Implementing the Darwin Information Typing Architecture (DITA) for learning and training can significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your content creation and management processes. However, to ensure a smooth transition and to maximize the benefits of DITA, there are some key steps you should consider. Here are the top six things to do when implementing DITA for learning and training:
1. Assess Current Content: Before diving into a new content architecture, take stock of your existing material. This assessment involves reviewing your current documentation to see how it can be adapted or repurposed within the DITA framework. Understanding what content you have, and in what form, will help you plan how it can be best converted.
2. Get Organized with a Content Model: A content model is an essential foundation for your DITA implementation. It outlines how different information types relate to each other and helps maintain consistency across all materials. The content model should reflect the structure of learning and training materials while being flexible enough to accommodate future needs.
3. Invest in Training for Teams: One crucial step in implementing DITA is ensuring that your team is familiar with its principles and tools. This might include XML editors, DITA authoring tools, or content management systems that support DITA standards. Investing in proper training will give your team confidence and enhance their productivity.
4. Create DITA Templates: To make the authoring process smoother, create templates based on common types of learning content such as modules, lessons, or assessments. These templates will provide a uniform starting point for writers and help maintain consistent structure and formatting.
5. Develop a Pilot Project: Before rolling out DITA across all learning materials, start with a pilot project. Choose a small portion of your content to convert into DITA and use this as a learning experience to understand the complexities of the process. This step allows you to refine workflows before full-scale implementation.
6. Set Up Governance Policies: Establish clear guidelines for creating, reviewing, updating, and retiring content within the DITA framework. Governance policies help maintain the quality and relevance of educational materials over time. They should include who has authority over various types of contents, how updates are managed, and who is responsible for final sign-offs.
By carefully planning and executing these steps, organizations can smoothly transition into using DITA for their learning and training needs—resulting in more manageable, reusable content that is easier to maintain and update over time.