Connecting Dots… The Significance of the LMS-SMS Connection in Virtual Learning Environment

We live in a digital society and use a variety of tools and technologies to extend and enhance our everyday, working or learning experience. Education is one of the areas where ICT has already brought and can still bring major changes and improvements. Awareness about learning in a virtual environment came into focus, especially during the pandemic. ICT and virtual learning environment enabled the continuation of the educational process when everyone was facing lockdown. The University of Zagreb University Computing Centre SRCE maintains and develops the virtual learning environment for higher education. One of the significant segments of the virtual learning environment (VLE) is the Learning Management System (LMS) - Student Management System (SMS) connection that enables a seamless studying experience on the university level as well as across a virtual campus in an alliance (European University Alliances). Communication and exchange of information between the LMS and SMS using the European Student Identifier and eduGAIN for identification is crucial. In this paper, we will further elaborate on how they are working and why they are important.