LMS Glossary

Learning Management Glossary

Introduction to the LMS Terms Glossary

This glossary is for decision-makers and stakeholders selecting a Learning Management System. Since terminology in the LMS field is not always used consistently, it clarifies key terms and varying usages. Our glossary is continuously updated to cover current and relevant concepts.

Access Control	Mechanisms to restrict and manage user access within the LMS.
Access Rights	Defining which content and functions users can view and use in the LMS.
Adaptive Learning	Learning methods that adjust individually to the learner and their progress, providing personalized experiences.
Administration	Management and configuration of the LMS, e.g., user administration, permissions, languages, and system maintenance.
Analytics	Evaluation and interpretation of learning data to optimize learning processes and improve decisions.
API (Application Programming Interface)	Interface allowing different software systems to communicate and exchange data.
API Integration	Interfaces connecting the LMS with other systems such as ERP or HR systems.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in LMS	Use of AI to personalize and optimize or evaluate learning processes.
Assessment	Automated or manual testing of knowledge, e.g., quizzes or exams.
Asynchronous Learning	Learning that happens anytime, letting learners access content at their own pace and schedule.
Audit Trail	A log of all system actions (e.g., who changed what and when), crucial for compliance and traceability.
Authoring Tools	Software used to create and design digital learning content like videos, quizzes, or interactive modules.
Automation	Automated processes in the LMS like user registration, course assignment, or notifications.
Benchmarking	Comparison of learning data and KPIs with other departments or teams.
Blended Learning	Combination of face-to-face training and digital learning to integrate different learning formats.
Certificate Generation	Automated issuing of participation or completion certificates after successful course completion.
Certification	Official proof of successfully completing a qualification or training.
Cloud Hosting	Hosting the LMS on servers managed by an external provider, accessible via the internet.
Compliance Management	Monitoring and controlling adherence to legal and internal training regulations.
Content Curation	Selection and maintenance of learning content from various sources
Content Management	Managing, organizing, and maintaining learning content within the LMS.
Content Repository	Central storage for all learning assets such as videos, documents, and quizzes.
Continuing Education	Training and development offerings provided via the LMS.
Course (Module)	A structured learning unit within the LMS that bundles content and learning objectives.
Course Catalog	Overview of available courses, often linked to a shop feature within the LMS.
Curriculum	Learning path or plan that defines the sequence and content of courses to be completed.
Dashboard	Overview panel showing key information and statuses for learners and administrators.
Data Migration	Transfer of data from old systems into the new LMS.
Digital Badges	Digital awards for completed courses or achieved qualifications.
E-Learning	Learning using digital media, usually organized via a learning platform.
E-Learning Standards	Technical standards such as SCORM or xAPI ensuring compatibility and reusability of learning content.
Engagement Rate	Metric measuring user activity and engagement with learning content.
Evidence Security	LMS capability to securely document participation and completion of training for compliance.
External Learners	Individuals outside the organization who access the LMS, such as customers, partners, or freelancers.
Feedback Management	Collection and analysis of feedback on courses and LMS usage
Formative Assessment	Ongoing evaluations during the learning process for early feedback.
Gamification	Use of game elements (points, levels, badges) to motivate learners.
Gap Analysis	Comparison between current qualifications and requirements to identify development needs.
GDPR Compliance	Adherence to the General Data Protection Regulation to protect personal data.
Hosting (Cloud)	Operating the LMS through a cloud provider who manages the server infrastructure.
Hosting (On-Premises)	Operating the LMS on the company’s own internal servers.
Import/Export	Functions to import or export data (e.g., user data, progress) in various formats.to other systems (HR, Finance...).
Interactive Content	Learning materials that actively engage the user, such as quizzes, simulations, or interactive videos.
Language Versions	Multilingual availability of the LMS and learning content.
Learning Analytics	Analysis of learning data to improve learning offerings and outcomes.
Learning Experience Platform (LXP)	Advanced learning platform providing personalized experiences.
Learning Management System (LMS)	Software platform that manages learning content, supports learning processes, and tracks learner progress.
Learning Path	Prescribed sequence of courses or learning content that a user progresses through. Structured progression through courses and content guiding learners toward goals.
Learning Platform	Broad term for systems enabling digital learning, including LMS and Learning Experience Platforms (LXP).
Learning Portal	User interface where learners access different learning offerings and content.
Learning Record Store (LRS)	A system that stores all learning activity data, e.g., via xAPI.
Mandatory Training	Training sessions required by law or company policy.
Micro Learning	Small, short learning units that are flexible and easy to consume.
Mobile Learning	Accessing learning platform and learning content on mobile devices like smartphones or tablets.
Multilingual Support	Support for multiple languages in the LMS and learning content.
Multitenancy	The capability of an LMS to manage multiple independent user groups or organizations within one system.
Notifications	Automated messages to users regarding new courses, deadlines, or certifications.
Onboarding	Introduction of new employees to the company and their learning processes via the LMS.
On-Premises Hosting	Hosting and storing the LMS on internal company servers.
Offline Functionality	Ability to access learning content without internet and synchronize progress later.
Personalized Learning	Customizing learning paths to meet individual learner needs.
Pilot Installation	Trial setup of the LMS for testing and evaluation before live deployment (=Test Installation).
Qualification	Verified skill or knowledge of a person.
Qualification Management	Managing and tracking employee qualifications and certifications.
Qualification Profiles	Compilation of qualifications required for specific roles or tasks.
Qualification Status	Current state of a person's (of team's) acquired qualifications.
Release Train / Release Cycle	Regular LMS updates that roll out new features in structured intervals.
Reporting	Reporting and analytics functions providing insights into learning progress and usage data.
Resources	Instructors, rooms, equipment as well as materials and tools such as course documents.
Responsive Design	Automatically adapts display across different devices.
REST API	Interface based on REST principles, enabling data exchange between the LMS and other systems.
Role and Permission Management	Managing which users have access rights and functions within the LMS.
Scalability	The LMS's ability to maintain performance even as users and content grow.
SCORM	Established industry standard for exchanging e-learning content ensuring interoperability between systems.
Self-Assessment	Allows learners to evaluate their knowledge through tests or quizzes.
Self-Paced Learning	Learning at one's own pace without fixed time schedules.
Seminar Management	Organization and administration of courses and classroom trainings within the LMS.
Single Sign-On (SSO)	One-time login for access to multiple systems without re-entering credentials.
Social Learning	Learning in groups with interaction and collaboration among learners.
SLA (Service Level Agreement)	Agreement defining guaranteed services like availability, support hours, or response times provided by the LMS vendor.
SLA Uptime	Guaranteed uptime of the LMS platform (e.g., 99.9% uptime per month).
Summative Assessment	Final test to evaluate learning outcomes at course end.
Syncronous Learning	Learning that happens in real-time with others, e.g., in live webinars or classroom sessions.
System Integration	Connecting the LMS to other business systems (e.g., HR or CRM software) to automate workflows.
Target Group Management	Managing and segmenting user groups for targeted learning offerings.
Taxonomy	Classification system for organizing topics and content for better structure and searchability.
Tracking	Capturing and logging user behavior and learning progress in the LMS.
Tutor	Instructors or facilitators who support learners in the LMS.
UI	Medium through which users interact with the LMS e. g. website
User Generated Content	Learning content created and shared by users themselves.
User Journey	Journey a learner takes through the LMS – from login to course completion.
UX	User Experience design, important for usability and acceptance of the LMS.
User Management	Managing user accounts, profiles, and access rights within the LMS.
Versioning	Managing and tracking different versions of course content.
Virtual Classroom	An online platform for live training sessions, webinars, and interactive learning events.
xAPI	Standard to track learning data from various sources, including outside the LMS.