Learning management systems (LMS) are software packages that feature course management, authoring, assessment, and administrative tools for delivering courses over the Internet. WebCT and Blackboard are the two most widely used LMS packages, but there are also other proprietary packages and several open source systems. 

A course management system can use software that is open source or proprietary. The source code for open source software is available to the general public to use and improve upon, whereas it is closed for proprietary software. Proprietary software, such as WebCT and Blackboard, is available through a licensing agreements. The code for open source LMS is available to institutions under GNU General Public Licensing (http://www.opensource.org/licenses/gpl-license.php) but not necessarily for free. The free often mentioned with open source software is in the freedom to alter the code to refine or expand the existing tools.

Several proprietary systems have evolved from open source code that has been customized for an institution. Proprietary LMS software is available to institutions through licensing agreements to use the software on the institution's server or through fees to access the system through the provider's server. Although the packages differ, most contain:

• Content tools (pages, syllabus, glossary, index)
• Communication tools (mail, discussions, chat)
• Utility tools (search, compile)
• Evaluation and activity tools (test, assignment, survey)
• Student tools (grades, progress)

The most limiting factor in selecting a LMS is the technical support available at the institution. Most institutions cannot and will not support multiple systems. As a result, many LMS are being discontinued and more and more institutions are moving to WebCT or Blackboard.

Another trend is the use of open source course management systems.

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