Understanding custom eLearning content development
Custom eLearning content development involves the creation of forms of educational content specifically for the needs of the organisation or a group of learners. Custom eLearning courses are unlike other generic ‘template’ courses that you can get off-the-shelf because these courses depend on certain specific goals, the nature of the target industry and the learning preferences of the intended audience. This makes it possible for learners to be presented with appropriate, focused content that meets their needs.
The benefits of custom eLearning courses
Custom eLearning courses provide more flexibility compared to traditional learning. Organisations can develop courses relating to knowledge and skill deficits in their personnel, creating a more focused and customised learning experience. Additionally, custom eLearning allows for content that is quick to update, ensuring that the training corresponds to industry changes or changes in the organisation’s priorities over time.
Key elements of effective custom eLearning
When developing custom eLearning content, maximise the effectiveness by keeping in mind the following elements and considerations. Above all, clear learning objectives and expectations are an important first step to organising your content around measurable objectives. Also, think about the interactive elements, quizzes, simulations, or real-world scenarios, which can yield higher levels of engagement after completing the course. Also, consider multimedia elements like videos, infographics, and animations to explain complex concepts or visual pictures. Finally, establish assessments along the way to assess progression and understanding throughout the custom eLearning courses.
Customisation for diverse learning styles
A major advantage of custom elearning content development is the ability to accommodate multiple learning styles. First, we all learn differently. Some people may respond better to visual content, while some are more comfortable with interactive exercises, and others may prefer audio instructions. Because custom eLearning courses can be built with these differences in mind, custom eLearning facilitates multiple media formats to meet many different learning styles and preferences, ensuring all learners can engage with the material in a way that relates to them.
Cost-effectiveness of custom eLearning
It is important to recognise that although developing custom eLearning courses tends to cost more at first than using standard courses, potential savings can outweigh that initial investment over time. Using the same course more than once for multiple learning opportunities eliminates costs associated with re-training employees. With the employees learning relevant skills for their responsibilities, productivity levels will likely increase, which will lead to a greater return on the investment. Additionally, custom eLearning courses can be offered for multiple teams and customised to fit their scheduling, which also saves money on logistics and travel costs associated with traditional in-person training.
Long-term impact on learner performance
The effect of custom elearning courses on the learner’s performance is far-reaching, especially in the long term. Personalised learning means employees can master the skills specific to excelling in a defined role. Personalised learning helps retention of information in the long term, as the information they have learned in eLearning is related to their workplace context. This can increase job satisfaction over time and minimise turnover as employees feel that they are better skilled and supported in their professional development.
Custom content development as an eLearning solution is both efficient and effective for any organisation as it offers the opportunity for individualised learning. It facilitates wide involvement, enhanced memory and retention and most importantly, it has a positive effect on workforce productivity.
