Learning Management Systems: Popular LMSs and Their Comparison

Abstract

One of the technologies used in education is the learning management system (LMS). Selecting the correct LMS is important for all education institutions so that they can avoid a number of difficulties and problems in future. To be able to select the correct LMS, it is necessary to examine the features of current LMSs in the market comparatively, to determine their capability of meeting the needs of the education institution and to follow the trends in LMS use. This chapter presents information about LMS types, features of commonly used LMSs, the trends in LMS use, and about the results of related studies in literature. Today, Blackboard, Moodle, Edmodo, and Canvas are among the most commonly used LMSs. Though these LMSs have many features in common, they also differ from one another in certain aspects. Therefore, it is seen that different education institutions tend to prefer different LMSs in line with their needs. In this respect, the selected LMS should be appropriate to the needs of the institution and to its current resources.