In the world of education technology, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the amount of acronyms and technical terms that are thrown around. From LMS to SIS, TMS to CRM, it can all start to feel like a confusing jumble of letters. However, understanding these acronyms is crucial for anyone interested in making an informed decision about the best software or tech-tool for their teaching or tutoring business. That's why we've put together this comprehensive guide on the most important edTech acronyms you need to know to kickstart your ed-business.

Learning Management System (LMS)


A Learning Management System (LMS) is a software application that allows educators to create, manage, and deliver online courses and training programs. With an LMS, you can create and organize course content, track student progress, and provide assessments and feedback. This tool is essential for any education business that offers online courses or training programs, as it allows you to easily manage and deliver your content to students. Some popular LMS options include Moodle, Canvas, and Blackboard.

Learning Management System (LMS) vs. Teaching Management System [TMS]


A Learning Management System (LMS) and a Teaching Management System (TMS) are two distinct software systems commonly used in the educational landscape. While LMS is designed to manage and deliver instructional content to students, TMS is used to manage and organize the teaching process. LMS is used to create and manage courses, assignments, and assessments, while TMS is used to schedule classes, manage student attendance, and track progress. LMS is primarily geared towards student learning, while TMS focuses on teacher management and administrative tasks. In summary, LMS is a platform that delivers content and assesses student performance, while TMS is a system that manages the teacher's workflow and tracks student progress.

Check out the first and only TMS of its kind: edTonomy! Created by a teacher, for teachers!

Student Information System (SIS)


A Student Information System (SIS) is a software application that allows education businesses to manage student data, including enrollment, attendance, grades, and transcripts. This tool is essential for any education business that wants to efficiently manage student information and ensure compliance with regulations. With an SIS, you can easily track student progress, communicate with parents and guardians, and generate reports on student performance. Some popular SIS options include PowerSchool, Infinite Campus, and Skyward.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software


Another essential tool for any education business is Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software. This type of software allows you to manage interactions with current and potential customers, including students, parents, and other stakeholders. With a CRM, you can track communication history, manage leads and opportunities, and automate marketing campaigns. Some popular CRM options for education businesses include Salesforce, HubSpot, and Zoho CRM. By using a CRM, you can improve customer satisfaction and retention, as well as increase sales and revenue.

Online Payment Processing System


An online payment processing system is a must-have for any education business that accepts payments online. This type of software allows you to securely process credit card and other electronic payments, as well as manage refunds and chargebacks. Some popular options for online payment processing systems include PayPal, Stripe, and Authorize.net. By using an online payment processing system, you can streamline your payment process, reduce errors and fraud, and improve customer satisfaction.

Want more resources and training to help build your teaching or tutoring business? Subscribe to edTonomy’s weekly newsletter!

Understanding these edTech acronyms is essential for any teacherpreneur or tutor business. LMS, TMS, SIS, CRM, and online payment processing systems are all critical components of a successful teaching business. Knowing what they mean and how they work can help you make informed decisions about which tools and systems to use to grow your business and improve your teaching strategies. So take the time to learn and understand these acronyms, and you'll be on your way to building a thriving and successful education business.