What is a Learning Portal?

A web site that acts as a central directory/repository for various types of learning and training materials used by learners is known as a learning portal or eLearning portal.

Learning portals link to relevant training or learning materials such as pdf documents, training videos, web sites, courses, interactives, etc. The main page  (often called the training menu or learner dashboard) may also display a list of recommended courses, upcoming events, resource libraries, job aids or discussion boards. Search functionality within the portal, rating systems, and social networking features are also available in some learning portals.

Content within the eLearning portal can either be general OR customized for the individual learner. Content, tailored for the individual learner, is based on the learner’s profession, role within an organization, department, or membership level, CE requirements as well as professional/personal goals. In cases where the portal is populated with custom content for the learner, administrators use the portal’s learning management system (LMS) to assign the most valuable and appropriate courses to the learner based on those roles and goals.

Here is an analogy to describe the relationship between a learning portal and the learning management system (LMS):

Imagine, a learning portal is a car; the learning management system (LMS) is the car’s engine. Without the engine, the car is nothing more than a frame. Together, the learning management system (LMS) powers the learning portal and brings the car to life. Knowledge Direct for Associations is a combination of the car and the engine.

Knowledge Direct® is more than a learning management system (LMS); it is an end-to-end eLearning solution with its own built-in learning portal.