In the days before e-learning tools like learning management systems were being used everywhere, people who wanted to create instructional material for academic and/or financial purposes, did so on paper. And this paper-based learning material was subject to the whims and profits of the publishing industry.
Nowadays, of course, publishing continues to be a big and elaborate industry. And the idea of developing and selling instructional material is still compelling for many people with skill and knowledge in a particular field.
But the traditional, paper-based method of creating and delivering instructional material continues to be difficult for all involved--and expensive.
In the past twenty years, textbook prices have increased dramatically. outpacing inflation 2-to-1, according to a Government Accountability Office report. The bulky books are more expensive than ever, indicating a competitive paper-based market. The effect is easy to see in universities, where students are forced to pay exorbitant amounts for paper-bound learning content. And for those learners making their own way through college or vocational school or whatever higher education system, the financial sting is especially harsh.
Considering these facts about the textbook industry and where it is headed, the picture is fairly clear for paper-based instructional material developers. It's an ugly one.
That is why an increasing number of subject matter experts are taking their learning content online. Learning management systems (LMSs) and other elearning systems allow course developers a full range of tools as well as absolute power over their learning material.
Tools provides to them include simulations, animations, screen and audio recordings, podcast recording tools, and video tools. In addition, content creators can integrate Web 2.0 tools to provide their learners with a collaborative space for peer-to-peer learning.
E-learning creation is very unlike textbook content creation. When you create learning material using a known elearning platform, you maintain full copyright and power over its fate. You can choose to alter it at any time, or delete it. You can also choose to syndicate it, meaning you allow other relevant web publishers to feature it on their websites. Doing so gets your product out there on the market, expands your market, and oftentimes greatly expands your revenue.
Of course, preparing and gathering learning content still requires time and patience. Just like preparing a semester's worth of lesson plans, the content doesn't fly directly from an expert's head onto his or her computer. But the actual transferal of your e-learning content onto an online course format should be easy and fun. Additionally, some learning management systems allow you to use exciting and innovative tools to create your course content, free of charge.
Nowadays, of course, publishing continues to be a big and elaborate industry. And the idea of developing and selling instructional material is still compelling for many people with skill and knowledge in a particular field.
But the traditional, paper-based method of creating and delivering instructional material continues to be difficult for all involved--and expensive.
In the past twenty years, textbook prices have increased dramatically. outpacing inflation 2-to-1, according to a Government Accountability Office report. The bulky books are more expensive than ever, indicating a competitive paper-based market. The effect is easy to see in universities, where students are forced to pay exorbitant amounts for paper-bound learning content. And for those learners making their own way through college or vocational school or whatever higher education system, the financial sting is especially harsh.
Considering these facts about the textbook industry and where it is headed, the picture is fairly clear for paper-based instructional material developers. It's an ugly one.
That is why an increasing number of subject matter experts are taking their learning content online. Learning management systems (LMSs) and other elearning systems allow course developers a full range of tools as well as absolute power over their learning material.
Tools provides to them include simulations, animations, screen and audio recordings, podcast recording tools, and video tools. In addition, content creators can integrate Web 2.0 tools to provide their learners with a collaborative space for peer-to-peer learning.
E-learning creation is very unlike textbook content creation. When you create learning material using a known elearning platform, you maintain full copyright and power over its fate. You can choose to alter it at any time, or delete it. You can also choose to syndicate it, meaning you allow other relevant web publishers to feature it on their websites. Doing so gets your product out there on the market, expands your market, and oftentimes greatly expands your revenue.
Of course, preparing and gathering learning content still requires time and patience. Just like preparing a semester's worth of lesson plans, the content doesn't fly directly from an expert's head onto his or her computer. But the actual transferal of your e-learning content onto an online course format should be easy and fun. Additionally, some learning management systems allow you to use exciting and innovative tools to create your course content, free of charge.
About the Author:
In lieue of the education cutbacks, Coggno offers free use of its learning management systems and tools to California publicschools. Visit http://www.coggno.com/lms and ask them how to get your free account.
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