Infrastructure 101 Getting started with e-learning LMS/LCMS technology March 22, 2010 Steve Foreman, InfoMedia Designs Learning Solutions 2010: Foundations Intensive
Discussion topics Introduction LMS LCMS What IT needs to know Making it happen All rights reserved. 2
Basic e-learning architecture Courseware Essential Learning Management System (LMS) Authoring Tools Optional Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Learning Content Management System (LCMS) e-testing Platform All rights reserved. 3
Discussion topics Introduction LMS LCMS What IT needs to know Making it happen All rights reserved. 4
Why do I need an LMS? Track and report training activity Deliver e-learning courseware compliance budgeting reimbursement balanced scorecard enrollments bookmarking completion milestones test scores Provide self-service access browsing selection registration access Provide a more consistent t user interface one-stop shop player uniformity All rights reserved. 5
Why do I need an LMS? Manage instructor-led delivery instructor & facility schedules class sizes & rosters approval waiting lists credit All rights reserved. 6
Manager Job People Group Region What is an LMS? Rules to match people & programs T r a n s c r i p t s Notifications Reports Program structures Learning Programs Catalog elearning delivery Facilities & Instructors All rights reserved. 7
How does the LMS work w/other systems? HRMS --- Identity Mgt LMS Single Sign-On General Ledger --- ERP Enterprise Search Employee Portal All rights reserved. 8
How do I operate an LMS? Training Administrators e-learning Specialists Support Structure System Administrator post and schedule courses enter registrations & attendance records monitor rosters and waiting lists correct discrepancies run reports publish e-learning courseware work with IT to troubleshoot problems tiered support structure escalation plan service level agreements & performance guarantees configure system parameters create new reports work with IT to troubleshoot problems All rights reserved. 9
How do I get an LMS? Purchase Licensing: Enterprise Per user Per enrollment Start Up Fees: Implementation support Customizations Maintenance Fees Hosting: In-house (IT) Outsourced LMS vendor Third party vendor All rights reserved. 10
How do I get an LMS? Software as a Service (SaaS) Licensing: Enterprise Per user Per enrollment Start Up Fees: Implementation Customizations Hosting Fees Management Services: Administration End User Support Course Development Course Delivery All rights reserved. 11
How do I get an LMS? Use Courseware Vendor s Solution Delivery Fees Start Up Fees Support Fees All rights reserved. 12
Discussion topics Introduction LMS LCMS What IT needs to know Making it happen All rights reserved. 13
Why do I need an LCMS? One-stop, searchable content repository images & slides audio video & animations documents Single source library for course store development organize retrieve reuse Easier to make global changes/updates manage content versions track courses where content is used create/apply skins Consistent t authoring interface assemble content t into courses consistent navigation controls All rights reserved. 14
Why do I need an LCMS? Manage access to content Manage workflow Publish e-learning courses to LMS assign content owners assign authors to courses assign author access to libraries track changes by author manage tasks, processes and handoffs between content owners, courseware authors, approvers, etc. LMS interoperability create SCORM package publishtolms All rights reserved. 15
What is an LCMS? Check in/out Access & permissions Layout templates & skins Version control Searchable repository Content Library D e v e l o p e r s Courseware Assembly & sequencing Interactions Single source Workflow & Notifications Packaging & publishing All rights reserved. 16
LCMS optional features Category Learning Object Creation Workflow Management LMS-light Functionality Modules SCORM learning object creation Guidance/wizards Multi-developer hand-offs Approval Review/update scheduling e-learning course deliver user/group profiles self-service All rights reserved. 17
How does the LCMS work w/other systems? 3 rd Party Authoring Tools LCMS LMS All rights reserved. 18
How do I operate an LCMS? LCMS Administrators Content Owners e-learning Authors Approvers create & organize libraries manage user access & permissions configure workflows monitor activity add/submit content update content assemble courses find & use content publish courses to LMS review content & courses approve/reject content & courses All rights reserved. 19
Where do I get an LCMS? Companion product from LMS vendor Specialized LCMS vendor All rights reserved. 20
Discussion topics Introduction LMS LCMS What IT needs to know Making it happen All rights reserved. 21
Comparison w/other enterprise systems Characteristic Most LMS Systems Separate testing & production environments needed Yes Yes SLAs & performance guarantees needed Yes Yes Tiered support model needed Yes Yes Security model Yes Yes Key distinction between data and content No Yes System application PLUS multiple mini- software applications from multiple l vendors No Yes SCORM/AICC interoperability standards No Yes All rights reserved. 22
Discussion topics Introduction LMS LCMS What IT needs to know Making it happen All rights reserved. 23
10 critical steps 1. Define a cogent and comprehensive e-learning strategy. 2. Identify critical audiences and content. 3. Form a partnership with IT. 4. Define requirements, evaluate and select an LMS solution. 5. Implement the LMS (plan, configure, integrate, load, test, deploy). All rights reserved. 24
10 critical steps 6. Define a production support model for the LMS and e-learning courseware. 7. Evaluate and select authoring and e-testing solutions as needed. 8. Define standards and work processes to create, manage and administer i e-learning. 9. Define metrics and establish reporting mechanisms. 10. Establish e-learning requirements and guidelines for courseware vendors. All rights reserved. 25
12 technological challenges to overcome 1. LMS selection. 2. LMS configuration. 3. Data migration. 4. Courseware migration/interoperability. 5. User acceptance testing. 6. Network issues & constraints (e.g., remote access, bandwidth, desktop variability). 7. End user support. All rights reserved. 26
12 technological challenges to overcome 8. Authoring standards (e.g., tools, style guides, templates, t LCMS utilization). 9. Content management standards and work processes (e.g., publishing, updating, shelf life). 10. Problem resolution (i.e., complexity, accountability). 11. Courseware deployment controls and guidelines. 12. Advanced technologies (e.g. rich media, web-conferencing/casting, social networking & collaboration, virtual 3D environments, instructional gaming & simulations) All rights reserved. 27
8 steps to a successful IT partnership 1. Recognize existing limitations, even while working to alleviate them. 2. Develop an e-learning technology strategy. 3. Establish work-level relationships & processes. 4. Establish an appropriate p governance mechanism. 5. Allow time for network testing. 6. Learn each other s language. 7. Create a technical liaison in the training group. 8. Establish a sandbox for experimentation. All rights reserved. 28
Thank you! Questions? All rights reserved. 29
Speaker Steve Foreman is President of InfoMedia Designs. Steve has 20+ years experience applying computer technology to support human performance. From 1983 to 1994, Steve served as an independent consultant to organizations ranging from multinational corporations to mid-size businesses. In 1995, Steve founded InfoMedia Designs, a firm that provides instructional systems analysis, design, development and implementation services. The company has created custom enterprise e-learning, Performance Support and Knowledge Management infrastructures for some of the largest technology companies in the world. Its systems have served hundreds of thousands of users, worldwide. For more information, see www.infomediadesigns.com. All rights reserved. 30