The definition of a Learning Content Management System (LCMS) varies from one person to another, and from one vendor to another. In it's most basic terms, an LCMS is a system that manages eLearning content objects. Minimally, an LCMS will provide:
- a means of authoring and editing course content
- a data or learning object repository
- a delivery mechanism
- basic administration tools
The LCMS model was based on the management of reusable learning components. The idea was that these learning objects could be developed once and reused in multiple courses and programs. Another important design feature of an LCMS is that courses could be personalized to each individual learner (prescriptive learning); courses could be dynamically built based the learners' needs.
Even at this basic level, one can easily see the conflict between an LMS and an LCMS -- overlaps of functionality exist between these two systems. Given the acceptance of the LMS platform, CourseAvenue has chosen to rely on the LMS for the functionality it offers, and builds upon it by focusing on providing an enterprise class authoring and development environment.
In a report by Bersin & Associates1, Chris Howard explains, "The concept of reusable learning objects has not been as commercially successful as originally envisioned." He further points out that the concept of learning object reuse was cited as the number one reason for considering an LCMS, but only 38% of those with an LCMS actually reuse content. In the same report, Mr. Howard concludes that, "Although a universally accepted great idea, prescriptive learning has not been very widely adopted. Development of such dynamic courseware can be two to five times as expensive as building simpler, linear content."
Where does CourseAvenue fit in?
CourseAvenue's platform blurs the lines between a pure content development platform and a traditional LCMS. It blends the ability to author full-featured eLearning content with the many benefits of an LCMS, but at a much lower cost. CourseAvenue functionality typically found in an LCMS includes:
- Content authoring and editing
- Asset reuse & repository
- Security system - various access levels for contributors
- Collaboration of developers - internal and external
- Content delivery in multiple formats - LMS, Web, CD-ROM
- Templates to be used across content and courses
- Use of assessments
- Multi-language support of course content
- Meta-tagging content and assets for reuse
- Administrative features
CourseAvenue also provides for sound content portablity. Most Learning Content Management Systems produce content according to the SCORM specification for easy transport and reuse in any LMS (Learning Management System). Since CourseAvenue also produces SCORM compliant content, developers are not locked into an proprietary technology platform.
So... Is CourseAvenue an LCMS?
Not exactly. CourseAvenue is an eLearning Authoring Management System. We provide many features of a full-fledged LCMS without the high cost. Creation and management of "learning objects" is not a part of CourseAvenue. And we haven't built our product around the concept of prescriptive learning.
What we have paid attention to is the needs of the training community. Collaborative development environment, asset repository, templates, multi-language support, multiple format delivery and multiple branding options... these are some powerful features you'll find in CourseAvenue that are not available in other authoring tools.
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1. For more information, please see the following report: Learning Content Management Systems: What Works. Industry Trends, Best Practices, and Vendor Profiles, Bersin & Associates / Chris Howard, October 2005.