Organizations constantly need to revise and update their L&D programs to keep up with the new technology-driven practices. In the process, they have to rethink their multipronged approach for the initiatives already in place, or to create new programs. eLearning has completely upturned employee training processes with its flexible-learning uniqueness. Its adoption has been fast-paced and is currently at 11% growth per year, and set to become a USD 37 billion market by 2026.
A number of questions that could come in one’s mind are: What should be the development and delivery mode for multiple-level L&D modules? Which eLearning solution is most suitable custom eLearning development or off-the-shelf solutions? Can the time and cost savings of off-the-shelf solutions ensure targeted skill development? Let’s find answers to these questions.
Can custom eLearning be the solution?
The key for an organization to build its eLearning repository narrows down to choosing between generic training products and tailored-made content with Custom eLearning development. The benefits of custom development are:
Personalized Learning Paths
In this approach, eLearning content is customized based on the individual learner’s needs and learning preferences. Using data analytics and AI, eLearning developers can create personalized learning paths that address the specific needs of each learner. Customized learning paths can help learners to stay engaged and motivated and improve their learning outcomes.
Customized Simulations and Scenarios
Another benefit of tailored development is the creation of customized simulations and scenarios that replicate real-world situations that learners might encounter in their job roles. This approach can help learners to apply the knowledge they acquire in eLearning to real-life situations, which can be highly effective in enhancing their performance.
Tailored Assessments and Feedback
eLearning developers can create assessments and feedback mechanisms tailored to the organization’s needs. This approach can help organizations measure their eLearning programs’ effectiveness and identify areas that need improvement. It can also help learners receive personalized feedback on their progress, work on issues they have, and strengthen their merits, thereby improving their learning outcomes.
Adaptable and Scalable
Custom eLearning development is flexible and scalable, and businesses can modify and adapt the course content as per the organization’s changing needs. Unlike off-the-shelf solutions, custom courses can be easily updated, revised, or expanded without significant investment. Custom eLearning development is also scalable, allowing you to develop approaches that are easy to use with various devices, platforms, and languages.
Engaging and Interactive
Off-the-shelf solutions often need more engagement and interactivity, leading to low completion rates. On the other hand, custom eLearning development allows you to create engaging and interactive courses according to the preference of the learners, keeing them interested and motivated. Custom courses can be designed with various interactive elements, such as gamification, simulations, quizzes, and videos, to create an immersive learning experience that promotes the retention and application of knowledge.
Control and Ownership
Custom eLearning development gives you complete control and ownership over the course content. Businesses can develop courses that align with organizational values, branding, and culture, ensuring that the training is consistent with overall business strategy. Custom courses are also more secure, as businesses can own the course content and can protect it from unauthorized access or duplication
Thus, custom eLearning development answers all of the questions L&D leaders have when strategizing for programs and modules for the organization.
How effective are off-the-shelf solutions?
Can ready-to-use eLearning solutions buy time and save on costs or is there a catch? Many organizations assume that off-the-shelf solutions are more cost-effective than custom eLearning development. However, this is true in one-off cases. While off-the-shelf solutions may be cheaper upfront, they may only sometimes meet your organization’s specific needs. Custom eLearning development allows you to design courses tailored to your needs, making them more effective in achieving your desired outcomes. Custom courses can also lead to better learner engagement and retention, reducing the need for retraining and saving costs in the long run.
Off-the-shelf eLearning or ready-to-use solutions are well-known for their simplicity and no-fuss integration with existing L&D regimes or in new initiatives. However, the advantages this solution offers could be a limitation in some L&D programs. There would be limited scope to use generic modules. Many times the technology platforms/versions may differ. The module could be more focused on a specific brand or version of a product, which may not be the same as Secondly, the solution may not align with the organizational goals, or culture and may impact productivity or outcome of employees.
Wrapping up
While off-the-shelf solutions may seem quick and easy, custom eLearning development offers many benefits, making it the preferred choice for many organizations. Custom courses are tailored to your needs, engaging and interactive, flexible and scalable, cost-effective, and provide complete control and ownership. Investing in custom eLearning development with Infopro Learning can help you improve the effectiveness of your training programs and achieve better outcomes for your organization.