LMS, RMS, or both? 10 questions

A Learning Management System (LMS) is an integral part of many training programs. It allows for the efficient administering and tracking of courses and student activities online. But you’ll find a lot of crossover between a basic LMS and a Registration Management System (RMS).

Usually, the biggest point of separation between an LMS and an RMS is content. If your software allows you to create and house eLearning content within it, that is for all intents and purposes an LMS. Walks like a duck, quacks like a duck.

A laptop computer anxiously awaiting someone to sit down and learn from an LMS site. In many cases, organizations use an open-source LMS tool like Moodle to handle the online content which they offer in addition to, or blended with, in-person training. Then they choose a robust registration system to handle registration for both. The RMS shares key data with the LMS, such as who signed up for what, and who has permission to access eLearning content in the LMS. The bulk of the data for reporting and analysis resides on the registration side because of complex registration requirements. In other cases, registration requirements are so basic the learning management product can handle them.

To determine which option is best for you, determine if your organization needs to …
1. Set up learning plans.
2. Monitor student progress
3. Include a testing component.
4. Store test results.
5. Track continuing education credits.
6. Track who accessed the content.
7. Report on which students have completed assignments.
8. Provide students/trainees access to their historical data.
9. Generate data across date ranges and other criteria for trends analysis.
10. Automatically issue certificates of completion based on certain rules.

Learning Stream & GoSignMeUp are not an LMS. As an RMS, however, it does cross over into the learning management realm by providing some of the same functionality, including all ten features above. In the most robust registration management systems, you can conduct testing, track results, issue certificates, give students access to their histories, and set up basic learning plans. In Learning Stream’s case, you can also upload instructional videos and track viewings.

If you would like to explore your options, including which registration functions may complement your eLearning needs, just get in touch here.