Clark_Irene_Learning Platforms: Defining the Alphabet Soup

A Learning Platform is a relatively nascent commercial and pedagogical development. It is defined by an alphabet soup of acronyms that often overlap and are used interchangeably by some within the field. CMS can refer to Content or Course Management while CLE, Collaborative Learning Environment, may also refer to Learning Management System (LMS), CMS or collectively e-learning. Clearly, there exists a need for standardization of the terms and systems that define Learning Management or Platforms.

Although available in varying forms and functions, and thus the multitude of acronyms, the term Learning Management System generally refers “a software application that automates the administration, tracking, and reporting of training events" (Ellis, 2009) and focuses on various educational, administrative, and deployment requirements. However, that definition expands to include training programs, classroom and online events, e-learning programs, and training content (Learning management system, 2008).

Most LMSs are web-based and therefore ubiquitous which lends to their appeal and functionality. In addition to LMS’s ubiquitous learning, content, and management access, most LMSs provide broad functions that complement its primary function. Some additional dimensions include collaborative learning, on-line learning and assessment, and management of continuous professional education.

LMSs use a variety of development platforms including Java EE, and Microsoft.Net, and a developed database. Most systems are developed for profit and restrict access to their program, however some are free and allow access, open-source, to some models.
However, LMS or electronic, e-learning, is a commercial enterprise experiencing unprecedented growth (Nagel, 2010).

In North America, educational institutions are driving the growth for e-learning which accounts for about 43% of all purchases (Nagel, 2010). Visit one e-learning vendor, The eLearning Guild, and there are 1311 tools, technologies, products, and services from which to choose.

The growth in the demand for e-learning platforms, coupled with the variety of forms and functions offered, beg for clarity and uniformity in definition and use of terms referring to LMS. The use of LMSs and particularly their ability to morph into the specified needs of an organization will grow, therefore having users and designers speaking a common language can only facilitate the spread, understanding and use of LMSs.

References
Ellis, R. K. (2009). Guide to learning management systems. Available from http://www.astd.org/NR/rdonlyres/12ECDB99-3B91-403E-9B15-7E597444645D/23395/LMS_fieldguide_20091.pdf

Learning Management System (2008, July). In Wikipedia online encyclopedia. Retrieved September 02, 2010 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learning_management_system

Nagel, D. (2010, March 3). The future of elearning is more growth. Campus Technology. Retrieved on September 02, 2010 from http://campustechnology.com/Articles/2010/03/03/The-Future-of-E-Learning-Is-More-Growth.aspx?Page=1