do lms companies license the content or build it themseklves

lucas.M

3 min read

·

22-01-2025

1

0

Share

Meta Description: Discover how Learning Management Systems (LMS) handle content. We explore whether LMS companies license pre-built courses or create their own, examining the pros and cons of each approach and the implications for users. Learn about the different content models, pricing structures, and how to choose the right LMS for your needs. Find out if licensing or self-creation is the better option for your organization.

Introduction:

Choosing a Learning Management System (LMS) is a crucial decision for businesses and educational institutions alike. One key factor to consider is how the LMS provider handles course content. Do they license pre-existing courses, or do they build their own? This article dives deep into both approaches, exploring their advantages, disadvantages, and ultimately helping you make an informed choice. Understanding how your chosen LMS sources its content is vital for ensuring your training programs meet your specific needs.

Licensing vs. Building: Two Distinct Approaches to LMS Content

Many LMS companies employ a hybrid approach, blending licensed and self-built content. However, understanding the core differences between the two models is essential.

Licensing Pre-built Content: The Pros and Cons

Many LMS providers offer access to extensive libraries of pre-built courses. These courses cover a wide array of topics and are often created by expert instructional designers.

Pros:

• Cost-effectiveness: Licensing can be cheaper upfront than developing content from scratch. This is particularly beneficial for organizations with limited budgets.
• Faster deployment: Licensed courses are readily available, allowing for quick implementation of training programs. This speed is crucial when time is of the essence.
• Wide range of subjects: Licensed content libraries often offer diverse subjects, catering to various training needs. This variety can be highly beneficial.
• High-quality content: Reputable content providers often employ experienced instructional designers, resulting in engaging and effective courses.

Cons:

• Limited customization: Licensed courses might not perfectly align with your specific organizational needs or branding. Customization options might be limited or costly.
• Potential for redundancy: You may end up paying for content that partially overlaps with existing materials or training. This can lead to wasted resources.
• Dependency on third-party providers: This reliance can create vulnerabilities if the provider experiences issues or discontinues services. This dependency must be carefully considered.
• Lack of unique branding: Your training might not reflect your company's unique culture and values if relying entirely on generic licensed content.

Building Custom Content: The Pros and Cons

Some LMS providers specialize in building custom courses tailored to the unique needs of their clients. They work closely with organizations to develop engaging and effective training programs.

Pros:

• Complete customization: Custom-built courses precisely match your organization's specific requirements and branding. This precision is paramount for certain organizations.
• Unique content: You'll have exclusive access to training materials that are not available elsewhere. This exclusivity can give a competitive advantage.
• Stronger brand alignment: Custom courses seamlessly integrate with your company's culture and values, reinforcing your brand message.
• Greater control: You retain full control over the content, its updates, and its overall quality. This control is beneficial for those desiring more creative freedom.

Cons:

• Higher cost: Developing custom content is significantly more expensive than licensing pre-built courses. Budget implications need to be carefully considered.
• Longer development time: The process of designing, developing, and deploying custom courses takes considerably longer than using ready-made courses.
• Requires internal expertise or external resources: Building custom content requires either an internal team with instructional design expertise or the hiring of external consultants. This expertise can be expensive.
• Ongoing maintenance: Custom content requires ongoing maintenance and updates to ensure accuracy and relevance. This maintenance adds additional costs.

How to Choose the Right Approach for Your Organization

The best approach – licensing or building – depends on several factors:

• Budget: Licensing generally offers a more affordable starting point.
• Timeline: Licensing is faster for immediate training needs.
• Customization needs: Custom content is essential when precise alignment with organizational values and branding is necessary.
• Internal resources: Do you have an in-house team capable of content creation?
• Content scope: The breadth and depth of your training requirements influence the most appropriate method.

Conclusion

The question of whether LMS companies license or build their content doesn't have a single answer. Many adopt a hybrid approach, leveraging the strengths of both models. Carefully weigh the pros and cons of each, considering your budget, timeline, and specific training needs, to make the optimal choice for your organization. Remember that the ultimate goal is to choose an LMS that effectively delivers high-quality training and achieves your learning objectives.