Learning Management Systems

Learning Management Systems (LMS) are online platforms that provide users with an integrated learning
environment. These systems allow companies to make their training more efficient, learning easier, and more
manageable [1]. Creating new courses and managing them becomes an effortless task, enabling businesses to
cater to growing demand with ease. One of the principal benefits of using a Learning Management System is
that it saves the company time and effort by providing a platform with automated functions that track user
enrolment, construct reports and track the users' progress which helps streamline learning. This also saves the
business money as it minimizes the need to create new software [1]. Upon researching the best LMSs that offer
accessible learning and teaching for growing businesses, the three products I chose are Brightspace, Talent
LMS, and CYPHER learning. These LMSs stood out as the best-suited for SkyClear’s mission to educate
society on tracking and reducing pollution.

D2L Brightspace: Brightspace provides a platform to create a personalized learning environment with a list of
comprehensive features, especially for educators. D2L is quite popular and one of the first LMSs ever made.
Over the years D2L has been committed to focusing on enhancing its automation and comprehensiveness while
providing a fusion of online and in-person learning to improve the quality of education [2]. Though Brightspace
claims to be “effortlessly easy”[3], it may not be the most time-efficient and effortless software to set up, but it
delivers astonishing results if properly configured. It demands thorough information about the business, the
educators' learning requirements and other software used by the company. Although detailed, the process
ensures that the educators’ requirements are precisely met [4]. Once set, D2L offers extensive functionality for
instructors, such as the ability to retrieve related documents in the same window, adding customizable features
that allow all users to upload and access local items and third-party content such as YouTube. Its wide-ranging
services give it a human touch and allow easy maintenance. Furthermore, it implements a clean and minimalist
interface, creating a professional and appealing brand perception. The website maintains an accessible format,
following good design principles to retain functionality [2]. Brightspace includes embedded discussion boards,
calendars and mailing systems but also provides excellent in-built integration with widely recognized software
like Gmail and Microsoft Office 365 which gives users access to vital applications such as MS Word,
PowerPoint, etc. [2]. Brightspace implements several security measures to protect user data and prevent misuse
such as providing support for Single Sign On with various authenticators and using RSA encryption to transfer
client data. Moreover, they guarantee easy backup of data through safeguarded offsite storage [5].

Talent LMS: Talent LMS is a cloud-based learning management system focused on e-learning. The platform is
created by Epignosis, a well-established provider of learning technologies with over 15 years of experience in
the e-learning industry [6]. The software is very easy to use and is perfect for smaller companies looking to get
into online training. Through its supportive and adaptive system, online courses can be crafted in mere minutes
[6]. Talent claims to take security measures very seriously and refuses to offer detailed information about
technologies used, though they boast a long list of certifications to put users at ease. These include collaboration
with AWS (Amazon Web Services) secure servers, compliance with security regulations, etc.[7]. Furthermore,
maintaining the courses becomes an easy task due to good customer support, along with free video tutorials
which help perform fundamental functions on the website. These tutorials help first-time users create courses,
use branches and give helpful pointers [6]. Their website looks professional and appealing, focusing on the
strengths and new features. All the information is easily accessible, requiring minimal effort, which establishes a
positive impression. Talent provides integration options from both the business and user perspectives, by
supporting E-commerce services and several video conferencing services such as Zoom to create an efficient
platform for educators. Additionally, the integration of Azure AD gives access to new features and enhances the
overall user experience [8].

CYPHER Learning: CYPHER Learning is an easy-to-use AI-powered learning platform that aims to set itself
apart from standard and outdated LMSs. They help businesses deliver a variety of innovative and automated
courses at an affordable price [9]. Moreover, they have modernized the learning process with AI integration, yet
they have not attempted to overcomplicate things and delivered efficient service [10]. CYPHER has a library of
detailed guides for educators and users that are geared toward helping first-time users easily navigate the
platform, such as guides on utilizing the full potential of CYPHER AI for gamification, translation, course
creation, etc. and helping small organizations succeed. These tools make the courses easy to set up and maintain.
Their website presents all important information in clear and precise columns, which combined with good
design implementations make it a pleasure to use. Being a cloud-based platform, CYPHER operates on Amazon
Cloud and Microsoft Azure infrastructures, which are some of the most renowned and secure service providers
in the world. Additionally, CYPHER encrypts all transmitted data, uses secure connections and facilitates fast
backups [11]. Along with the AI integration, CYPHER also features a diverse selection of in-built integrations
such as Google Drive and OneDrive for file sharing and PayPal, stripe, etc. for seamless payment processing.
CYPHER also has connectivity with numerous other software such as third-party platforms including LinkedIn,
Udemy, Coursera, etc., providing users with a wide range of options for learning [12]. Its long list of integration
services makes it one of the most flexible LMSs available right now.

After extensively researching Brightspace, Talent and CYPHER learning across the required criteria, I
discovered that each LMS has its own very strong qualities which can be useful for SkyClear. Brightspace is a
clean design and offers extensive functionality and robust security measures, though its detailed setup
requirements might be better suited for larger institutions. CYPHER Learning is user-friendly and highly
innovative, allowing users to create courses quickly and with detailed help. It offers the most amount of
software integrations which can be a bit overwhelming for a smaller company. Talent LMS excels in ease of
setup, allowing users to create new courses with minimal training. The tutorials they provide are a great aid
which makes the program easy to sustain. Finally, their strong emphasis on security and professional branding
makes Talent the most balanced option, aligning with SkyClear’s objective to help volunteers use satellite
imaging to monitor pollution in their communities.

References:

[1] Lambda Solutions, “Unlocking the Power: The Importance of Learning Management Systems (LMS),”
lambdasolutions.net, July. 5, 2023. [Blog]. Available: https://www.lambdasolutions.net/blog/unlocking-the-
power-the-importance-of-learning-management-systems-lms [Accessed Oct. 13, 2024].

[2] W. Fenton, “D2L Brightspace LMS Review,” pcmag.com, Oct. 5, 2017. [Online]. Available:
https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/d2l-brightspace-lms [Accessed Oct. 13, 2024].

[3] “D2L Brightspace - The #1 Easiest Learning Management System to Use,” d2l.com,. [Online].
Available: https://www.d2l.com/why-d2l/easiest-lms/ [Accessed Oct. 15, 2024].

[4] D. Patterson, “Brightspace LMS Review – a Compelling, Market-Leading Learning Platform.”

learninglight.com,.[Online]. Available: https://www.learninglight.com/brightspace-lms-review/ [Accessed Oct.
14, 2024].

[5] “D2L Security and Privacy,” d2l.com,.[Online]. Available: https://www.d2l.com/security/ [Accessed

Oct. 14, 2024].

[6] “TalentLMS Reviews,” elearningindustry.com,. [Online]. Available:

https://elearningindustry.com/directory/elearning-software/talentlms/reviews [Accessed Oct. 14, 2024].

[7] “Security,” talentlms.com,. [Online]. Available: https://www.talentlms.com/security [Accessed Oct. 15,

2024].

[8] J. Cobb, “TalentLMS Review: A Simple Yet Sophisticated LMS,” learningrevolution.net, July. 11,
2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.learningrevolution.net/talentlms-review/ [Accessed Oct. 13, 2024].

[9] “Your way. Not theirs,” cypherlearning.com,. [Online]. Available: https://www.cypherlearning.com/

[Accessed Oct. 14, 2024].

[10] “CYPHER Learning,” elearningindustry.com,. [Online]. Available:

https://elearningindustry.com/directory/elearning-software/cypher-learning [Accessed Oct. 14, 2024].

[11] “Support. Security. Privacy,” cypherlearning.com,. [Online]. Available:

https://www.cypherlearning.com/tour/support-security-privacy [Accessed Oct. 14, 2024].
[12] “Integrations,” cypherlearning.com,. [Online]. Available:
https://www.cypherlearning.com/tour/integrations#:~:text=CYPHER's%20built%2Din%20integrations
%20enable,CYPHER's%20built%2Din%20app%20center [Accessed Oct. 14, 2024].