Information, priorities, and business needs are constantly changing, which means the content you manage at work is too. And if you work with learning management systems (LMS), you know the challenge of maintaining up-to-date content is a fight you can’t seem to win. However, by embracing systems thinking and leveraging feedback loops, you can gain an advantage. Let’s explore how these concepts can help you navigate out-of-date LMS content and create a dynamic learning environment.
Systems Thinking: Connecting the Dots
Imagine your LMS as a complex ecosystem, and one that’s also part of the larger ecosystem it is implemented in. Systems thinking is all about understanding the interconnectedness of the various components within those systems. When it comes to content management, systems thinking prompts us to view the LMS as more than just a repository of training materials. Instead, we see it as an interconnected web of relationships, where every component influences and relies on each other.
By applying systems thinking, we shift our perspective from isolated content updates to understanding how each change can impact the entire system. It encourages us to consider the broader implications, such as the ripple effects of an outdated module or the potential bottlenecks caused by an inconsistent update process. Don’t stop at updating individual pieces of outdated content. Instead, consider asking questions about the system itself.
Why did this content go out of date?
Who are the subject matter experts, and what roles can they play in ownership of this content?
What events can prompt us to review this content before it goes out of date?
What other content, both in the LMS and outside of it, is this training related to?
Answers to questions like these will be found outside of the LMS, in the system that the LMS supports.
Feedback Loops: Learning from the System
Feedback loops are like the heartbeat of any system—they provide continuous information about its health and performance. In the context of LMS content management, feedback loops enable us to gather valuable insights from learners, subject matter experts, and the L&D team itself. These insights, when acted upon, can help you refine and improve the content to meet the evolving needs of your learners.
To establish effective feedback loops, consider implementing mechanisms such as surveys, quizzes, or open forums within your LMS. Encourage learners to share their thoughts, experiences, and suggestions. Engage subject matter experts to regularly review and update the content, keeping it relevant and aligned with the latest industry trends. Empower your L&D team to be proactive in seeking feedback and actively seeking ways to enhance the content library.