Digital publishing for the K-12 industry is here to stay. With the benefits of remote and self-paced learning at the forefront, students, teachers, and schools are turning to digital educational material over traditional print material. Publishers who make the transition to digital can remain competitive. Providers can employ these methods when utilizing digital publishing platforms:
A Digital Publishing Platform Differs From Other Content Digital Systems
Here are the differences below for LMS, CMS, and digital distribution platforms:
- Learning Management System (LMS)
- A software program that provides an integrated environment for e-learning courses
- Records student scores and tracks completion levels
- Allows instructors to generate reports, send and receive assignments, and communicate with student
- Content Management System (CMS)
- A digital publishing application that allows a publishing company’s editorial team to view, add, edit, and remove published content
- Allows efficient editing and updating of content by housing all versions of a document
- Gives access to editorial team members to review and approve content for digital or print publication
- Digital Publishing Platform
- A platform that allows publishers to distribute their content to different users
- Ensures content remains secure and encrypted so it cannot be altered or shared
- Host multiple scholarly content types, such as books, reference works, journals, and webinars
1.) A Digital Publishing Platform Creates Accessibility for Different LMS Systems
Firstly, publishing leaders should ensure their content is compatible with different LMSs. This feature makes it accessible to a broad audience of learners and educators. Publishers follow industry recommendations to stay compliant with eLearning accessibility standards. Multiple standards include SCORM, AICC, xAPI, and cmi5. For example, if a publisher’s digital content is SCORM-compatible, it can be accessed on any LMS that is SCORM-compatible. Thus, offering different eLearning standards, can help providers support their content goals and the learning goals for clients.
2.) Market Not Only to Districts But Also to Teachers
Secondly, the target market for publishers of print material has traditionally been decision-makers at the school district level. Therefore, the lower price, the increased accessibility, and the enhanced technology have popularized online content. Now, publishers can target teachers and students directly by making their content available online via a digital distribution and publishing platform. Therefore, this content furnishes interactivity and consistent engagement. Furthermore, publishers that offer free content to teachers, can ask them to recommend their content to the district, improving marketability.
3.) Digital Publishing Platforms Provide for Self-Assessment and Personal Learning
Thirdly, providers should understand that digital publishing platforms give students greater control over their learning process by offering personalized learning experiences. Content can easily be self-paced, allowing learners to review material when needed or progress through content faster. Additionally, self-assessments help learners understand and correct their answer questions after completing quizzes, tests, or other activities. Therefore, they can gauge their progress and improve retention for each step of the learning process.
4.) Digital Publishing Platforms Promote a Digital-First Strategy
Lastly, with the popularity of digital educational content, publishers are adopting a digital-first strategy. Because sales in print material are declining due to remote learning needs and the benefits of hybrid learning, digital content can be a primary focus and not secondary. Moreover, like the larger publishers, mid-size to smaller providers, can focus on software solutions that are engaging, interactive, and accessible to students and teachers. Thus, the digital publishing platforms support various clients for the K-12 market.
In summary, digital publishers use digital distribution platforms to make their content accessible to districts, instructors, and students. By following the four key points outlined here, educational publishers can create marketable digital content and transition successfully to digital publishing.
