Corporate LMS vs. Academic LMS

As of my first article collects the definition of learning management system (LMS), let's turn our focus to understand the differences between Corporate LMS and Academic LMS.

First thing first, the learning behavior. When we are young, we take all of the orders (or assignments) from our teachers, thus, whatever reading homework is given, we follow the rules. However, as we are getting aged. learning has become a static motion, where we might be very selective in choosing the topics we would like to get involved with. In Corporate LMS, there must be a thread setting ensuring all of the employees are willing to follow the learning map (learning path or process) being designed & developed in Corporate LMS, from HR, most of the time. 

The setting of course timelines should be flexible in Corporate LMS. Most of the employees are having a stress schedule during day time, they may visit the learning system in the evening, or after work. The system 7/24 availability shall be a very common requirements here, especially most of the data are able to transmit via Internet (web applications). However, to ensure the quality that some people access system from remote office, proper network bandwidth and strong system throughput need to be pre-justified.

Content creation is one of the most important components in a LMS. Who is going to be the one creating content? In a Corporate LMS, quite a few people, in different division, are invited into the content creation work. However, at school, most of the work are managed by instructors or teachers. As more people get involved with the content, in Corporate LMS, we shall be aware of the needs to put all of the statements & descriptions in the same format, use the similar tone, and make proper adjustment, due to different knowledge level from reader's perspective. However, in a Academic LMS, most of the instructors and professors are pretty much aware of the knowledge level of his/her students. Nevertheless, the contents in both system shall be updated on a timely basis.

Reporting mechanism. Taking course is one thing, however, attempting to write Quiz or exam is another thing. In Academic LMS, we, as students, follow school instruction to attempt exams. However, as an adult, we might come out with a lot of excuses, not to take exam. What is the motivation in pushing our employees to do so, what is the Pros/Cons (of Quiz session) being designed within a Corporate LMS, salary increase? As the manager of this Corporate LMS, are you sure that those questions are justifiable?

There are plenty of LMS selections in the market nowadays. Some of claim best practices as Corporate LMS and/or Academic LMS. However, you are the one who is going to deploy this system and adapt all of the features for your audience, make sure you fully aware of your (or their) requirements before any actions being taken. The statement of "Bad User Experience is a barrier to learning" should not look strange to you.