Learning Experience Platform vs Learning Management System: Key Differences

Organizations frequently find themselves comparing learning management systems (LMS) with learning experience platforms (LXP) in an attempt to implement the best technology that promotes effective content curation and employee satisfaction. It could be helpful to look at each of them separately before delving into the key differences between the Learning Experience Platform and the Learning Management System.

What is a Learning Experience Platform? 

The primary objective of a learning experience platform (LXP) is to provide each learner with an individualized and unique learning experience that supports their ideal trajectory of learning. LXPs achieve this by using artificial intelligence (AI) for content curation and selection, allowing learners to customize their learning experience extensively. LXPs move away from providing structured organizational modules and towards delivering multimedia micro-training modules tailored to users’ needs. For instance, if a user already has partial knowledge of a subject and is a visual learner, the LXP’s AI can provide images and videos on the parts the user is less familiar with, thus improving time efficiency and user satisfaction.

An integral component of LXPs is the flexibility they offer; users can add third-party content to share with others and create their own content, promoting a collaborative learning environment. LXPs often mimic social media platforms, allowing learners to interact with each other, rate, and comment on learning material, thereby encouraging community building.

Moreover, LXPs enhance user experience through chatbots and gamification. AI-based chatbots assist users with their modules and questions at any time, while gamification makes learning more enjoyable and interactive.

Learning Experience Platform at a Glance:

• Individualized learning experience and user-reliant
• Use of AI-generated micro-training modules
• Curated multimedia learning materials
• Ability to share third-party content or self-generate content
• Includes chatbots and gamification

What is a Learning Management System?

The primary goal of learning management systems (LMSs) is to allow educational institutions and corporations to provide centralized and accessible training material to achieve organizational goals. Administrators set broad goals within LMS platforms, from basic Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training for employees to advanced algebra for students. Administrators provide learners with digital libraries containing multimedia training content to help achieve these goals. They can test learners’ understanding through quizzes and encourage discussion on shared forums.

Administrators can design and manage courses, curate digital libraries, and offer multimedia and multichannel access to learning materials with the help of LMS platforms. Learners can track their progress and test their knowledge upon completing a course or module. Most LMSs also feature calendars for upcoming deadlines, course schedules, and test dates, as well as forums for user interaction. LMSs like MapleLMS offer dashboards showing course progress, deadlines, and inter-user interactions, and allow for certification courses upon completion.

Despite the administrators setting course content and objectives, LMS platforms offer significant customization to enhance user experience. For instance, MapleLMS tailors digital libraries and user experience based on organizational sectors, incorporating regional languages for equitable learning. Gamification elements in LMSs like MapleLMS allow users to earn badges and coins by competing with others.

Learning Management System at a Glance:

• Centralized and accessible training material
• Broad course goals set by administrators
• Multimedia, multichannel, multilingual content curated by administrators
• Offers certification courses
• Promotes inter-user interactions via forums and gamification

How are Learning Experience Platforms Different from Learning Management Systems?

While comparing LXPs and LMSs, it’s essential to understand that neither is universally better. The choice depends on the organization’s and users’ long-term demands. LXPs focus on user experience, allowing users to curate content, share third-party content, and set their own pace for an individualized experience. In contrast, LMSs cater to organizational goals, providing digital libraries curated by administrators with structured certification courses and compliance-oriented goals.

Key Differences at a Glance:

LMS systems might be better for organizations requiring a large number of employees to undergo compliance and regulatory training, as they can track completion rates and provide structured learning content. LXPs are ideal for providing users with flexibility and individualized learning content. Both LXPs and LMSs encourage peer engagement, enhancing the learning experience. Many LMSs, like MapleLMS, have integrated LXP components to create a more user-friendly learning environment. Connect with our industry experts to learn more about MapleLMS which is an LMS cum LXP!