The Problem of Content - Part 1 - Yes, It's Still King...

Monday, August 31, 2009

Note: This post is the first in a series. Be sure to read the whole set!

For modern learning organizations, quality content can be a huge problem. In fact, we are seeing a significant increase in the questions sent to us by our members on the issue.  Over the course of the next few posts, we will look at several aspects of this issue.

First, I would be remiss if I did not point out that the rules corporate learning content have changed.  The modern High Impact Learning Organization knows that its best role is as enabler and broker of learning, not just as source.   

To be an effective broker of learning means:

  1. Knowing where to find the best learning content (regardless of format or modality) available;
  2. Having a deep understanding of learners' needs and preferences in order to facilitate the best match of learner and content; and
  3. Having easy to use, efficient channels and platforms by which to enable rapid discoverability of content and promote timely connections between learner and content.

Most learning organizations will inevitably choose to develop content to solve some portion of their needs and to purchase content from external providers to solve other needs.  However, the old build versus buy question is, by itself, no longer entirely adequate to describe the problem. Our web 2.0, information based society presents a number of growing challenges to sourcing content, some technology related but most related to changing expectations our business audiences:

  1. Expectations of Speed and Accessibility
  2. Democratization of Authorship 
  3. Commoditization of Quality and Credibility
  4. Confusion Over Ownership and Market Value

Over the next few posts, I will address each of these challenges in more detail, including their relevance for today’s corporate training departments and possible solutions.  We will also have a few other pieces of research publishing soon with guidance on how to select and implement platforms through which to connect people to content effectively and efficiently.  More on those reports a bit later...

How does being a broker work?  Is your learning organization ready for this new role? 

 

 

For answers to those questions, please see our just-published groundbreaking new industry study: High Impact Learning Practices.  This report is the definitive study of what it will take to remain a High Impact Learning Organization in today’s fast paced, information rich world. 

Now on to our first challenge: Expectations of Speed and Accessibility.

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About These Analysts

David Mallon leads our research practice in Learning and Development. He studies the role and make-up of High Impact Learning Organizations - and how they are evolving to meet the changing needs of today's workforces and workplaces, including organization & governance, learning architectures, integration with talent management, working with solution providers, and globalization. Janet Clarey is senior analyst for L&D. Her areas of focus are successful applications of learning; core processes such as program management, instructional design, and content management; learning tools and technologies; and learning staff development. She writes on the changing learning landscape with the goal of helping learning professionals produce results for their organizations.


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