In today's digital-first world, the way we learn has transformed significantly. Gone are the days of relying solely on face-to-face training sessions or thick training manuals. Instead, organisations are embracing eLearning platforms to deliver education and training to their employees, students, or members. But what exactly are eLearning platforms? And what’s the difference between a Learning Management System (LMS) and a Learning Experience Platform (LXP)? Let’s explore these essential tools and how they can revolutionise the way we learn.

What Is an eLearning Platform?

An eLearning platform is a digital environment designed to deliver, manage, and track online learning and training. These platforms serve as the backbone for delivering educational content, whether that’s corporate training, academic courses, or personal development programs.

There are two primary types of eLearning platforms: Learning Management Systems (LMS) and Learning Experience Platforms (LXP). While both serve to facilitate learning, they differ slightly in their focus, features, and user experience.

Learning Management System (LMS): The Basics

A Learning Management System (LMS) is used to deliver, track, and manage training and education content. Think of an LMS as the “command centre” for learning—it’s where administrators can assign courses, track learner progress, and generate reports, all in one place.

LMSs are often used in corporate settings for employee training, compliance courses, and skills development. They are also popular in academic environments, where schools and universities use them to deliver online courses, track student progress, and manage assignments.

Common Features of a Learning Management System (LMS)

An LMS typically includes several core features:

• Course Management: Create, deliver, and organise courses. This feature allows administrators to build courses, add content like videos and quizzes, and organise them into learning paths.

• Tracking and Reporting: Monitor learner progress and performance. LMSs provide detailed analytics on who has completed which courses, test scores, time spent learning, and more.

• User Management: Manage learners and groups. Administrators can enrol users in specific courses, set up groups, and assign roles and permissions.

• Assessment Tools: Design quizzes, tests, and assignments to assess learner understanding and retention.

• Certification and Compliance: Issue certificates upon course completion and ensure compliance training is up to date.

• Mobile Compatibility: Many LMSs offer mobile access, enabling learners to complete courses on the go.

• Integration with Other Tools: Integration with tools like HR systems, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, and other enterprise software.

Popular Examples of Learning Management Systems (LMS)

Here are a few widely used LMS platforms:

• Moodle: An open-source LMS used by many educational institutions and organisations worldwide. It offers a wide range of customisation options and is known for its flexibility and scalability.

• SAP Litmos: A cloud-based LMS used primarily for corporate training. SAP Litmos offers a comprehensive suite of features, including course creation, reporting, and mobile access.

• Blackboard: A well-known LMS in the academic sector, Blackboard provides tools for course creation, virtual classrooms, and student engagement.

• Zensai: An LMS built directly into Microsoft 365 and Teams, making it a seamless choice for organisations already using Microsoft tools. It allows users to create, deliver, and track online learning content from within their familiar Microsoft environment.

• Docebo: A versatile, AI-powered LMS designed to meet the needs of both small businesses and large enterprises. It offers a range of features such as content management, social learning, personalised learning paths, and robust reporting tools.

• Learning Pool: Offers a suite of digital learning solutions, including a flexible LMS, off-the-shelf content, and bespoke content development. Known for its customer-centric approach, Learning Pool provides a tailored experience to suit specific organisational needs.

Learning Experience Platform (LXP): The Basics

A Learning Experience Platform (LXP) takes a more learner-centric approach to digital learning. Unlike an LMS, which is primarily focused on administration and management, an LXP is designed to deliver personalised, engaging learning experiences. It’s more about the journey of learning than the destination.

An LXP leverages advanced technologies like AI and machine learning to provide a customised learning path for each user. These platforms curate content from various sources, including internal courses, external content providers, videos, articles, and more, to create a more diverse and engaging learning experience.

Common Features of a Learning Experience Platform (LXP)

An LXP typically includes the following features:

• Personalised Learning Paths: AI-driven recommendations based on the learner’s interests, behaviour, and career goals. This ensures that learners get the most relevant content for their needs.

• Content Curation: Aggregates learning content from multiple sources—such as YouTube videos, TED Talks, articles, and blogs—alongside internal training materials to create a rich learning library.

• Social Learning: Enables peer-to-peer learning through discussion forums, social sharing, and collaborative tools. This helps create a community-driven learning environment.

• Gamification: Engages learners through points, badges, and leaderboards, making learning more fun and competitive.

• Analytics and Insights: Provides insights into learner engagement, preferences, and performance, helping organisations understand the impact of their learning programs.

• Microlearning: Delivers learning in small, digestible chunks to fit into busy schedules and maximise retention.

• Mobile-First Approach: Many LXPs are designed to be mobile-friendly, providing a seamless experience across devices.

Popular Examples of Learning Experience Platforms (LXP)

Here are a few popular LXP platforms:

• Degreed: One of the most well-known LXPs, Degreed offers personalised learning paths, content curation from multiple sources, and robust analytics. It’s used by major companies like Unilever and Cisco.

• EdCast: An AI-powered LXP that curates content from a wide range of sources. EdCast is popular in large enterprises for its ability to provide a tailored learning experience for each employee.

• Cornerstone OnDemand: While Cornerstone started as an LMS, it has evolved to include LXP features, offering a blend of traditional management tools with personalised learning paths and content curation.

• LinkedIn Learning: A popular LXP that leverages LinkedIn’s vast network and data to offer personalised learning recommendations. It combines courses from industry experts with social learning features.

• Thrive: An innovative LXP designed to create personalised, engaging, and socially driven learning experiences. Thrive goes beyond traditional eLearning by combining content creation, curation, and social learning in a single platform.

• Fuse: A cutting-edge LXP focused on creating a social and collaborative learning environment. Fuse combines content delivery with social learning and knowledge sharing, enabling learners to access, share, and engage with content in a community-driven setting.

  
  

Key Differences Between an LMS and an LXP

While both an LMS and an LXP aim to enhance learning and development, they differ slightly in their approach and focus:

Focus:

LMS: Focuses on managing and delivering courses, tracking progress, and ensuring compliance.

LXP: Focuses on delivering a personalised, engaging learning experience by curating diverse content and encouraging social learning.

User Experience:

LMS: Administrator-driven, often used to assign courses and monitor compliance.

LXP: Learner-driven, with AI-driven recommendations and more control over what and how they learn.

Content Source:

LMS: Typically uses internal, organisation-specific content.

LXP: Aggregates content from both internal and external sources, offering a broader range of materials.

Analytics:

LMS: Offers detailed reporting on course completion, scores, and compliance.

LXP: Provides insights into learner preferences, engagement, and skill development.

Which Platform Is Right for You?

Choosing between an LMS and an LXP depends on your organisation's needs and goals:

Choose an LMS if you need to manage and deliver structured training programs, track compliance, or create specific learning paths for different roles.

Choose an LXP if you want to create a more engaging, learner-centric environment that encourages continuous, self-directed learning and leverages a wide variety of content sources.

Bringing It All Together

eLearning platforms, whether LMSs or LXPs, offer unique advantages that can enhance learning, development, and overall employee engagement. They provide the infrastructure and tools needed to create, deliver, and manage learning content in a digital world. By understanding the differences between an LMS and an LXP, you can make informed decisions on which platform is right for your organisation.

At Popcorn Learning Agency, we help organisations navigate the complex world of digital learning. Whatever you’re looking to implement, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Find out how Popcorn can support you by emailing us today at hello@popcornlearning.agency.