We recently started a large project to update the content and modernize the user experience across SCORM.com, xapi.com and RusticiSoftware.com. Yep, it’s a pretty big endeavor and you’ll hear more from us about it as we get closer to launching the new sites. So, don’t panic! You’ll still have access to all of this great content, hopefully in a much improved, easier to digest format.
During this process, we’ve discovered this: the definition of roles within the eLearning industry are not as clear cut as they once were. Traditionally in the world of eLearning you would likely fall into one of three categories: Content Creator, LMS Provider or Customer (of an LMS Provider or Content Creator). But things have changed. With greater demand for customized learning experiences, an increased interest in extended enterprise training and content specific platforms on the rise, the roles of Content, Platform and Customer have gotten pretty blurry.
Then vs. Now
Then:
Content creators might rely solely on their customer provided LMS as the delivery mechanism for connecting learners to courses. In most cases the content creator would hand off fully packaged courses (as a SCORM file) to a customer who would then run them through their LMS. Primary goal? CREATE content.
LMS providers focused on the user management side of the equation, ensuring assignment and reporting functionality. For the most part, they relied on content being provided by their customers. Primary goal? PLAY content.
Customers provided the content they wanted to deliver to their employees/learners. And the LMS would provide the system to manage those learners and track course usage. Primary goal? TRAIN employees.
Now:
Content creators are discovering that the best way to experience their courses might not always be easy to package up and send off to a third party system. Dynamically generated courses, database driven content and media rich assets make great content but it’s not that easy to package those things up. So rather than handing off courses to their learners, they are bringing learners to their courses, allowing them to fully control the learner experience. New goal? CREATE + PLAY + DISTRIBUTE content.
LMSs are bringing more to the table than just the platform. Rich course catalogs (whether created in house or acquired through partnerships) are the norm these days, leading to more specialized learning platforms targeting specific audiences and industries. New goal? PLAY + DISTRIBUTE content.
Customers are no longer just consumers of content; we see more companies getting into the extended enterprise space. Customers are increasing their focus on content, investing more time and money into delivering customer and/or partner training online. Suddenly customers are now content creators. New goal? TRAIN employees + CREATE content + DISTRIBUTE content.
While it’s exciting to see how the roles are getting redefined, it definitely adds some complexity to the site redesign. So, stay tuned! And along the way we’ll keep you in the loop on our progress. Better yet–let us know which circle you think you fall into.
