e-learning: two options.

Like a gridlocked freeway system, a poorly planned e-learning--or online learning--system can deny your business the promise of reduced training time, cost savings and extended reach. If you're considering an e-learning program for your staff, a good place to start your planning is to answer the question, "Where will the courses and supporting systems be located?"

You have two options: (1) host the system internally on your serves, or (2) have an external third-party, known as an application service provider (ASP), host your system. Depending on the demands already placed on your IT staff and infrastructure, as well as your inclination towards capital expenditure, the ASP "pay-as-you-go" model may be a viable alternative. The ultimate goal is to allow secure access for all employees whether they're connecting from their desktop PC on the home office T1 line, or remotely from a laptop with a dial-up modem in a hotel room.

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Another important consideration is, "How will you manage learners and the courses you have made available?" One option is the Learning Management System, a sophisticated database system that performs basic administrative functions like course registration, learner-activity tracking and reporting, as well as providing the interface for the delivery of online courses. The price tag for an LMS can be steep, however, and only one-third of all implementations are completed within budget. With over 75 LMS vendors to choose from, the task of selection can be daunting. It's not uncommon for business to custom build their own system or adapt an existing training administration system. Either way, careful cost-benefit analysis and selection is essential.

Another, more recent e-learning software product is the Learning Content Management System (LCMS). Where the LMS falls short in creating and managing e-learning course content, the LCMS fills the gap. Basically, an LCMS is used to author, store, manage and deliver course content. Rudimentary tracking and reporting is also a common feature. Course content is created in small logical portions called reusable learning objects or RLOs. The theory is these reusable learning objects can be quickly assembled in various configurations for personalized instruction. Even though the jury may still be out regarding the true practicality of this model, an LCMS is a powerful tool for anyone needing to create and manage custom-built courses.

There is some functionality overlap between LMS and LCMS, but it is a widely held belief that neither system can do it all extremely well. When fiscal pressures require a choice to be made between LMS and LCMS, consider what is more important to your organization: creating and managing your own courseware with basic tracking and reporting (LCMS) or incorporating many courses from various sources with very robust database tracking and reporting (LMS).

Bob Sheridan is director of business development for O/E Learning Inc. in Troy, a Bronze-level member of the Detroit Regional Chamber.