Testing and Publishing Course Content After Changes

Ensuring smooth functionality and providing an optimal learning experience are crucial for the success of e-learning courses. However, when the delivery method of an existing training changes, technical or user-related challenges may occur. In this article, you will learn how to ensure a smooth rollout by conducting tests.

Important changes that require testing

Especially when changing the delivery method or the target system, it is recommended to conduct extensive testing before rolling out the courses in production. Below are examples of changes that may affect course completion and course performance:

• Switching to a different learning management system (LMS)
• Changing the e-learning standard used, e. g. between SCORM, AICC, or xAPI
• Changing the browser used by learners, e. g. due to a company requirement
• Changing SCORM transmission, e. g. switching from SCORM version SCORM 1.2 to SCORM 2004
• Changing the size of the target group, especially if the target group is larger than originally planned
• Changing the completion criteria, e. g. adding a quiz that must be passed; viewing all pages as a completion criterion
• Changing the data captured in the learning data tracking configuration

Functions that should be tested after changes

• SCORM compatibility: Does the course load without errors, and is progress, completion, and other learning data transmitted correctly to the new LMS?
• Course display after reopening: Is the course displayed correctly after closing and reopening it?
• Resume functionality: Can learners continue the course at the correct point after interrupting it?
• Correct transmission of course completion: Can learners complete the course under the same conditions as before or as expected after the change, and is all relevant information such as progress and completion reliably stored in the LMS?
• Evaluation and reporting: Can the expected data be evaluated, e.g., questions, answers, progress, visited elements?
• Performance tests for a larger target group or when changing the SCORM configuration in a way that significantly increases the amount of captured and transmitted data
  • Simultaneous access: How does the course behave when many learners access it at the same time? Does the course run smoothly without long loading times or interruptions?
  • Scalability: Is the platform able to remain stable when a large number of learners access it simultaneously?

To test the modified content, export the course and upload it to the LMS. Make sure that the course is not yet available to your learners while you are testing it.
Go through the course from the learner’s perspective and complete the content and, if included, the quiz questions. Also test the behavior when a session is interrupted by closing the course and resuming it at a later time. If necessary, add additional testers to the course to review different scenarios and reporting content.

Adjustments to the delivery method after testing

If you find during testing that the course cannot be completed as intended, you can make updates to the course or to the export:

• Different SCORM version: Check whether an older or newer version than the current one provides the desired functions and stable performance.
• Different SCORM configuration: A change to the SCORM tracking configuration selected during the SCORM export may resolve issues with learning and completion data.  
• Adjustments to navigation and interaction elements in the course: One example is adding the "End training" button within the course, which prompts learners to close the tab. This can help ensure that the completion of a course is correctly transmitted to the LMS.

To ensure a successful rollout of your courses, we are happy to support you with our expertise. Do not hesitate to reach out to your point of contact if you have any questions or need assistance, or send us a request.