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Creating Online Learning

Objectives

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

Create Content Objects and Set Launch Method
Create and test an online Item

Introduction to Online Learning

Online learning involves accessing training materials electronically, which can include various formats, such as:

Slide show presentations
Audio or video presentations
Web-based exams
Documents (for example: Standard Operating Procedure manuals)

It's important to note that online content is not stored directly within SAP SuccessFactors Learning. Instead, the LMS utilizes different launch methods to link to this external content, allowing users to easily access and launch these materials directly from their learning plans.

Creation of Online Content Outside the LMS

For SAP SuccessFactors Learning to communicate with online learning, the online content must be first created and saved in a public location. If the content already exists, no pre-work is needed. For example, if you want the learners to launch a safety video on YouTube, you can use the YouTube safety video URL and the browser launch method when configuring the content object.

Step 0

If content does not exist, follow these instructions:

Create the content using a development tool.
Upload the content to a public location such as a content server.
Identify the content type and its location.

Note

Make sure the content is saved in a location, like the iContent Public server, that all intended users can access.

Creation of Online Learning in the LMS

Once the content is created or identified, follow these steps to successfully create online learning.

Create a Content Object.
1. Set the Launch Method.
Create an online item.
1. Add the Content Object to the item.
2. Configure the item setting.
Assign the item to a user and test.

Decision flow to create content outside the LMS begins at step 0. Steps 1, 2, 3 to create Online learning in the LMS are shown below step 0.

Step 1: Creation of Content Objects

Content objects are the smallest building blocks for accessing asynchronous learning. The content object provides a launch method that points to where the content is stored. Content objects are not independently assignable. They must be associated with a launchable entity like an item.

To add a new content object entity, follow these steps:

Navigate to Learning Administration → Content → Content Objects → Add New.
Enter the logistical information for the content object entity.
Select Add.

Summary Tab

The Summary tab displays the logistical information used in the content object creation process. It contains basic information about the content object entity, including the content object title, the security domain in which it belongs, the name of the user who built the object, the build date, the description, and the developer tool used to build the object.

Set Launch Method

Once the content object entity is created, the next step is to configure the LMS's communication with the online content. This is done in the Launch Method tab where the type and path of the content is defined. The Launch Method tab is also where you will specify the content type and parameters. The type of content is indicated by a radio button in the top row of the tab.

The Launch Method tab is highlighted.

Available options include:

Content Types
Content Parameters

Content Types

Content Player: A content object that requires an application not installed on the client workstation requires a content player. The content player calls the application from a network location to enable users to view the content (the administrator must specify the content player and where it is located).
Document Type: The client workstation recognizes the file extension associated with the content object and opens the appropriate application. For example, word processing, spreadsheet, or text files would be opened with applications designed to view them.
AICC: This content object is AICC compliant and communicates with SAP SuccessFactors Learning by using AICC standards.
Use AICC Wrapper: The SAP SuccessFactors Learning AICC Wrapper is designed to encapsulate online documents within an HTML page. This "wrapper" uses HTML to communicate with the Learning Management System (LMS) and provides an acknowledgment statement confirming that the user has completed the learning.
The AICC wrapper is particularly useful for content that does not have a built-in LMS communication mechanism, such as Adobe PDFs, Microsoft Word documents, or PowerPoint presentations. However, it is not needed for true AICC or SCORM content, which already sends completion parameters or mastery scores back to the LMS.
If a user is required to read Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) documents or other online materials, the AICC Wrapper can be used to effectively "wrap" the document into an HTML page. This ensures that the system credits the user for completing the content only after they have acknowledged that they have read it.
To enable the AICC wrapper, follow these steps:
1. Select AICC as the launch method.
2. Check the Use AICC Wrapper.
3. Enter the URL or file location of the document or browser page into the Content URL field.
The Parameters field is not necessary when using this method.
Browser: A content object with Internet-based content that is viewed within a browser. Use this launch method for LMS tracking functions or just to display certain websites to the users.
SCORM method: SAP SuccessFactors Learning initializes the SCORM APIs when the user launches the content. Content objects must conform to the appropriate version of SCORM and communicate with SAP SuccessFactors Learning using SCORM standards.

Content Parameters

The content parameters indicate the location of the content. Some parameters include:

Content URL:In this field you insert the link or the URL to where that content resides. In case you use a URL enabled it is recommended to select the Launch in a New Browser Window checkbox. This feature is enabled in the Global Applications Settings → Enable Inline Content Launch Configuration.
Enable Mobile Access: This checkbox makes the content accessible from a mobile device. If you have content specifically designed for mobile devices, the content path goes into the Mobile Filename field; otherwise, it can be left blank.

Launch Method Tab Configuration

To configure the launch method, establish the settings for the following fields:

Select the Type of content: Content Player, Document Type, AICC, Browser, SCORM.
Select the Launch in a New Browser Window checkbox to enable learners to launch the online content in a new browser window.
Note
If this option is not available, it can be enabled in Learning Administration → System Administration → Configuration → Global Applications Settings → Enable Inline Content Launch Configuration.
Enter the content URL in the Content URL field.
Configure Offline Filename, Parameters, and Mobile Access URLs if needed.
Select Apply Changes.

Launch Tab Configuration Options 1 to 5 are highlighted.

Advanced Content Object Configuration

There are additional configurations that can be made to content objects depending on the structure and needs of your organization. You can link content objects to objectives and establish AICC support and Cross Security Domain parameters to provide access to content using the following tabs:

Objectives Tab: The purpose of the Objectives Tab is to link objectives with multiple content items, competencies, questions, and exams. Objectives that are linked to a content item will appear on this tab. It is primarily used in the Assessment builder for exam-type assessments. Note that it is important to add objectives to a content object before including it in an item, as editing is not possible afterward.
AICC Support: The function of the AICC Support Tab is to automatically transmit AICC support data for content related to AICC core vendors or SCORM launch data. While it is rarely utilized, it is important for transmitting essential content launch information.
Cross-Security Domain Tab: The Cross-Security Domain Tab is applicable for SCORM content that is on a different security domain than SAP SuccessFactors Learning. To activate this feature, it must be enabled in the system configuration. It is recommended to consult with your project manager and SAP SuccessFactors Learning Support for strategies concerning cross-domain support.
Content Package: Content Objects can be organized into a Content Package for more efficient management of online content. This is a simple and effective method of organizing content for multiple item assignments. Content packages are essential for SCORM 2004 (and SCORM 2004 4Ed.) content as they provide the necessary sequencing and navigation information for SAP SuccessFactors Learning. To create a content package, use the Add New link under Content → Content Packages.

Creation of Online Items

The creation of online items continues with:

Step 2: Creation of an Online Item
Step 3: Assignment of the Item to a User and Test

Step 2: Creation of an Online Item

Content objects cannot be independently assigned to users. They must be part of an assignable item.

To create an online item and add the content object, follow these steps:

Navigate to Learning Administration → Learning Activities → Items.
Select Add New and make sure the Item Classification is either Online or Instructor-Led with Online Content.
Save the item.

To add the content objects to the item entity, follow these steps:

Select the Online Content tab.
From the Add Content Object dropdown, select Add Content Object.
Search for and add Content Objects, and then enter a title for each.

The Add Content Object dropdown is expanded in the Online Content tab of the item entity.

Once content objects have been added to the item, you can edit, move, or remove them as needed. Folders and Content Packages may be added to organize content objects.

The Edit, Move and Remove options of a content object, are highlighted.

Once you have added all content objects, select the cog icon to configure the settings.

The cog icon in the Online Content tab is highlighted.

To select the settings, that will open in a pop-up window consisting of three tabs, follow these steps:

Select the Launch tab, and then set the Content is available for launch (available for users) button to ON.
Note
If the Content is available for launch setting is not enabled, the content will not launch.
In the Course Progression tab, define whether the content is to be completed in sequence.
In the Completion tab, select the completion status to be granted when users either pass or fail.
Note
Failure to identify a completion status will have an impact on the user’s Learning History.

Step 3: Assignment of the Item to a User and Test

To test the online item, assign it to yourself or a test user and launch the content to ensure it works. You cannot test content by proxying. You must be logged in as the user to launch the content.

The key aspects to test include:

Launch Functionality: Verify that the item can successfully launch.
User Navigation: Ensure that the user is directed to either the structure screen or the first object upon launching.
Object Advancement: If there are multiple objects, check if the user can:
- Advance to the next object at any time.
- Advance only after completing the first object (if Complete Contents in Sequence is enabled).
Completion Criteria: Confirm that the item marks itself as complete when one of the following occurs:
- The user successfully completes all objects.
- The user passes an exam or quiz assessment.
- The user completes a SCORM or AICC object that triggers completion.
Post-Completion Options: After completing the item, verify that users can access post-completion options, such as:
- Launching a survey
- Recommending the item
- Rating the item
- Printing a certificate

Re-visit your configurations if anything needs adjusting and test again.

Create a Content Object and Set a Launch Method

Business Example

Your customer requires an online course that includes links that allow learners to launch several news websites. In this exercise, you will create a Content Object to launch CNN news and set the Launch Method.

Task 1: Create the Content Object

Steps

Navigate to Learning Administration → Content → Content Objects.
Select Add New and enter:
- Content Object ID: CNN
- Title: CNN World News
- Security Domain: ACME-CORP
Confirm that the Content Object is Active and Content Object is Online checkboxes are checked.
Select Add.

Task 2: Set a Launch Method

Steps

Select the Launch Method tab.
Select Browser as the method of communication.
Select Launch in a New Browser Window.
Enter the web address for CNN World News in the Content URL field. Test the URL before adding it to the content URL field.
Select Apply Changes.

Create and Test an Online Item

Business Example

In this exercise, you will create an online item to assign the CNN news content object to users.

Steps

Navigate to Learning Activities → Items.
Select Add New.
Select Online from the Item Classification drop-down menu.
Select an Item Type from the dropdown. (for example: ONLINE).
Select a Completion Status from the drop-down menu (for example: OL-PASSED).
Enter the Item ID (for example: Use your initials and a number).
Enter a Title (for example: Your initials and Online Test Item).
Select a Source ID from the dropdown.
Select ACME--CORP Security Domain ID for the item.
Select a Delivery Method from the dropdown.
Confirm that the Status slider is set to Active.
Add a Description, Comments, or any other relevant information.
Select Save.
Confirm that you are now viewing the Online Content tab.
Navigate to the Add Content Object dropdown and select Add Content Object.
Search for and select the content object (CNN News).
Enter a title for the content object.
Select the Item Settings icon.
Enable the Content is available for launch slider to ON in the Launch tab.
Modify the Course Progression and Completion Settings tabs.
Select OK.
Select Save.
Assign the item to yourself.
Navigate to your learning plan and test that the online item works correctly.

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