Custom eLearning is personalized to meet the needs of your organization. From brand integration to specialized online training activities, experienced professionals take care of every aspect of your online training course. But is it really worth the price tag? In this article, I’ll highlight 8 top advantages of custom eLearning.
The 8 Top Advantages of Custom eLearning
There’s no doubt about it, custom eLearning can cost a pretty penny. You’re paying for customized eLearning content that aligns with your brand image and gives corporate learners the personalized online training they require. However, your investment can bring a variety of benefits. Here are 8 of the most notable advantages of opting for custom over off-the-shelf eLearning for your organization.
1. Allows For Full eLearning Customization
eLearning content providers meet with their clients to identify their specific needs, objectives, and desired online training outcomes. As such, companies have direct input in the process and can customize every aspect of the online training course. Even the smallest detail, such as graphic placement and typography. Organizations can incorporate online training activities and images that are relevant for their employees instead of relying on “one-size-fits-all” materials. The caveat is that you must clearly define your learning goals, objectives, and expectations before meeting with the vendor.
2. Improves Online Training Effectiveness
One of the most significant benefits of custom eLearning is that it helps corporate learners achieve personal goals. As such, it makes online training more effective and cost efficient. Employees are able to concentrate on skills, tasks, and challenges they encounter in the workplace. This means that they can apply what they’ve learned to improve their productivity and proficiency. All of the branching scenarios, online training simulations, and real world examples are designed with one goal in mind: practical use.
3. Online Training Courses Align With Organizational Standards
Your organization works hard to uphold its brand image and convey its core message. But does your current online training program reflect your true brand identity? Custom eLearning allows you to incorporate every aspect of your brand image, from the logo to color scheme. You can even personalize the tone to provide the perfect online training conditions for your employees. All of these elements help you seamlessly integrate your online training program so that it becomes part of your corporate culture.
4. Easy To Scale And Upgrade
Your company is constantly evolving. You add new products or services, update your policies, and have to keep up with current compliance laws. All of these changes require online training course modifications. If you are working with an out-of-the-box online training solution, you must hire additional staff to make the upgrades or purchase new software. Even if you have a dedicated L&D staff, you still need to devote time and resources to the task.
In the case of custom eLearning, vendors plan ahead and create online training content that it is easy to modify. For example, online templates that members of your staff can quickly revise, or built-in assets that give you the power to enrich your online training experience. If necessary, you can even outsource more involved course updates to your eLearning content provider. They are already familiar with your online training needs and brand identity.
5. Organizations Can Provide Direct Input
eLearning content providers and their clients usually communicate on a regular basis. Clients have the opportunity to provide feedback and share their opinions, while the vendors can get direct input from the client before they finalize each stage. If any issues arise, both parties are able to quickly remedy the issue to ensure that everything goes smoothly. For example, your organization evaluates its current data and discovers that employees require more interactivity. You then have the option to contact your eLearning content provider to discuss more engaging and inspiring online training activities. They can make suggestions and start drafting plans for your new online training scenario or simulation.
6. Outright Ownership And Reduced Upkeep Costs
Many eLearning tools come with up-front costs or monthly licensing fees. It may be less expensive than custom eLearning in the beginning. However, developing your online training courses in-house may be more costly in the long run. For example, some LMS platforms charge per user. This becomes a major expense as your organization grows and you hire new staff members.
The upkeep costs are another consideration. Certain LMS platforms charge for updates and support, while many custom eLearning providers factor this in ahead of time. For instance, they may include regular updates in the initial costs. Or use rapid eLearning authoring tools and Learning Management Systems that allow your organization to maintain its own online training content.
7. Increased Corporate Learner Engagement
This is one of the most overlooked benefits of custom eLearning. Most organizations weigh the investment versus effectiveness. However, they don’t take employee engagement into consideration. Customized online training is more relevant and relatable for your corporate learners. They know that they can use the knowledge and skills they acquire in the real world. As a result, they are more likely to engage and actively participate. This leads to an increase in employee satisfaction, knowledge retention, and training ROI.
8. Accommodates ANY Budget
Custom eLearning is usually synonymous with big budgets. After all, customization costs. And you need to be a Fortune 500 company to outsource your online training to a vendor, right? The truth is that custom eLearning can accommodate any online training budget, big or small. Organizations with limited resources can customize certain aspects of the online training course and rely on pre-built solutions for the rest. Communication is key. You must meet with your eLearning content provider and let them know about your online training needs and budget. Chances are, they’ll be able to custom tailor a package that your organization can afford.
There are a myriad of misconceptions that surround custom eLearning. In fact, many organizations avoid it altogether, believing that it is out of their price range, or that customized online training content requires lengthy turnaround times. But custom eLearning may be the best solution, as long as you research your options and find the right vendor. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and request quotes before making your final decision.
Did you know that another notable advantage of custom over pre-made eLearning courses is a measurable boost in employee performance? Read the article Developing Custom eLearning: 7 Benefits For Your Organization or The Top 4 Benefits of Using Custom Content to discover how custom eLearning development benefits your organization and improves employees’ performance.
