Foundation Skills/What is a Learning Management System (LMS) and why use it/The benefits of using an LMS

We have already established that online learning can introduce flexibility into the learning space, and that asynchronous discussion in a LMS can offer space and time for students to put together their ideas in a safe environment. But what other benefits can a LMS offer? Perhaps jot down your initial thoughts and then read the list here to see if you agree with the suggestions.


 * Some of the benefits of using a LMS for teaching:
 * Easy and rapid communication with students.
 * Availability of course materials and resources, including links to useful websites.
 * Accessibility to learning from any location.
 * Opportunities for students to collaborate and participate in discussion.
 * Discussions can be captured, tracked and stored for future reference.
 * Many student contributions, such as forum postings, can be graded and these gradings can be stored and collated.
 * Assignments can be submitted using the LMS.
 * Marks or grades can be stored in a gradebook.
 * Other assessments, such as quizzes, can be completed online.
 * Surveys (e.g., student evaluations) can be completed using the LMS.
 * LMS functions enable rapid feedback to sutdents.
 * Student activity can be monitored and reported on using the LMS (learning analytics).