LMS Glossary (A-Z)

This glossary breaks down key terms and ideas from the world of learning management systems (LMS).

You’ll find clear explanations of concepts like asynchronous learning, synchronous learning, blended learning, gamification, and SCORM. It also covers essential elements such as course management, instructional design, competency-based learning, and assessments.

Whether you’re curious about personalized learning paths or want to understand how these tools and strategies fit together, this guide makes the LMS landscape easier to explore.

A

Assessment

A way to check how well learners understand the course material. This could be through quizzes, surveys, or assignments, depending on what the training aims to achieve.

Asynchronous learning

Learning that happens on each learner’s schedule, not at the same time. People complete courses whenever it fits their routine.

Analytics and reporting

Tools inside a learning management system (LMS) that collect and show data on learner progress, activity, and performance.

Authoring tool

Software used to create e-learning content that works on any SCORM-compatible LMS, so you don’t need to redo content if you switch platforms.

AI course creation

Technology that uses artificial intelligence to personalize learning, automate support, and analyze data.

Accredited training provider

A trusted organization approved to deliver courses that meet official quality standards.

AICC (CBT Committee)

Created in 1993, AICC helped different e-learning systems work together. Though less used now due to SCORM, it set important standards for future learning tech.

Augmented Reality (AR)

Software that changes what you see in the real world by adding digital elements. AR is becoming an exciting tool for corporate training.

API key

A secure code that allows other software, like virtual classrooms, to connect with your LMS.

Aviation training

Specialized online courses for aviation workers, focusing on safety, compliance, and technical skills.

B

Blended learning

A mix of traditional in-person classes and online lessons. Learners join face-to-face sessions but also complete some parts online using blended learning tools.

Badge

A digital award given to learners after completing a course or reaching a milestone.

Broadcast message

A one-time announcement sent to all users or a selected group for updates or reminders.

Breakout room

A smaller virtual space inside an online session where participants split into groups for activities.

Bulk upload

A feature that lets users upload many files or records at once, saving time.

C

Course

A set of lessons and materials designed to teach a particular topic or skill.

Course management

LMS functions that help create, deliver, and monitor courses from a centralized dashboard for both learners and instructors.

Competency

A specific skill or ability a learner needs to master for their job or training.

Competency-based learning

Training that focuses on mastering specific skills instead of time spent in class.

Course authoring

The process of creating courses using special software, adding content, media, and interactive elements to meet learning goals.

Certification

A credential given to learners who finish a course or module successfully. It shows they’ve gained the skills or knowledge taught.

Customer training

Training designed for customers to help them use a product or service well, often covering the entire customer journey.

Collaborative learning

Features in LMSs that let learners work together on projects, share ideas, and communicate in real time.

Compliance training

Compliance training is education that helps employees understand and follow laws, regulations, and company policies relevant to their work.

Cross-training

Cross-training is when employees learn skills from different jobs so they can handle more than one role.

Case-based storytelling

Using real-life examples or cases to teach concepts by working through actual problems.

Channel learning

When companies share learning content across different LMS platforms, saving time and effort by borrowing instead of creating new courses.

Corporate training

Training practices and programs designed to improve employee skills and knowledge for business success.

Course catalog

A central place where learners find and register for available courses.

Communities

Interactive spaces for learners and instructors to share ideas, resources, and collaborate, live or asynchronously.

Customer Training

Customer education programs that teach customers how to use products or services effectively.

cmi5

A modern standard combining features of SCORM and xAPI, allowing courses to track learner progress even offline.

CLCIMS

A broad term for systems that manage learning content, including both LMS and LCMS platforms compliant with SCORM.

Cloud

Remote servers that store data and let users access content from anywhere.

Cloud LMS

A learning management system hosted online (“in the cloud”), accessible anytime without installing software.

CBT (computer-based training)

Any training delivered through a computer, including LMS courses.

Content library

A collection of learning materials available for use in courses, either from the LMS itself or built separately.

D

DEI training

DEI training is education that helps employees understand diversity, equity, and inclusion to create a fair and respectful workplace.

Dashboard (learner/admin dashboard)

A central place where learners track progress and get updates, while admins manage users and content.

Discussion forum

A digital space where learners and instructors post messages and have topic-based conversations.

Drag-and-drop builder

A user-friendly way to create and arrange content by dragging elements without needing coding skills.

Dynamic content

Content that changes based on learner actions, roles, or preferences, such as unlocking new modules after a quiz.

Domain mapping

Connecting your custom website address (like learn.yoursite.com) to your LMS platform.

E

eLearning

Training delivered through the internet using digital devices and software.

eLearning content chunking

Breaking down information into small, manageable pieces to make learning easier.

eLearning personalization

Adjusting learning materials to fit each learner’s skills and needs instead of using the same content for everyone.

Emergency medical response training

Emergency medical response training teaches people how to quickly provide first aid and life-saving care in urgent medical situations until professional help arrives.

Employee onboarding

Activities and learning that help new employees get up to speed with their role and company culture.

Extended enterprise training

Training programs created for people outside the company, like customers, partners, or suppliers.

eCommerce integration

Features that let LMS platforms sell courses or digital products with payment processing.

Educational institutions

Schools, colleges, and universities that use LMS platforms to manage courses and students.

Email marketing

Sending promotional or informational emails to learners or leads.

Embedded content

Videos, documents, or presentations placed directly inside lessons for smooth viewing.

Employee training

Courses designed to improve employees’ job skills and knowledge.

Enrollment

Signing up or being added to a course or training program.

Enterprise LMS

A powerful LMS built for large organizations with advanced features and integration options.

Evaluation

Measuring how effective learning is through tests, quizzes, or feedback.

Event-based training

Scheduled training sessions, like webinars or workshops, happening at a set time.

F

Formative assessment

Regular tests or quizzes during a course to check progress and help guide learning.

Flipped learning

A method where students study new material at home, then use class time for discussion and deeper understanding.

Formal learning

Structured learning guided by an instructor with set objectives.

Feedback

Information learners receive about their work to help them improve and learn continuously.

File repository

A central place where all course files and resources are stored and easily accessed.

Flexible learning

Learning that lets users study at their own pace and on their own schedule.

Flipped classroom

A teaching style where learners review material on their own before using class time for interactive activities.

Frontline training

Courses designed for customer-facing staff to build essential skills and knowledge.

G

Game-based learning

Using gamified learning platforms to teach skills that learners can apply in real life.

Gamification

Adding game elements like points and badges to motivate learners and make training more engaging.

Gradebook

A digital tool that records and shows student grades.

Gray-labeling

Branding software to show both the software provider’s and the client’s logos, customizing the learner’s experience.

GDPR compliance

Following data privacy laws of the EU to protect users’ personal information within the platform.

Goal setting

Defining clear, measurable objectives that learners aim to reach during training.

Grade

A score or evaluation given based on learner performance in tests or assignments.

Group collaboration

Tools that allow learners to work together on projects, discussions, or assignments within the LMS.

Guest user access

Allows non-registered users to view limited content or attend sessions without full platform access.

H

H5P (HTML5 package)

An open-source tool for making interactive learning content like videos, quizzes, and presentations.

Hands-on training

Learning through practical exercises that let learners apply skills in real-world scenarios.

Healthcare training

Courses designed for medical professionals covering safety, compliance, and protocols using healthcare training software.

Help desk support

A system that provides technical assistance to users facing issues with the platform.

Hierarchy preference

Settings that organize users, roles, and permissions in a structured way for easier management.

Hosted LMS

A learning management system stored and managed on external servers by a provider, offering maintenance and scalability.

Hospitality training

Specialized courses made with hospitality training software for improving skills in the hospitality industry.

I

Instructor

A person who leads the training, guides learners, and provides feedback.

IMS common cartridge

A standard that helps move course materials easily between different LMS platforms.

ILT (Instructor-Led Training)

Training sessions led live by an instructor, either in person or online.

Implementation of LMS

The process of setting up and starting to use a learning management system (LMS).

Instructional design

Creating learning materials and courses organized around clear objectives and learner needs.

Informal learning

Learning through everyday activities like reading, watching videos, or chatting with peers.

Installed LMS (on-premise LMS)

Learning management software installed and run on a company’s own servers.

iFrame content

A way to embed external content like videos or web pages directly into a course module or webpage.

In-app notifications

Alerts or messages that pop up inside the platform to inform users about updates or achievements.

Instructional levels

Different difficulty stages in a course, like beginner, intermediate, or advanced, guiding learners step-by-step.

J

Just-in-time learning

Learning focused on getting specific knowledge right when it’s needed.

K

Knowledge base

A collection of articles, guides, and FAQs that help learners find information quickly.

Kirkpatrick evaluation

A method for measuring training effectiveness across four levels: reaction, learning, behavior, and results.

Keyword tagging

Assigning tags to courses or content to make searching and filtering easier.

L

Learning management system (LMS)

Software that helps create, deliver, and track online courses for learners within or outside an organization.

Learning objectives

Clear goals that explain what learners should be able to do after finishing a course.

Learning path

A planned series of courses designed to help learners build skills step by step.

Lesson

A focused part of a course covering a specific topic.

LTI (learning tools interoperability)

A standard that allows third-party tools to connect smoothly with LMS platforms.

Learning record store (LRS)

A database that stores learning activities and results, often used with xAPI.

Live streaming

Broadcasting real-time video sessions like webinars or Q&As through the LMS.

LMS for trainers

A version of the LMS designed specifically for instructors, offering tools like scheduling and grading.

Leaderboard

A display showing learner rankings based on points or achievements to encourage friendly competition.

Language training

Courses focused on teaching new languages or improving language skills.

M

Microlearning

Short, focused learning sessions that break big topics into small, easy-to-digest pieces.

Mobile learning

Training accessed through mobile devices, allowing learners to study anytime, anywhere.

Module

A group of related lessons or activities that form a section of a course.

Mastery

When a learner fully understands and can apply a skill or knowledge area.

MOOC (massive open online course)

Free online courses available to huge numbers of people around the world.

Manufacturing training

Courses tailored to manufacturing employees, covering equipment use, safety, and quality standards.

N

Native mobile app

A mobile app designed specifically for platforms like iOS or Android, offering smooth and optimized performance.

Navigation menu

A list of links or buttons in the LMS that helps users quickly move between courses, modules, and features.

Non-linear learning

A flexible learning style where users choose the order of modules instead of following a fixed path.

O

On-premise hosting

Software hosted on servers located in a company’s physical office, offering greater control.

Open-source LMS

Software with freely accessible and editable source code, often free to use and customize.

OTJ training

OTJ training, short for on-the-job training, happens while doing the actual job, often after onboarding.

Onboarding

The process of welcoming and training new users or employees on a platform or company.

Online academy

A branded portal offering multiple courses in an organized structure for learners.

Open badge

A digital credential that learners earn for skills or achievements that can be shared on social media.

P

Problem-based storytelling

Teaching by working through problems to find the best solutions.

Portal

The homepage or dashboard of an LMS, customized based on user roles.

Progress reports

Updates showing how learners are doing compared to set goals.

PENS (Package Exchange Notification Services)

A system that automates sending course content from authoring tools directly to LMS platforms.

Partner training

Courses designed using partner training software for business partners, resellers, or distributors to improve knowledge and skills.

Personalized learning

Customizing courses, pace, and activities to fit each learner’s unique needs.

Plugin

A software add-on that adds new features or tools to the LMS.

Pre-assessment

A test given before training to check learners’ existing knowledge or skills.

Proctoring

Monitoring learners during online tests to prevent cheating.

Proprietary LMS

A closed-source LMS owned by a company, requiring a license and offering vendor support.

Push notifications

Automatic alerts sent to users’ devices for reminders, updates, or announcements.

Q

QTI (question and test interoperability)

A standard for creating and sharing quizzes and tests across different learning systems.

Qualitative assessment

Evaluations based on open responses, observations, or feedback instead of just scores.

Question bank

A collection of quiz or test questions organized by topic or difficulty for easy use.

Quiz

A set of questions to test learner understanding during or after a course.

R

Rapid learning

Creating courses quickly and efficiently, using fewer resources.

Responsive design 

A learning platform that adjusts its layout to fit any device screen.

ROI (Return on Investment)

A measure of profit gained from training compared to the cost spent.

Rapid authoring

Tools that quickly convert materials like PowerPoint presentations into interactive LMS courses.

Real-time collaboration

A feature that lets learners or instructors work together live on projects or documents.

Reporting dashboard

A tool in the LMS that shows analytics on learner progress, course use, and engagement.

Retail training

Courses created for retail employees covering products, sales, and customer service.

Retention rate

The percentage of learners who finish a course out of those who started it.

Role-based access

Permissions set to control what users can do in the LMS based on their role.

RTO compliance

Meeting government standards required for official vocational training providers.

S

SCORM

A set of rules that makes sure e-learning courses can work across different LMS platforms.

Social learning

Learning through interaction with others, like discussions and group work.

Synchronous learning

Training where all learners participate at the same time, either in a classroom or online, with an instructor.

Self-paced learning

Training where learners move through material at their own speed, based on mastering skills.

Standards-based education

An approach that sets clear learning goals and expectations to ensure consistent progress.

Summative assessment

Final tests or evaluations that measure what learners have achieved after finishing a course.

SaaS (software as a service)

Software hosted online and accessed through a subscription or license.

Scalable LMS

A platform that can easily add more users as demand grows.

Scenario-based learning

Training where learners make decisions in simulated stories with different outcomes.

SCO (Shareable Content Object)

A standalone learning module that communicates progress back to the LMS.

Storytelling

Using stories to present information memorably and engagingly.

Student-centered approach to eLearning

Teaching that focuses on the learner’s needs and skills, adapting content accordingly.

T

Training needs analysis (TNA)

A process to identify skill gaps and plan training accordingly within an organization.

U

User engagement

Techniques and features that keep learners interested and active throughout their training.

User registration

The process of creating a new LMS account with personal info and email verification.

User role

A set of permissions that defines what a user can access or do in the LMS.

V

VLE (virtual learning environment)

A digital space that mimics a traditional classroom, including content, interaction, and communication tools.

VR (virtual reality)

Immersive, computer-generated environments, usually accessed with special headsets, for realistic training simulations.

Virtual classroom

A digital learning space with live video, chat, and collaboration tools.

W

WBT (web-based training)

Any training delivered over the internet.

Whiteboard

A digital canvas in virtual classrooms for writing, drawing, and sharing ideas live.

White labeling

Branding software so it shows your company’s name and design instead of the provider’s.

Webinar

A live online seminar or workshop that includes video, discussions, and Q&A.

White-label LMS

A learning management system (LMS) customized with a company’s branding, including logos, colors, and domain names.

X

xAPI (Experience API/Tin Can API)

A modern tracking system that records learning experiences across many platforms and real-world activities.

Y

Yearly compliance training

Mandatory training completed annually to meet legal or industry requirements.

Yield rate

The percentage of learners who successfully complete a course out of those enrolled.

Z

Zone-based access

Controlling access to courses or content based on departments, regions, or user groups.