What is a learning management system (LMS)?

A learning management system (LMS) is fundamentally designed to support the administration, documentation, tracking, reporting, and delivery of educational courses or training programs. It provides tools that facilitate the creation, management, and delivery of content, as well as the ability to monitor learner participation and progress. Typically, an LMS offers features such as course enrollment, assessments, grading, and communication among learners and instructors. This centralized approach helps streamline the educational process, making it easier for educators to deliver content and assess student performance in various learning environments, whether online or in-person.

The other options do not encompass the full capabilities or intended purpose of an LMS. For instance, while tracking absenteeism may be a feature found in some LMS platforms, it does not capture the comprehensive nature of course management. Similarly, a program that focuses exclusively on grading students lacks the broader functionalities of educational content delivery and student tracking that define an LMS. Lastly, while there may be tools that assist with physical classroom management, an LMS primarily operates in the digital space, facilitating online learning and resource management rather than addressing the logistics of physical classroom environments.