For
designers

Using Learning Management Systems

Learning Management Systems or (sometimes also called a Virtual Learning Environment) are the platforms and applications that many educational institutions use to run their online courses. It could be possible to run a course without one, but a Learning Management System (LMS) or Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) makes it a lot easier to create interactive learning experiences where educators can host their courses, webinars, and interact with learners all in one place.

It can be hard to learn about Learning Management Systems before you have access to one while working at an organisation or institution. Thankfully, there are official support websites for many of these platforms where you can get a sneak peek at how things work. You could always sign up for a course that uses one of these platforms to get an idea of what the learner experience is like.

Depending on where you work you may use only one of these systems, or more if different kinds of courses are offered. For example, degree courses might be on Blackboard with short courses on a platform like BrightSpace of Coursera. They’re usually set up for you by an administrator, and some customisation options (such how courses look to students) may be already made for you.

All the platforms listed below have been tried and tested by Education Needs Designers. If you have any ideas of tools or applications you think should make this list, send us your ideas and suggestions for what you would like to see listed here!