Howard_Natalie_Reading Activity 6 – LCMS: What are they for?

The idea of producing an LCMS system (the merging of CMS and LMS), has been circulating as far back as the earlier part of the 21st century; around the year 2000 to be more precise. Per Ellis (2001) "So why not a single system that manages content and user data? Although that sounds practical, Leija thinks a system of that magnitude would require an implementation effort that's too large and complicated for most training functions". And the prediction that the LCMS market may bridge the gap between knowledge management and e-Learning" has been fulfilled in this present age. LCMS=LMS+CMS (Nichani, 2001). This equation fulfills the idea and concept of having one huge system that services thousands of individuals, but is also capable of taking large tasks and breaking them up into component parts, step by step. It seems there's nothing this vast system can't do!
When it comes to the differences between the systems, Perry (2009) explains in the following quotation:
"But the difference between the two systems lies in what each manages. The LMS, or learning management system, is largely an administrator’s tool for registering learners for e-learning and classroom training and tracking the results. An LCMS, though, deals with the learning content, and that, arguably, makes the LCMS the brawniest player on any employer’s line-up of training technologies."
So let's answer the question of what LCMS's are for: the training industry. LCMS offers flexibility, agility, and rapidity with use of training resources. It's deriviation is from the military and it is used primarily by large businesses. LCMS have the ability to develop and deliver learning content rapidly and in modular form instead of a "one size fits all" mentality. Per Perry (2009) "LCMS enable businesses to quickly train their employees to launch new products, outmaneuver competitors and sell effectively." LCMS make it possible for people to both create and take courses more easily. With accurate implementation, companies can see a decrease in costs and time for content development by at least 50% . "Simply put, learning content management systems have enabled training departments to become a strategic weapon for employers."

References:
Ellis, R. (2001). Learning Circuits: ASTD's Source for E-Learning. LCMS Roundup
Retrieved July 17, 2010, from
http://web.archive.org/web/20071012195821/http://www.learningcircuits.org/2001/aug2001/ttools.htm

Nichani, M. (2001). elearningpost LCMS=LMS+CMS (RLOs). Retrieved July 17, 2010, from http://www.elearningpost.com/articles/archives/lcms_lms_cms_rlos/

Perry, B. (2009). LearningCircuits: ASTD's Source for E-Learning Training professionals gain agility and power from LCMS technology Retrieved July 17, 2010, from http://www.astd.org/lc/2009/0309_perry.html

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