What is an LMS?

A learning management system (LMS) is software that helps:

• deliver learning resources
• track learners
• manage learning

An LMS is loaded with lots of learning resources usually organised into courses or modules. It can also link to learning resources that are available somewhere else. Some of these resources can be assessments that put results into the learner record in the LMS.

LMSs often have extra things such as timetables, messaging or collaborative areas.

Typically a learner will have a password and username so they can be identified by the LMS. Having an individual logon helps provide personalised learning experiences.

An administrator can give users different roles, this may allow them to view or edit sets of information or resources.

Learners can usually be allocated to courses or groups that can only see or use some of the LMS resources or collaborative areas.

Trainers can set work and monitor learners’ progress.

NLMS

The NHS provides a National Learning Management System (NLMS) that can be accessed by all staff with an Electronic Service Record (ESR). There are plans to make an LMS available for those staff in the NHS that do not have an ESR.

The NLMS contains lots of e-Learning, especially for statutory courses.

Your organisation may add to the national provision by having their own e-Learning system.

Related Resources

•  
  Evaluation of the North West Virtual Learning Environment (NWVLE)
  

  Evaluation of the North West Virtual Learning Environment (NWVLE) for
  the North Western Deanery Foundation E-learning Doctor Induction Project. It identifies the key challenges for the VLE.

  Download file (145.4 KB pdf)

  
  
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  Catalogue of Local Content (CoLC)
  

  A project that produced a catalogue of local e-Learning resoruces that can be shared. These resources are now part of the e-Learning Repository.

  http://www.elearningrepository.nhs.uk