What is a primary function of a learning management system (LMS)?

A learning management system (LMS) is fundamentally a software application specifically designed to plan, implement, and assess learning processes. This encompasses a wide array of functionalities, including delivering educational content, tracking learner progress, administering assessments, and providing resources to both educators and learners.

The central purpose of an LMS is to facilitate the learning experience by organizing and managing educational courses, whether in a traditional classroom setting or in a virtual environment. It allows instructors to create and manage course materials systematically, while also enabling students to access these materials, participate in discussions, and submit assignments all within one centralized platform.

In contrast to other choices, a social media platform focuses on networking and communication rather than structured learning. A database for storing professional contacts serves a different purpose, supporting networking and professional relationships instead of educational initiatives. Automatically generating a professional portfolio does not encompass the broad and interactive elements essential to the core functions of an LMS. Thus, the identification of option C as the primary function accurately reflects the essential role that LMSs play in facilitating effective learning environments.