This is a report comparing and contrasting LMS and LCMSs. The report points out the essential functions of each, how their use differs and then how the two work together to engender learning. The focus od this report is on learning in an organization, but it is a good introduction to the differences of LMSs and LCMSs. Essentially, an LMS is used to automate the entire learning process from content delivery to assessment, whereas a LCMS is used to house learning objects that can be used to build different learning experiences.
This is an older article dating in the late 90's but it is interesting to note that some of the same problems still exist, just in a more modern version. Firstly, contact and communication with the instructor and class, is still a contemporary issue. We think this has been solved with email, texting and skype, but if the instructor doesn't believe that as much interaction needs to be given to online students as campus ones, then it still stands as a barrier. Also, technical skills of students and faculty is listed and still true today, as well as the lack of support services.