Learning content management system
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A learning content management system is a solution for the creation, management and transfer of learning content. Although LCMS and LMS have some overlapping technologies, the products are very different.
An LCMS includes the following functionality:
Content creation: LCMS includes the ability to create new learning content, build templates, import documents easily (such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint documents), and allows developers to easily import legacy content (an organization’s existing training material created in other systems).
Content management: The LCMS provides the tools necessary for an effective content management strategy including strong metadata and taxonomy schema, version control, the ability to check content in and out and the ability to archive content.
Collaboration Tools: The LCMS includes workflow management capabilities so that multiple subject matter experts (SMEs) and instructional designers can access content and manage the approval process.
Assessments and Analytics: The LCMS can track participants, support prescriptive learning and can create advanced assessments without the need for additional tools.
Search and Retrieval: LCMS allows for the quick and easy retrieval of content for reuse purposes with the use on strong metadata and taxonomy schemas.
Formal Learning: LCMS is able to support an organization’s formal learning initiatives – this includes having a learner portal to deliver courses, supporting blended learning initiatives with multiple delivery modes (output to PDAs and other handheld devices, PDF, PowerPoint, Flash etc...).
Performance Support and Informal Learning: LCMSs have built in performance support tools such as peer-to-peer knowledge sharing and simulation tools. Peer-to-peer knowledge sharing is an important part of the informal learning process.
Standards Compliance and Conformance: LCMSs include tools to export or publish courses and content to most Elearning industry standards (SCORM, AICC, AICC PENS, QTI, IMS etc...).
There is a growing tendency for organisations to acquire LCMSs with the prime aim of cutting out the need to use specialist e-learning producers. This has benefits such as reducing costs and enabling the company's own staff to update content whenever the need arises.
However, simply having the tools to make e-learning does not mean that the product will be any good. You can give someone a saw, a chisel, a plane and bag of nails but just having the tools does not mean that the person can make a high quality piece of furniture. Similarly, LCMSs are fine for generating bulk standard e-learning courses but in the hands of non-specialists they can churn out uninspiring and mediocre courses.
Creating effective learning experiences is a skilled job. Having a good knowledge of learning design is not enough. A truly engaging e-learning resource is dependent on good ideas. Unfortunately LCMSs don't have an 'ideas' button!
[edit] See also
- Computer aided instruction
- Learning management system
- Managed learning environment
- Virtual learning environment
- Advanced Distributed Learning
- Educational technology
- Shareable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM)
- Aviation Industry CBT Committee (AICC)
- IMS Global Learning Consortium
- Question and Test Interoperability Specification (QTI)