Students rely on structure. Instructors rely on tools that work. And institutions rely on systems that bring it all together. That’s where Learning Management Systems (LMS) come in—a platform that shapes how courses are delivered, how students engage, and how instructors manage their time. The LMS you use  sets the tone for your learning environment.

In this blog, we explore the current LMS landscape and highlight key factors to consider when selecting (or evaluating) your platform—plus how to enhance it even further for Math and STEM learning.

The LMS Landscape: Quick Stats & Common Platforms

Nearly all colleges and universities today have an LMS to manage course delivery, communication, and assessment. Instructors and students benefit from centralized access to materials, real-time feedback, and progress tracking. According to an EDUCAUSE study, 99% of institutions have an LMS in place, and 87% of faculty use it—many noting that it enhances both teaching effectiveness and student engagement.

In North America, the most widely used LMS platforms include:

• Canvas – Known for its clean interface and seamless integrations
• Blackboard– A longstanding platform with deep analytics and flexible tools
• Moodle – Open-source and customizable, supported by a global community
• Brightspace – Designed for adaptive learning and mobile engagement

 Why Selecting the Right LMS Is Crucial

The LMS you choose becomes the digital foundation of your institution’s learning experience. It affects everything from how instructors teach to how students engage and succeed.

• Centralized Course Management

A well-chosen LMS allows faculty to organize course materials, assignments, assessments, and communications in one place. This helps ensure consistency across departments and simplifies access for students.

• Improved Student Engagement

Interactive tools like discussion forums, embedded media, and real-time quizzes help keep students involved in their learning—especially in hybrid and online formats.

• Efficient Time Management for Instructors

With features like automated grading, integrated calendars, and streamlined feedback workflows, instructors can focus more on teaching and less on administration.

• Data-Driven Decision Making

Built-in analytics dashboards provide instructors and administrators with valuable insights into student performance, engagement trends, and learning gaps—allowing for timely interventions and curriculum improvements.

• Flexible Delivery Across Learning Models

Whether your institution is fully remote, in-person, or hybrid, the right LMS supports your delivery model with mobile access, asynchronous options, and seamless integration with other digital tools.

5 Essential Factors in Choosing the Right LMS

Selecting or switching your LMS is a big decision—it impacts everything from how instructors teach to how students learn and engage with course materials. Whether you’re evaluating your current setup or starting fresh, here are some crucial considerations to keep in mind:

• Scalability

Your LMS should effortlessly manage increasing numbers of users and courses—especially during enrollment peaks or program expansion.

• User Experience

Platforms with intuitive interfaces, smart workflows, and mobile support improve adoption and satisfaction for both students and faculty.

• Integration

Your LMS should connect seamlessly with SIS platforms, video conferencing, assessment tools, and external content via LTI/SCORM/API support.

• Security & Compliance

Ensuring data privacy and adherence to standards like FERPA, GDPR, and ISO 27001 is non-negotiable for protecting sensitive information.

• Support & Maintenance

Reliable vendor support, onboarding assistance, comprehensive documentation, and an engaged user community are essential for long-term success.

How Möbius Complements Your LMS for STEM Courses

Most Learning Management Systems  do a solid job when it comes to managing course content, communication, and grading workflows—but when it comes to supporting deep, technical learning in math and science, they often come up short. Möbius is built to fill those gaps, giving educators tools specifically designed for STEM instruction.

To learn more about how Möbius can enhance  your LMS, check out our blog on LMS vs. online learning platforms.

In summary, here are a few areas where Möbius strengthens your LMS experience:

• Advanced Math Support

Möbius supports advanced math and multi-step STEM problems with proper notation and grading for intermediate steps—something most LMS quizzes can’t handle.

• Algorithmic Question Generation

Unlike LMSs that give every student the same question, Möbius generates unique, adaptive questions based on each student’s performance.

• Real-Time, Intelligent Feedback

With Möbius, students receive immediate, intelligent feedback during the learning process—unlike LMSs that delay feedback until after grading.

• Visual and Interactive Learning

Möbius enhances STEM learning with built-in visual tools like simulations and spreadsheets that help explain complex concepts.

• Adaptive Learning Paths

Adaptive learning is simplified through Möbius, which adjusts pathways at the question, assessment, and course levels—without the manual setup required by most LMSs.

Additionally, Möbius integrates directly with your existing LMS through LTI, syncing grades and data automatically, so instructors don’t need to manage separate systems.

Curious how Möbius integrates with your current LMS—or the one you’re planning to implement?
Learn more here.

Key Takeaways

A well-chosen LMS helps you deliver content consistently, keep students engaged, and save time on the administrative side of teaching.

And when it comes to STEM education, your LMS alone might not be enough. That’s where Möbius can help—by adding interactive assessments, adaptive learning paths, and advanced analytics that support real student mastery.

If you’re ready to take your current LMS to the next level, get in touch with us. We’d love to help make that path easier—for you and your learners.