Introduction
Standardized testing is a crucial aspect of the education system, and Kaplan has been a leader in the industry for many years. In this use case, we will examine how Kaplan utilizes Componize’s multi-content Content Management System (CCMS) to overcome challenges in the test preparation industry and achieve their business objectives.
Background
Kaplan is a leading provider of test preparation content and study materials, serving over a million students and thousands of clients and university partners. The company has a long-standing relationship with Componize, a CCMS that helps Kaplan manage and deliver DITA XML, DocBook and HTML content to students. Kaplan’s Senior Manager of Content Strategy and Operations, Jean Kaplansky, explains that the company focuses on learning management system delivery, but also aims to make printed and e-book materials available as widely as possible for the benefit of its students.
Challenges
Quick and efficient content update
The test preparation industry faces ongoing challenges, including the ongoing conversation about the necessity of certain tests. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant changes in the way tests are administered, causing much conversation and uncertainty in the industry. Many tests that students traditionally had to prepare for are being reviewed and questioned as to whether they are necessary to allow students to proceed further in their education.
For Kaplan, the challenges include adapting to changes in the testing process and figuring out how to best deliver content to students in an online proctored setting. Additionally, Kaplan needs to be able to quickly and efficiently update their test preparation materials to reflect any changes in the testing process.
Migration to a multi-content CCMS
Kaplan migrated their content from a less efficient authoring system to Componize CCMS, while keeping some of the legacy content types they had. This allowed Kaplan to centralize content creation and management, ensuring consistency across the entire organization, including the new entities that Kaplan had acquired over the years. The aim, a single source of truth for all content, streamlined workflows, and leveraged technology to deliver content to multiple LMS and digital channels, improving engagement and learning outcomes.
The migration process was complex and time-consuming but led to significant improvements. Careful planning and execution ensured content creators were well-prepared for the changes and had necessary tools and training for success.
Growth of Kaplan over the years also meant a multiplication of different content creation tools and methods of creating content. Content from a proprietary XML format was migrated to DITA XML, while the remaining legacy content remained as DocBook XML and HTML.
All of these content formats are then pushed to delivery platforms or multiple LMS.
Outcome
CCMS plays a critical role in helping Kaplan overcome these challenges. Componize allows Kaplan to easily and efficiently update their test preparation materials to reflect any changes in the testing process, and it also enables the company to deliver content to students in an online proctored setting. Additionally, the CCMS provides Kaplan with the necessary tools to manage content stored in multiple formats, something many other CCMS cannot handle, and ensure that it is accurate and up-to-date.
Kaplan’s approach to CCMS is unique, utilizing multiple data models and a variety of tools. Kaplan’s “layer cake” approach to CCMS helps the company save money, improve efficiency and reduce the number of vendors.
Future of Standardized Testing
Jean Kaplansky discusses the future of standardized testing and how Kaplan is involved in the conversation. Kaplan is working to facilitate new ideas in the industry and exploring criteria for test scores.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kaplan’s use of Componize CCMS is a key factor in the company’s success in the test preparation industry. The company faces ongoing challenges, but through its use of Componize, Kaplan is able to effectively manage and deliver content to students, adapt to changes in the testing process, and ensure that its materials are accurate and up-to-date.
Contact Componize to learn more about how Componize can help your organization manage its content challenges.
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