Are Elearning and Lms the Same Processes?

In this age of technology, learning has become entwined with several technology-driven tools and methods such as LMS and eLearning. During the recent pandemic, the world has witnessed how technology-aided learning can educate students in times of adversity. 

Many people think that eLearning and LMS are almost the same things. But, in reality, they are quite different from each other.  Let’s understand what the two terms mean and how they influence the modern-day landscape of education. 

What is eLearning?

eLearning refers to an online learning facility. People from across the world can avail of this opportunity if they have a steady internet connection and a device like a laptop or smartphone. The simplest answer to what is eLearningremains that when you learn something online, you can call it eLearning. 

Also, this method encompasses a wide array of learning processes. A child attending an online art class to a professional learning coding via YouTube videos, any internet-reliant learning process belongs to eLearning.  

eLearning platforms create and provide the learners with necessary study materials, video classes, doubt-clearing sessions and more. Due to this web-based learning method’s easy accessibility and inclusivity features, it has become a popular means today. 

What Is LMS? 

On the other hand, LMS, which is an acronym for Learning Management System enables Learning. The simplest reply to the commonly asked question, what is an LMS,would be a software solution.LMS is a software application that makes creating and distributing learning materials across students and teachers easier and more streamlined.  

For example, Google Classroom is an LMS where teachers can create and upload study materials, notes, questions, mock tests and more effortlessly. On the other hand, students could access the same system to access these materials. 

Additionally, teachers can assess the students online using an advanced LMS and provide the learners with insightful feedback. Therefore, LMS helps deliver eLearning more effectively and evenly to everyone. 

Professional learning solution providers often offer multiple varieties of learning management systems. These could include Installed LMS, web-based LMS, Open-source LMS, Integration-capable LMS, closed-source LMS, etc.  

What are the Benefits of Using LMS in Education?

The benefits of using LMS are various. The following aspects validate LMS’s popularity in the global eLearning landscape.  

LMS Helps Store a Huge Quantity of Content: 

eLearning invariable deals with huge quantities of study materials, videos, and more. Therefore, storing the records, materials, content, etc., becomes an issue. LMS offers a centralized repository where learning providers can store large amounts of data. Similarly, students can access these data banks effortlessly. 

LMS Makes Learning More Effective: 

Almost allprofessional learning solution providersprefer LMS for delivering effective and engaging education.LMS makes creating videos effortlessly. Therefore, learners get conceptual clarity through the video lessons. 

Skill Training is Easier with LMS: 

eLearning is not always about school or college education. It is also about upgrading and honing new skills. The LMS-enabled eLearning platforms, help learners learn remotely. As a result, more students can attend these classes making eLearning more inclusive and accessible. 

LMS are Generally Scalable:

LMS is useful and equally effective for learning processes involving two or hundreds of people. It is a scalable software application capable of accommodating growing eLearning platforms. 

What are the Primary Differences between LMS and eLearning Platforms? 

LMS and eLearningbelong to the domain of online education. However, they also have differences that lend these two concepts their unique identity. 

• Functionality: 

eLearning primarily focuses on hosting courses that students can access. But, LMS takes this learning process to the next level. It integrates features like data sharing, messaging, content storing, collaborations, etc., to make learning an engaging process.  To be precise, LMS to a large extent makes up for the lack of human touch of online education. 

• Cost: 

To begin with, cost comparisons are not effective when you consider the prices alone. In that way, LMS is more expensive than eLearning platforms. But, at the same time, LMS comes with several advanced features that make online learning fun, creative, and engaging. So, the cost-effectiveness of either process depends on the learning niche and the people involved in it. 

• Accessibility: 

When it comes to accessibility, eLearning platforms undoubtedly offer more benefits than LMS. eLearning platforms generally go through a general hosting process enabling anyone with an internet connection to access the platform. On the other hand, LMS generally offers network-specific access.  

To sum up, LMS and eLearningare not the same things but are closely related.The analogical relationship between these two concepts equals the equivalence shared between bases and alkalis. 

All LMSs belong to eLearning processes but the opposite is not true. eLearning can be an excellent way to widen your knowledge and skills without attending physical classes. With LMS-backed eLearning, honing new skills and making your candidature more employable would not be a challenging task. 

With technology gradually taking center stage in the modern lifestyle, education is likely to become more eLearning-reliant in the future. Therefore, LMS-supported eLearning platforms are sure to go a long way in the coming years.