across smartphones, tablets, and desktops	Allow content downloads for learning or practice without internet connectivity
Integration	Third-party tools	Single sign-on (SSO)
	Sync with HR systems, CRM platforms, and analytics tools for a cohesive learning ecosystem	Streamline access by enabling users to log in through a single authentication point
Branding and customization	White-labeling	Brand identity
	Remove vendor branding to create a fully customized experience	Incorporate company logos, colors, and themes to maintain consistency with your corporate image
Security and compliance	Data protection	Reliable uptime
	Ensure adherence to privacy standards like GDPR, SOC 2, or ISO 27001	Guarantee seamless user access with minimal service disruptions

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Enterprise learning platform use cases across industries

Many successful learning platforms carve out specialized niches to serve the needs of specific institutions or organizations. Common applications include:

• Corporate development: For onboarding, professional development, and compliance training
• Academic education: To manage course materials, host virtual classrooms, and support elearning initiatives
• Government training: For public sector employee education, regulatory compliance, and community programs
• Customer and partner training: To educate customers on product usage and improve partner collaboration
• Certification and skill development: Helping professionals earn certifications and advance job-specific skills
• Remote and blended learning: Enabling flexible access to training content through live or self-paced sessions

This adaptability makes the LMS an essential resource in today’s learning and development landscape.

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LMS solution potential downsides

While learning management systems offer numerous benefits, they also come with some challenges:

1. LMS study requires self-discipline

Unlike traditional in-person training, where teachers or supervisors may enforce deadlines and ensure accountability, online training often requires learners to be self-motivated. In a self-paced learning environment, individuals with poor time management or low self-discipline may struggle, potentially limiting the effectiveness of the training.

Solution: If built-in LMS features like check-ins or reminders fall short, organizations may need to implement extra support. Scheduled follow-ups or mentorship programs can help ensure learners stay on track.

2. Employees may experience tech overload

In today's digital age, the average person consumes around 20GB of data daily, a number expected to grow exponentially with the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT). Employees already manage multiple tools, including collaboration platforms like Microsoft Teams and Slack and analytical tools like Tableau and Power BI. If not carefully managed, Adding LMS training to this mix can lead to digital fatigue or overwhelm.

Solution: To mitigate tech burnout, organizations should prioritize user-friendly learning software and adopt features like bite-sized learning modules to reduce cognitive overload.

3. The need for oversight can create administrative complexity 

No business LMS is entirely "set it and forget it." These systems require consistent human oversight to maintain engagement and ensure operational efficiency. To prevent user disengagement and system stagnation, tasks such as updating content, tracking user progress, and responding to feedback are essential.

Solution: Organizations should allocate dedicated personnel to manage the platform. A skilled administrator can monitor usage, adapt to changing trends, and maintain user engagement as both social dynamics and LMS/LXP capabilities evolve.

4. Leaders may struggle with content creation

Transitioning from traditional teaching methods to digital content creation poses unique challenges. Even the most charismatic educators may struggle to design engaging online materials that resonate with learners.

The rise of AI-driven authoring tools is reshaping content development, making it faster and more accessible. However, careful oversight is required to maintain quality. Experts anticipate that the demand for high-quality, engaging course material will outpace the development of new LMS software features. Organizations that prioritize content excellence will be better positioned to meet evolving learner expectations and stand out in the competitive digital learning space.

Solution: This socio-technological shift demands a new skill set: the ideal LMS course creator combines instructional design expertise with the creativity and adaptability of a modern-day content creator or streamer.

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Learn more: How to prompt-engineer using an AI elearning authoring tool

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The shift from learning management to learning experience

To combat tech burnout and improve learner engagement, agile training platforms are evolving from traditional learning management systems to Learning Experience Platforms (LXPs). While an LMS focuses on content delivery and administration, an LXP puts the learner at the center of the experience. This addresses the challenges of digital fatigue with innovative, user-friendly features.

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Learn more: What is a learning experience platform?

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Platforms like GoSkills are at the forefront of this shift, offering tools designed to make learning more accessible and enjoyable:

• Bite-sized courses: Short lessons that minimize cognitive overload
• Gamification: Badges, leaderboards, and rewards to keep learners motivated
• Interactive tools: Videos, quizzes, and simulations to make learning engaging
• Social learning: Feedback to encourage collaboration
• Personalized training plans: Tailored content recommendations that align with learner goals

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LMSs and learner engagement

Learning platforms with corporate experience rely on user metrics and customer feedback to improve engagement. By leveraging insights from HR departments, GoSkills developers adapt to shifting learner needs and changing workplace conditions.

There’s no fixed playbook for boosting engagement — learner preferences and workplace demands evolve. It's real-world user data, gathered over the years, that drives the transformation from LMS to LXP. This is how online learning programs remain relevant and effective in an ever-changing business landscape.

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How to choose the right training platform 

Selecting the right LMS is a critical decision that can significantly impact the success of your training and educational programs. To make an informed choice, follow these steps:

1. Identify your training needs

Start by understanding your specific training goals and audience:

• Are you training employees, onboarding new hires, or educating customers?
• Do you need features for compliance tracking, certification, or gamification?
• Is your focus on internal staff, external partners, or both?

Clearly defining your requirements ensures you choose a platform that meets your organization's objectives. For example, a business LMS may prioritize compliance features, while an academic LMS focuses on student progress and grading.

2. Evaluate LMS features

Look for an LMS with tools that align with your learning objectives:

• Mobile access: Ensure the platform supports training on mobile devices for on-the-go learning
• Content integration: Check if the LMS integrates with existing tools
• Analytics and reporting: Robust analytics can help track progress and measure training effectiveness
• Engagement tools: Features like gamification, interactive quizzes, and multimedia content can enhance learner motivation

GoSkills offers pre-built courses alongside course authoring tools, adding versatility to your training programs.

3. Compare LMS pricing models

Everyone wants an affordable LMS platform. Learning management systems offer various pricing options, including:

• Subscription models: Ideal for organizations looking for scalability and regular updates
• Licensing: Suitable for businesses that want to host their LMS on internal servers
• Open-source options: Free platforms like Moodle or Open edX can reduce costs but require technical expertise for setup and maintenance

Assess your budget and weigh the costs against the features and support provided by each option.

4. Request a demo or free trial

Testing the platform is essential before making a commitment:

• Explore the user interface to ensure it’s intuitive for both administrators and learners
• Test key features like reporting, course authoring, and mobile accessibility
• Gather feedback from a small group of end users to gauge ease of use and functionality

A free trial can help you identify potential issues and ensure the platform aligns with your organization's expectations. Some platforms even have a free-forever version.

5. Consider scalability and support

As your organization grows, so will your training needs:

• Look for an LMS that can scale with your user base and support new features or integrations
• Evaluate the vendor’s customer support options, including live chat, documentation, and technical assistance

6. Assess security and compliance

Ensure the platform meets your organization’s data protection requirements:

• Does it offer encryption for sensitive data? Is the platform compliant with regulations like GDPR or HIPAA?

By carefully considering these factors, you can select an LMS that meets your current needs and drives measurable improvements. These include increased employee productivity, higher course completion rates, and a more skilled and adaptable workforce.

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Example: GoSkills vs. LinkedIn Learning

Here’s a walkthrough of the “how to choose an LMS” steps, using GoSkills and LinkedIn Learning as examples. As you’ll see, the right LMS choice depends on the needs of the end users.

LinkedIn Learning offers an extensive library of courses, making it an excellent choice for individuals looking to upskill in areas like business, technology, and creative skills. Its integration with LinkedIn profiles provides added value, allowing learners to showcase completed certifications directly on their professional profiles.

GoSkills LMS, on the other hand, focuses on customizable features designed to meet the unique needs of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). With tools for course authoring, gamification, and reporting, GoSkills empowers businesses to create tailored learning experiences that align with their specific training objectives.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the two platforms:

Feature	GoSkills LMS	LinkedIn Learning
Number of courses	120+ curated courses	20,000+ courses
Target audience	SMBs, corporate teams	Individual learners, professionals
Gamification	Yes	Limited
AI-powered authoring tools	Yes	No
Pre-built course library	Yes	Yes
Course customization	High	None
Reporting and analytics	Advanced	Basic
Pricing model	Subscription-based, SMB-friendly	Subscription-based, individual-focused
Learning paths	Customizable	Pre-defined

Which platform should you choose?

Choose LinkedIn Learning if:

• You're an individual looking to self-upskill or explore a wide variety of topics
• You want easy integration with your LinkedIn profile to showcase certifications

Choose GoSkills LMS if:

• You're a small or medium-sized business looking for customizable tools to create training tailored to your team’s needs
• You need advanced reporting, gamification, or AI-powered authoring tools to enhance engagement

By evaluating your specific learning or organizational needs, you can select the platform that aligns best with your goals. GoSkills is the go-to choice for SMBs, while LinkedIn Learning excels for individual learners seeking a broad course selection.

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Learning management systems and the future of learning

The LMS has grown far beyond its origins, evolving into a cornerstone of modern education and training. As digital content creation and user-centered design become essential, training software is transforming to meet the demands of both learners and organizations.

The social shift

• Evolving role of educators: Teachers are now digital content creators, blending instructional design with multimedia creativity to keep learners engaged
• Changing learner expectations: Remote work and hybrid learning have driven demand for self-paced, flexible learning experiences, influenced by trends like gamification and streaming
• Cultural adaptation: AI-assisted learning, gamification, and microlearning are becoming the norm, reflecting broader shifts toward on-demand, tech-driven solutions

The technological transformation

• AI and automation: Tools for content development, adaptive learning, and analytics are revolutionizing content delivery, though human oversight remains key to maintaining quality
• Integration and personalization: Advanced platforms integrate with workplace tools to create seamless, data-driven, and highly personalized learning journeys
• Rapid innovation: The pace of advancements in AI and digital platforms continues to redefine what an LMS can achieve, requiring ongoing adaptability from educators and administrators

While learning platforms excel in managing and delivering training today, their ongoing evolution signals a future where learning is more dynamic, engaging, and responsive to societal and technological changes. This socio-technological transformation ensures that the LMS will remain a vital tool for education and development in the years to come.

Experience the difference

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