A Learning Management System (LMS) is software for delivering, tracking and managing training and education. LMS are of interest to us because most commercial quiz software packages have the capability to send quiz results to a LMS.

However, using a LMS to track quiz results is often more than you need. LMS have many functions, and quiz tracking and reporting are only one small component of the system. Also, the testing component may not provide the quiz details, analyses and reports that you want. Finally, most LMS require considerable technical expertise to install and operate. This makes them more suitable for larger organizations that have a dedicated IT staff.

If all you want is quiz tracking, analyses and reports, you are better off using the quiz tracking services provided by the vendors, or build your own as we have done.

Here is a list of a more popular learning management systems.

Open source (free)

• ATutor
• Claroline
• Dokeos
• eFront
• ILIAS
• Moodle
• OLAT
• Sakai

Of these, Moodle has the largest installed based and community. Although you can download open source software for free, there may be costs associated with contracting someone to install the software if you don't have the expertise inhouse. Also, open source software tends to be updated frequently, so there is considerable work involved in keeping it current and safe. Technical support comes from other users and forums.

For reviews, user comments and demos (front and back end) of open source LMS, visit opensourceCMS.

Commercial software

• ANGEL Learning
• Blackboard
• Desire2Learn
• eCollege
• GeoLearning
• Learn.com
• Meridian KSI
• Saba  
• WebCT

WebCT was probably the most popular, but it has been bought out by Blackboard and will be phased out in 2011. The companies that sell this software typically provide technical support as well.

For more information on Learning Management Systems, we recommend you read this Wikipedia article.