What is a learning management system (LMS)?

A learning management system (LMS) is primarily recognized as software designed to deliver educational content. This definition encompasses the core function of an LMS, which is to facilitate the administration, documentation, tracking, reporting, and delivery of educational courses or training programs.

LMS systems allow educators to create and manage courses, enabling the distribution of learning materials, such as videos, assignments, quizzes, and discussions, in an organized manner. They serve as a centralized platform for both instructors and students, allowing for a structured and consistent educational experience.

While student collaboration, grading, and scheduling can often take place within an LMS, these functions are typically secondary to its main purpose of content delivery. Thus, they do not fully encapsulate the primary characteristics of what an LMS is.