What is CMS (Course Management System)

1.

An integrated suite of software tools designed to manage courses or other learning interventions. Commercial examples are Blackboard and WebCT, although many open source alternatives, such as Moodle and Sakai, exist. In addition to the provision of online learning content and activities and the facilitation of online assessment, CMS’s typically support a range of administrative functions including learner enrollment, workflow, records management, and resource management. Learn more in: Applying Web 2.0 Tools in Hybrid Learning Designs

2.

A course management system is a tool that allows an instructor to post the course content and other information on the Web without Web page programming. The instructor and students could access the online course via a Web browser, usually with controlled access to materials, dynamic class lists, inner e-mail system, grading system, online management of assignments and tests, and synchronous and asynchronous communication tools such as chatting rooms, discussion boards, and so forth. Learn more in: Online Learning Environments