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 e-Learning portal.

Learning portals link to relevant training or learning materials such as pdf documents, training videos, web sites, courses, interactives, etc. The main page of the learning portal (often called the training menu) 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 e-Learning portal can either be general training OR customized for the individual learner. Content, tailored for the individual learner, is based on the learner’s role within the organization, department, or membership level, previous training history 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 to assign the most valuable and appropriate courses to the learner based on those roles and goals.

Here is an analogy to describe learning portals and the relationship between a learning portal and the learning management system:
Imagine, a learning portal is a car; the learning management system is the car’s engine. Without the engine, the car (in this case, the learning portal) is nothing more than a frame. Together, the learning management system (LMS) powers the learning portal and brings the car to life. The Knowledge Direct e-Learning platform is the combination of the car and the engine.

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

• Resource libraries,
• Social networking,
• Customizable learner profiles,
• Courses,
• Assessments,
• Podcasts,
• Mobile access,
• Interactive Activities,
• Job aids,
• Training resource management
• "Recommended Courses" marketing application, and
• Much more.

For more information on the Knowledge Direct e-Learning Platform click here or call 1-800-942-4537 to speak with an eLearning expert.