
The best learning management systems, or LMS, for K-12 and higher ed can be the difference between a seamless learning experience and more hard work. These platforms can also help to make teaching from home far easier. The main goal of these online wonder tools is to streamline learning in schools so both students and teachers spend less energy on administrative tasks and more time focused on learning.
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A learning management system is a software platform for educators to manage courses online, which allows them to provide students a single location for all course content. This is essentially comprised of a document management component and a communication part.
An LMS allows a teacher to upload assignments, calendars, gradebooks, learning resources, videos and more. The educator can also create chat rooms and forums to communicate with students or allow them to add to a thread.
Some LMS platforms also offer online assessments such as tests and quizzes that can also be graded online. Many also allow teachers and students to integrate video and images.
A fast-growing platform is Google G Suite for Education in the form of Google Classroom , which features 100 million users. Thanks to how easy it is to uptake, it's an ideal LMS for K-12, in which there may be less digital infrastructure in place than, say, a university. It's also free, which fits into every K-12 budget. Check out our full review of Google Classroom .