When using MadCap Flare, planning your learning content will allow you to create multiple deliverables for your learners, all from a single source. Single sourcing allows the same source content to be used more than one time across different forms of media, which reduces duplication of content and the potential for error since corrections are only made one time in the source document.

Understand the Content

As an instructional designer, the first step to developing a training package is to establish a thorough understanding of the content from start to finish in the context of your end user. This will allow you to determine the appropriate outputs.

Outputs can include training guides, student guides, instructor guides, user manuals, responsive HTML5 learning centers, e-learning, and more. It is critical to always consider the end user and what presentation method they need and will use to ensure they engage successfully with the outputs. For example, don’t design HTML output if your user doesn’t have access to a computer, or don’t produce a PDF output if your content changes regularly or requires more interactivity.

Identifying the outputs will allow you to plan to capitalize on single sourcing your content.

Map Your Structure

Before you start entering information into MadCap Flare, identify the relationship between your outputs and create a blueprint of what topics you require for each output to create a map of the structure. When mapping, break your content into chunks, which you can then translate into topics in your Flare project. Your HTML output will require a topic for all components of your training; however, your instructor guide will only require the topics relevant to the course you are delivering. This will determine where you can use reusable content in your Flare project. You can also use this mapping to plan your table of contents, which is the outline and order of topics that your users will see.

Map HTML learning centers and manuals based on functionality. When mapping a list of topics required, identify what users will require an understanding of the functionality. This will be particularly helpful if you are developing training courses for different users based on access levels.

Map student guides in a structure where you take the learner on a well-sequenced journey such as a process, or scenario to build their understanding.

After mapping the outputs, it is helpful to develop a matrix to provide a visual representation of where you have overlapping content and where reusable content is required.

Know the Learning Objectives

Twenty-first century learners want quick access to information that is accurate and relevant to them. Developing learning objectives will ensure you remain on target when developing your content.

A useful approach to learning objectives that can be applied across multiple outputs is:

• What is it?

• When it is used or applied?

• How do you use it?

Keep it simple and always keep the end user in mind.

Write the Content

If the learning objectives above are used in your planning, you will find the content in your multiple outputs will be similar. Minor adjustments will be required to introduce or wrap up the information being delivered. This is where applying single sourcing techniques in Flare like condition tags, text variables, and reusable snippets can be easily and quickly applied.

Remember, when using MadCap Flare, you can manage your training content as a single source and successfully integrate a blended learning training package. Therefore, think about the best way to deliver the learning objectives: text instructions, video demonstrations, video simulations, infographics, labeled diagrams, and so on.