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Content is an essential element of any learning management system. A company can purchase the perfect LMS for their organization and learners, but its success still depends on the content.
Because of the overwhelming amount of choices that are available when looking for a new LMS, it is easy to forget the importance of training content. Most businesses focus their time and energy on finding an LMS with the perfect combination of features and user experience not thinking about, or budgeting, for the content they will inevitably need.
The world of eLearning can sometimes feel like a maze, especially when you're just starting out. One of the most common dilemmas facing new entrants is deciding which should come first: the Learning Management System (LMS) or the eLearning content. This post aims to shed some light on this debate, helping you make an informed decision and set a successful course for your online training program.
Understanding eLearning Components: LMS and Content
Before diving into the debate, let's establish what we're talking about. An LMS is essentially a software application that allows you to manage, deliver, and track online training programs. In contrast, eLearning content is the material you present to your learners through the LMS. This content could be anything from training videos and interactive quizzes to PDF documents and discussion threads.
The Case for LMS First
There's a school of thought that argues you should select your LMS before creating your content. The logic here is that your LMS sets the structure for your online training. It's like the frame of a house, supporting and shaping the rest of your build. A robust LMS like Knowledge Anywhere's not only delivers content but also tracks learners' progress, generates reports, and facilitates communication, forming the backbone of your eLearning program.
The Case for Content First
On the other side of the debate are those who argue that content creation should come before selecting an LMS. The content is the substance of your online training—the knowledge and skills you're seeking to impart to your learners. The type, volume, and complexity of your content can significantly influence the kind of LMS you need. For instance, a large volume of video content may necessitate an LMS that excels in multimedia delivery.
Knowledge Anywhere understands this, offering a comprehensive Course Library of over 50,000 courses that caters to a vast range of training needs.
Final Verdict: Content Comes First
After careful consideration, we've come to the conclusion that content should come first. Here's why:
Starting with content allows you to clarify your training objectives and learning outcomes right off the bat. This clarity then informs your choice of an LMS, ensuring you select a system that best supports your content and learning goals.
Moreover, beginning with content creation gives you greater flexibility. You're not trying to shoehorn your content into the limitations of a predetermined LMS. Instead, you're free to create the most engaging, effective content you can, knowing you can select an LMS that will support it.
Why not wait until the implementation of the LMS to turn your attention to content?
There are a couple of important reasons to not wait to start creating content.
- Content is valuable to your company at any time. There is no reason to wait for the purchase of an LMS to use great training content.
- Creating content almost always takes longer than expected. A head start on planning and creating training courses is never a bad idea.
- Budgeting in the cost of training content will be more accurate and easy to do if content creation is already in the planning stages, or in progress.
Starting on content can be intimidating and sometimes it is hard to know where or how to start. Here are a couple of focal points to help get your organization moving forward on its training content:
- Identify the team that will be spearheading the content effort
- Nail down what type of content you should create with your budget and timeframe (PowerPoints, professional videos, off-the-shelf courses, PDFs, quizzes, lectures, scripts, etc.)
- Write down all of your content needs, then prioritize them
- Use content you already have
- Outline your content
Conclusion
Knowledge Anywhere is an eLearning company focused on providing flexible, modern learning and development solutions that enable organizations to harness the power of an engaged, knowledgeable workforce. Our Learning Management System, Virtual Reality Training, and Course Development services, combined with our experience and customer support enables our users to create a learning and development program that boosts sales and drives company growth.
So if you're ready to take the first step towards building a successful eLearning program, reach out to Knowledge Anywhere today for a free eLearning consultation!
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