A learning management system (LMS) provides instructors with a way to create and deliver online learning programs and training courses, while also being able to monitor the performance & participation of their students. These programs are conducted online, while the course materials can also be downloaded for offline viewing from mobile devices. An LMS manages all types of content, including videos, workshops, documents, courses, assessments, discussion boards, and more. 

Different LMS software can be tailored to a wide variety of learning styles and use cases, and can cater to many sectors. For example, these systems are commonly used by businesses for employee training and onboarding, or by schools and higher education institutions for remote or hybrid education. Businesses usually opt for a corporate LMS, while schools and universities opt for an academic or higher learning LMS.

A learning management system can benefit your organization in the following ways.

1. Course Management & Content Delivery — The LMS serves as a centralized hub for all of the digital learning content of the organization. It lets organizations create and manage courses easily in one place, supporting various content formats (videos, quizzes, modules etc.) to make learning more engaging. 
2. Assess Student Progress — LMS platforms have built-in analytics that enable instructors to track course completion rates, assessment scores, and other measures of learner progress.
3. Accessibility & Mobile Learning — Most modern LMS platforms are cloud-based and mobile-friendly, so students can access the course materials from anywhere, on any device. This is especially beneficial for remote teams and global organizations. ‍
4. Increased Collaboration — LMS platforms create a digital community where students and instructors can engage in meaningful collaboration and knowledge sharing. They empower learners to work together on group assignments, participate in online discussions, receive peer feedback, ask questions, and more.

Common features of learning management systems (LMS) include: 

• Course Management — Adminstrators can create and manage courses.
• Content Delivery — Delivers various types of learning content (videos, documents, quizzes).
• User Enrollment — Manages enrollment of learners into courses and tracks progress.
• Progress Tracking — Tracks learner progress through courses, assignments, and certifications.
• Assessment & Quizzes — Provides tools to create and grade assessments and quizzes.
• Certificates & Badges — Issues certificates or badges for course completion or achievements.
• Discussion Forums — Facilitates learner interaction through message boards or forums.
• Gamification — Incorporates game-like elements such as points and leaderboards.
• Mobile Accessibility — Allows learners to access course materials on mobile devices.
• Reporting & Analytics — Generates reports and insights on learner performance and course effectiveness.
• SCORM & xAPI Compliance — Supports standards for tracking and delivering eLearning content.
• Multilingual Support —Offers content and interface in multiple languages for global users.
• Virtual Classrooms — Integrates live sessions or webinars for real-time learning.
• Collaboration Tools — Provides tools like shared documents, chat, and video conferencing.‍
• Integration with Other Tools — Integrates with third-party software like HR systems or content libraries.

The cost of a learning management system (LMS) will depend on many factors, such as the features and capabilities of the software, your organization's size, and support options. Basic plans can start at $3 to $10 per user per month, while more advanced solutions range from $10 to $50+ per user per month. Some providers offer flat annual pricing, typically starting at $10,000+ for larger organizations. Free options exist but may lack essential features.