Creating relevant content

Posted by Cindy Farris Thu, 15 Feb 2007 17:56:00 GMT

A key principle of adult learning theory is relevancy.  Adults are motivated to learn when they perceive that the knowledge gained will help them perform more efficiently and effectively.  Based on results from local research on relevancy, members indicated that information is important or relevant when it does the following:

  1. Increases their ability to attract and retain more clients
  2. Increases their income potential
  3. Increases their knowledge base

 The key elements of content are data and information.  These elements out of context are meaningless points, but when connected they have the potential to represent knowledge.  They only become knowledge when one is able to realize and understand the patterns/relationships and their implications.  Relevant content in KM tools is created when you are able to “connect the dots” for the end user.  This “knowledge” has a high level of reliability or predictability and can consistently produce the same level of results.

 Tips for Streamlining Content

  • Bureaucracy elimination – remove unnecessary information
  • Duplication elimination – remove identical information, descriptions or definitions that are discussed in different parts of the content
  • Value added assessment – evaluate content to determine if it is meeting the member’s needs or expectations
  • Simplification – reduce the complexity of processes or instructions
  • Simple language – make it easy to comprehend by all who use the content; reduce the complexity of the way we write and talk
  • Standardization – select a single way of presenting information, a process or “how to” instruction and be consistent throughout the content

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