Choosing a platform to manage your training content is never easy: LMS, authoring tool, LCMS, LXP... All these acronyms can be scary, but they actually hide solutions that are very simple to implement in your organization.
So what are all these tools for? Which solution should you choose for your business? And what is the difference between all of these options?
LMS and authoring tools: what are we talking about?
What is an LMS (Learning Management System)?
One Learning Management System (LMS) or “Learning Management System” is an online learning management platform. In fact, it is the first solution that appeared on the market and was widely acclaimed after the COVID-19 pandemic.
One LMS allows, among other things, the management of training actors (administrators, learners, trainers) And of all your learning modules.
It is also a great help in the analysis and data tracking of your learners according to the results obtained in their online evaluations.
What is an authoring tool in training?
An e-learning creation tool (or”authoring tool”) is a solution for creating and editing all your learning content. It is essential for the design of your e-learning modules and should be easy to use.
Independent or integrated into your training platform, it can also allow you to combine different media to create unique learning modules.
What are the characteristics of an LMS and an authoring tool?
The functionalities of an LMS
There are multiple LMSs, and with them, a multitude of functionalities. The first, common to all, is storing and organizing your e-learning content.
Indeed, your LMS will allow you to create themes and sub-themes to sort your modules. You can also assign these courses to any learner and monitor their results.
The administrators of the platform may also be interested To the KPIs of their teaching material and to the evolution of employees. In short, it is a complete and centralized management tool.
Here are other features that you can find in an LMS:
- Management and sorting of catalog training modules
- User administration (trainers, administrators, learners)
- Allocation of training courses to different users
- Importing modules in a format SCORM
- Importing modules in an xAPI format
- Monitoring the performance and effectiveness of your training
- Connecting the LMS to other internal systems (HRIS, for example)
- Exporting detailed reports and statistics for each training and/or learner
- Certificate generation
Some LMSs also offer gamification features : playlists, content recommendations, social learning... This type of platform is actually more similar to an LXP.
The functionalities of the authoring tool
As its name suggests, an authoring tool allows you to create training content. The role of designer is in fact a profession in its own right! He must write, develop and create training courses on this type of tool according to the needs formulated by the company.
An authoring tool can offer very basic functionalities (similar to an optimized PowerPoint), or more advanced with the creation of multi-format content for example.
An authoring tool can allow you to:
- Create courses
- Create reviews
- Manage tags and the organization of your content
- Administer authors or groups of authors
- Import your existing content (images, videos, PDF, Word, PowerPoint...)
- Export the modules created in SCORM, xAPI or PDF format.
- Customize the content to your colors (logo, branding, background image...)
- Translating your modules into different languages
- Activate an adaptive learning option
- Activate collaborative features
- Create interactive activities and games (gamification)
In some cases, the authoring tool even offers functionalities to automate the creation of modules Passing through generative AI.
Finally, the authoring tool is not only in the hands of administrators or trainers. It can also be administered to employees to create content on their topics of expertise. We then talk aboutEmployee Generated Learning (EGL).
What are the advantages of an LMS and an authoring tool?
The benefits of LMS: centralized content and real-time data
The LMS has many advantages for any type of business. Overall, it is suitable for businesses that have already created content or purchased modules from a training partner (in SCORM format).
The LMS allows in fact tohost all your courses and your learning resources in the same place. It is inexpensive to set up (if you opt for rental) and it is a considerable time saver for the company. It can therefore measure the impact of its training systems, monitor the progress of employees and all of this, in safety!
The advantages of the authoring tool: simplified creation and engaging modules
The authoring tool allows training administrators to easily create engaging and engaging e-learning courses.
Choosing an authoring tool means saving time on the development of your modules, while offering personalized content adapted to each learner.
A good authoring tool can increase your completion rate tenfold and have a real impact on the effectiveness of your training. The modules created on this type of tool are often fun, interactive and make learners in control of their learning.
Most of these tools are compatible with SCORM, the format standard developed by ADL, which allows content to be exported directly into an LMS.
What about LCMS and LXP?
The LCMS (Learning Content Management System) is The LMS and the authoring tool combo. It is a platform that allows you to both create and share training content, analyze your results, and manage the access of various stakeholders.
An LXP is an LCMS that focuses on employee training experience. It often offers interactive learning paths, virtual classrooms, collaborative walls... Gamification can have a very important role to play in LXP!
How to choose between an LMS and an authoring tool?
So what solution should you choose for your business? Both options have their share of advantages and a lot of functionalities. Your choice should therefore focus on the solution that best meets your needs.
Some criteria for choosing a good authoring tool:
- creation of custom content;
- standalone update;
- improvements over the existing LCMS.
Some criteria for choosing your LMS:
- ease of handling and use;
- distribution of existing digital content;
- administration of participants;
- monitoring of indicators ;
- integration into your current technical stack (HRIS...).
Before you start, also ask yourself if you prefer buy your solution and host it in-house, or if you choose to Rent it to the publisher. Both options have advantages and disadvantages (cost, ease of installation, customization, etc.). But don't lose sight of your goals!
You now know the difference between an authoring tool and an LMS. The two platforms meet two different, but complementary needs: the creation of educational content and the management of this content by the actors in your training courses. In our opinion, the winning combination is the joint use of the authoring tool and the LMS. Some solutions, Like Beedeez's, in fact, offer an authoring tool integrated into their LMS platform.
