Content as an API The future of content delivery

This Session Definition of API How content APIs are being used right now The problem of content in eLearning and why API delivery is important in the solution Five reasons you would use a content API How to choose an API system for YOUR content needs

API Application Programming Interface 1: A way for a computer program to “expose” functionality to another program. 2: A way for systems of differing languages, design, and function to “share” data. Designed to be used by developers Designed to be used without human interaction and/or support and/or maintenance (autonomous) Can be public or secured, in whole or in parts

Content APIs An API that is used in conjunction with content Allowing remote access to: search, retrieve, add, modify and, delete content from any website or application on a network

Who is using a Content API right now?

Publishing Publishers News Blogs

Social Media

The Content Problem Digital learning with the modern internet The semantic web HTML5 Flash Technology shift Mobile devices Console devices Sensors less time to react more impact new skills

The Solution

Content API at work LMS or Launching Platform API Get me module 1 page 1 Module 1 page 1, here you go

API Anywhere

CMS with Content APILMS, LCMS Will have a generic content authoring experience. Will let you create content and manage it in a Training centric environment. Provides raw content allowing the “viewer” or “client” to control formatting. Content is provided formatted when users need it. Will allow for authoring and curation from automated authoring tools, apps, other sites, Will allow for custom development of content conversion tools. Possible to integrate into existing workflow tools. Stores and provides content from their interface. * Some LCMS have remote content editing and/or organization tools and automated content conversion tools. Content is output as raw data can be formatted and manipulated as needed. Content is output as a finished product targeted at a specific environment. Will allow for output of the same content to a multitude of different devices and/or clientele Although content can be output to different media and device agnostic formats these are generally limited to web output and print formats CMS with API vs. LMS, LCMS

5 Reasons Use a Content API Reason1 Content APIs allow you to effectively single-source content.

5 Reasons Use a Content API Reason 2 Multiple content functions can be performed from outside the content Platform; search, retrieve, create, edit, delete Customize your content authoring experience or allow for content gathering from mobile apps or automated tools

5 Reasons Use a Content API Reason 3 Format the content at run-time. The content can be formatted by the viewer whether that be a widget or a mobile app or corporate branded solution.

5 Reasons Use a Content API Reason 4 Content is always up to date.

5 Reasons Use a Content API Reason 5 Using a Content API to distribute content will accommodate content delivery methods long into the future

Content API Systems What’s out there now Content API Providers: Contentful Osmek Website/Blog tools that can be used as APIs WordPress Umbraco DotCMS Hippo Cloudcms Magnolia Jahia

How to chose an API system for YOUR content Would your content benefit from a Content API?

How to chose an API system for YOUR content Which Content API is right for my needs? eLearning Modules eLearning Conversion Content distribution, syndication Sole Purpose: Contentful, Osmek Social Learning Community of practice Knowledge base When content already exists in a compatible CMS CMS: Wordress, Umbraco, …

Content APIs and tracking results Tracking training progress in this day and age could not be easier Content API’s are perfect candidates for using xAPI at the source of the data provision and/or at the client consuming the content Training content can be just as valid and seamlessly track results regardless of what device is being used to consume it Device data can also be trapped to provide better understanding of the usage of the content

toronto_rob Rob Christie Digital Learning Systems Specialist Metrix Group - toronto torontorob.com