Learning Content Development System (LCDS) is an e-learning tool from Microsoft Corporation which provides users with a form based environment to create high quality, interactive, online courses. With the LCDS people can create content such as interactive content, quizzes, games etc. LCDS is a free to use product for the Microsoft Learning Community which comprises of Microsoft Certified Trainers(MCTs), Microsoft Certified Partners for Learning Solutions(CPLS), Microsoft Certified Professionals(MCPs) etc.
LCDS allows users to create courses for e-learning by making use of an instructional design model which has been used extensively in developing e-courses by Microsoft. The product includes a preview feature built within it. Such a feature is exclusive to Microsoft LCDS and it can be used by an instructor to experience the course content from the learner’s perspective. This feature also makes it possible for instructors to incorporate changes, such as a change in the course structure or a change in the content of the course, at any point and time.
LCDS provides a template format for easy usage of the system which implies that the instructor need not go through complex steps for designing the course. He can just refer to any of the existing templates and make use of one which suits his needs.
LCDS also provides users with a SCORM tracking system which can be used to keep track of the progress made by the learner or to track assignment performances. The SCORM system can also be used for creating mock tests with multiple choice questions or essay type questions depending on the course and the model of instruction as designed by the instructor. Once the tests are attended to, the instructor can then use the tool to evaluate the performance and share the results of the same in real time.
Another objective of the LCDS is to showcase the prowess of the Microsoft Silverlight technology which can be used to create interactive content for games, animations, simulations etc by making use of simple form filling method.
One major advantage of the LCDS is that the tool is supported by a large online community. Therefore, a user can simply log into one of the online support forums to obtain solutions for his problems.
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Ankur Jain is a Software Engineer in Test Automation. After a 5 years stint with Accenture and Oracle, he started his eLearning company. A long-time blogger and proud owner of the "Learn" series of websites. 