We are almost done configuring and gearing up to launch our new training platform. Before we go live, we want to make sure we have a solid plan for storing and organizing content in the Content Library. Do you have any suggestions for organization strategies for this? What works well for you? Thanks!
I don't know how Saba Content library is organized but i can share with you my experience in content organization by means of JoomlaLMS.
By defualt there are 3 ways to organize eLearning content depending on the courses quantity inside your eLearning platform and their complexity:
The first one is based on Learning Paths
As you probably know Learning Paths represent successions of steps a student needs to take in order to complete the course. Depending on the number of the materials you want a student to absorb and the whole course complexity there are two ways to group the content:
If the course is small the documents and quizzes can be uploaded directly to the learning path (in this case the course elements will perform as steps on the way to the learning path and the course the path is assigned to completion respectively).
If the course is more complex it makes sense to group the documents and quizzes inside chapters that will work as folders for your materials (in this case a student needs to pass all the steps inside the corresponding chapters first). Weeks, semesters or even models can be used as names for chapters.
2. The second approach is based on using Topics
The main difference of this course documents organization is replacement of the learning paths by topics. Topics are intended to organize easy and rapid navigation to any course resource. And unlike learning paths there are no pre-requisites and the student is free to start learning from any topics’ element.
3. The third approach is a combined one
The principle combines 2 previous ones on account of grouping learning paths into topics. The approach is well suited for complex courses with numerous elements.
Which training platform are you using? Organising the content would completely depend on the LMS. And, most of the LMS should have good interfaces for it.
If you also want ability to track the content usage, you would need to package it for Tin Can API, and you would need an Learning Record Store for Tin Can tracking to work.
If you could be more specific about the content and how much of it you have, that might create some more relevant answers for you. But here are some general thoughts...
By Importance - eg required, recommended, optional
By Length - eg multi-lesson courses, stand alone courses, singular learning nuggets
By Developmental Timeline - eg your first 90 days, 91-180 days, 180 days plus
By Content Type - eg documents, videos, interactive courses
By Relevance to Role - eg knowledge for your role, knowledge for related roles, knowledge for other roles
Sure there are some others I am forgetting. And of course, combinations of the above are possible. eg First by relevance to role, then by topic depth
Bottom Line... Much like ID itself, deciding on a content structure should consider what you are trying to accomplish as your primary goal. If it's reduced time to competence, you organize one way. If it's certification/compliance you organize another. etc. Make sense?
Finally, as you know most LMSs have various mechanisms for creating some of these divisions. Curricula, Learning Paths, Job Profiles, Categories, etc etc. If this is truly a "library", you may not want to pre-enroll/assign content... but then again you might find a combination of pre-enrollment for some content and open catalogue/library for the rest is the perfect combo.
Hope this helps and good luck with the new platform!
3 Replies
I don't know how Saba Content library is organized but i can share with you my experience in content organization by means of JoomlaLMS.
By defualt there are 3 ways to organize eLearning content depending on the courses quantity inside your eLearning platform and their complexity:
As you probably know Learning Paths represent successions of steps a student needs to take in order to complete the course. Depending on the number of the materials you want a student to absorb and the whole course complexity there are two ways to group the content:
2. The second approach is based on using Topics
The main difference of this course documents organization is replacement of the learning paths by topics. Topics are intended to organize easy and rapid navigation to any course resource. And unlike learning paths there are no pre-requisites and the student is free to start learning from any topics’ element.
3. The third approach is a combined one
The principle combines 2 previous ones on account of grouping learning paths into topics. The approach is well suited for complex courses with numerous elements.
Sara
Which training platform are you using? Organising the content would completely depend on the LMS. And, most of the LMS should have good interfaces for it.
If you are looking for a self hosted, simple to use platform you can use GrassBlade xAPI Companion on WordPress. Add LearnDash to it and you will have a full blown, simple to use LMS.
If you also want ability to track the content usage, you would need to package it for Tin Can API, and you would need an Learning Record Store for Tin Can tracking to work.
Pankaj
Hi Sara,
If you could be more specific about the content and how much of it you have, that might create some more relevant answers for you. But here are some general thoughts...
Sure there are some others I am forgetting. And of course, combinations of the above are possible. eg First by relevance to role, then by topic depth
Bottom Line... Much like ID itself, deciding on a content structure should consider what you are trying to accomplish as your primary goal. If it's reduced time to competence, you organize one way. If it's certification/compliance you organize another. etc. Make sense?
Finally, as you know most LMSs have various mechanisms for creating some of these divisions. Curricula, Learning Paths, Job Profiles, Categories, etc etc. If this is truly a "library", you may not want to pre-enroll/assign content... but then again you might find a combination of pre-enrollment for some content and open catalogue/library for the rest is the perfect combo.
Hope this helps and good luck with the new platform!
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