The increasing demand for online learning solutions has resulted in more eLearning platforms and new related methodologies. eLearning content comes in all shapes and sizes, varying from general workplace safety training to more complex business-specific internal process training. With this, countless combinations and content designs are made available to suit any organisation’s needs.
Managers, educators, and learners themselves often face a dilemma on whether they should go for ready-made eLearning modules or have their content developed specifically for them. Read on to discover the key differences between the two and find out which is more suitable in their respective situations.
What are Off-the-Shelf Learning Modules?
Off-the-shelf eLearning solutions use generic content based on the idea of a “one size fits all” learning solution. Online learning platforms and their creators apply ideas and standard frameworks to develop these modules, which learners and organisations can buy with no hassle. These types of modules can be accessed as they are almost immediately after purchase.
Ready-made content is often based on research and benchmarking universal information from credible sources. A generic course is developed from this universal information and applied to any class or training to acquire similar learning outcomes.
These modules are ideal for generic topics like essential health and safety and product training for equipment and machinery use. Off-the-shelf online solutions are also suitable for soft skill lessons such as cultural awareness, anti-harassment or bullying, and compliance training.
Ready-made courses would be most practical when introducing a universal foundation knowledge, or practice recognised industry-wide.
What are Customised Modules?
Customised modules are tailored and made explicitly for clients based on their goals, requirements, and ideal learning outcomes. Most often, the training objectives are particular to the organisation has to be tailored to their needs.
Customised modules take more time and money to build because of the research and design needed to develop. Organisations whose content or information is specific to their circumstances will benefit more from a customised module.
Trainers or learning designers will most often build these customised modules around an organisation’s culture, brand, and people.
Understanding the Pros and Cons
Many would consider read-made modules the more economical and practical option. They can be bought and deployed almost immediately. However, the message or content conveyed may not be as accurate, practical, nor effective due to this universal approach to the developed content.
Custom eLearning content may take more time, money, and effort to develop, but the rewards are significant. Trainers and content developers will develop modules to deliver more personal and in-depth experiences for the learners, thus achieving specific training objectives and goals more successfully.
Reasons to go for Ready-Made or Customised eLearning Content
Consider off-the-shelf eLearning content when:
- The content is generic.
- The budget is limited.
- There is an urgent need to deploy the modules quickly.
Consider customised modules when:
- The content and desired learning outcomes are unique.
- The content changes or is updated frequently.
- The learning content and approach needs to reflect a specific brand or organisation.
Every organisation’s content, goals, and requirements are unique. While ready-to-use eLearning modules are easier to acquire, giving learners a customised experience will not only maximise learning outcomes but amplify the return on investments.
