Building relevant custom eLearning solutions continues to be one of the most effective ways to engage with consumer audiences today. A growing number of industries are leveraging digital content creation to connect with their audiences in various ways.

In the last 16 years, the use of custom eLearning technologies by enterprises has grown by 900% and 98% of startups and small businesses are preparing for the adoption of eLearning as their full-time learning and development structure.

For example, a technology brand may engage with its consumers and seed brand recall via engaging content on social media marketing and messaging apps. On the other hand, it may also utilize digital content to establish employee branding and attract valuable new hires. The platforms and messaging for both outcomes may radically differ, but both leverage content as a medium to build conversations.

As we can see, the audiences may vary, but there is no doubt that companies must shape their content strategies to resonate with their audiences. However, according to a 2022 global survey of marketers, 52% reported that their content marketing strategy was unsuccessful.

In this blog, we explore how adopting a custom eLearning approach can help businesses shape their digital content creation strategy and keep up the momentum of audience engagement.

Table of Contents:

What are Custom eLearning Solutions?

Custom eLearning solutions refer to tailored and personalized online learning experiences designed to meet the specific needs and objectives of a particular organization or audience.

For instance, organizations may opt for custom eLearning solutions for the following reasons:

1. Industry-Specific Content

Custom eLearning allows organizations to create content that is highly relevant to their specific industry. This ensures that employees receive training that is directly applicable to their roles and responsibilities within the organization.

2. Compliance and Regulations

Industries with strict compliance requirements, such as healthcare, finance, or aviation, often require eLearning solutions to address specific regulations and ensure that employees are well-informed and compliant with industry standards.

3. Unique Organizational Processes

Custom eLearning solutions can be tailored to reflect the unique processes, workflows, and procedures within an organization. This helps employees better understand and apply company-specific methodologies.

Apart from these considerations, organizations may choose custom eLearning solutions to address a variety of training needs, including product or service training, employee onboarding, and adapting to technological advancements.

Dispelling the Common Myths Orbiting the Custom eLearning Domain

The prominent role played by online knowledge forums and courses in fulfilling the learning and development needs of students, employees, and other aspirants is indisputable. However, few people tend to believe the flimsy myths targeted at eLearning to undermine its value. You can get factual insights below that refute the credibility of such myths.

Myth #1. Custom eLearning is for Amateurs Only

This myth is dispelled by the fact that many renowned online platforms and globally recognized universities offer curated eLearning programs that are highly regarded by reputable organizations.

Harvard University, for example, offers almost 143 online courses that bear the hallmark of its Ivy League. Online programs in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and other fields, offered by leading authoritative bodies, are helping job seekers secure lucrative opportunities. The eLearning degrees of accredited providers carry the same weight as conventional ones.

Myth #2. Custom eLearning Doesn’t Cater Effectively to Different Learner Types

This myth is debunked by the knowledge revolution that eLearning has ushered in, with its modules that make intellectual enrichment more inclusive and accessible for all. eLearning portals provide engaging and visually compelling content for students, corporate employees, and job candidates with visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairments.

The eLearning content can be tailored and configured to meet the needs of the targeted audience, facilitating optimal upskilling. Multimedia content, audio narrations, infographics, and reading aids promote knowledge retention and help learners understand the deeper conceptual aspects. Learners can also interact with the content and view it from different perspectives for easy understanding.

Myth #3. Custom eLearning is Expensive

This myth is not true because custom eLearning solutions significantly reduce the cost of upskilling compared to traditional classroom-style sessions. Some people are under the impression that eLearning is costly because they believe a significant investment is required in equipment such as cameras, laptops, video-conferencing software, and course licensing fees. The truth is that online modules can be accessed from a simple smartphone with an internet connection.

Internet rates are decreasing daily, and electronic gadgets are also becoming more cost-competitive. Courses can be downloaded to your device for access at any time. Course fees are affordable and lower than those of conventional institutions. As the courses can be accessed from the comforts of your home, you need not spend on traveling to the classroom site or renting a room near an educational institute. You are not compelled to follow a strict schedule, which means you can attend to other important things as needed.

Hence, your income from your job doesn’t suffer because of your studies. Institutions can keep course fees competitive because they don’t need to invest money in infrastructure, payment for regular teachers, classroom upkeep, administration, documentation, support staff, and other expenses.

Learning becomes self-paced with custom eLearning.

Myth #4. Communication with the Instructor is Limited

This myth is not true. Custom eLearning courses are becoming increasingly interactive, and instructors often host live sessions to gather feedback from learners. Learners can exchange views with instructors after every session through videoconferencing tools.

If the learner is having difficulty understanding a topic, the instructor can use authoring tools to change the content layout to make it more learner-friendly. If a live session is ongoing, learners can digitally raise their hands to have their doubts cleared in real-time.

One-on-one communication with an instructor is possible through video conferencing software like Microsoft Teams. Instructors can also offer summative and formative feedback to learners through eLearning portals after assessments.

Myth #5. Corporate Employees Find it Difficult to Navigate eLearning Modules

Corporate training is being taken to the next level with technology-leveraged eLearning solutions. Hence, this myth lacks any merit. With the advent of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, animated courses have become more realistic. Any complex situation can be visualized with ease from all possible perspectives. This offers unparalleled, actionable insights into the intricacies of complex objects that traditional textbook-style courses can never provide.

Suppose an organization has introduced a new machine with cutting-edge features. The eLearning course provider can author content that offers 360-degree views into the machine’s dynamics. eLearning modules can recreate a simulator-like feel through rich multimedia, virtual reality, etc. eLearning offers nuanced yet holistic upskilling opportunities, which are ideal for workforce learning.

eLearning reduces attrition as employees have the opportunity to upskill themselves in-house, at no additional cost. Further, it is a myth that the shorter attention span of workers will induce boredom in them. The attention-grabbing visuals of online modules can spark an intuitive interest in employees.

Myth #6. Networking Opportunities are Missing

This myth is a common misconception. The truth is that leading custom eLearning course providers frequently organize conferences, seminars, and webinars where learners can interact with experienced professionals and industry experts in the knowledge domains they pursue.

Virtual classrooms are not dominated by bland lectures only. Video conferencing tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams facilitate real-time peer-to-peer interactions. Collective discussions and collaboration over group projects in virtual mode are common. Resource sharing is also enabled.

Myth #7. Only Specialized and Advanced Learning Programs are Available

eLearning, during its initial phases, focused primarily on management and other advanced-level programs. This was during the transition period when learners were slowly adapting to the virtual learning mode.

Now, the picture has changed completely. Custom eLearning programs are available for a wide array of subjects and cover all knowledge domains. You can easily find bespoke programs for your chosen niche.

eLearning is now available for a range of applications, including microlearning, mobile learning, corporate coaching, mentoring, upskilling, knowledge sharing, leadership development, focused training, and the cultivation of personal skills. Apart from these, the majority of diploma, graduate, postgraduate, and school-level learning programs are available in eLearning mode.

The Significance of Custom eLearning Solutions in Corporate Training

The current business environment, defined by constant change, necessitates emphasis on ongoing workforce learning and growth. Companies are investing heavily in personnel training, yet many struggle to see significant progress. With its unique set of benefits, eLearning fills the gaps left by traditional training approaches.

  1. Accessibility and Flexibility: Custom eLearning modules eliminate the constraints of time and location, allowing learners to access content at their convenience. Employees can access training materials and complete courses at their own pace, seamlessly integrating learning into their busy schedules. This flexibility is particularly valuable for geographically dispersed workforces or those with demanding schedules.
  2. Consistency: Online training modules ensure uniformity in content delivery. Every employee receives the same up-to-date information, a critical factor in industries with strict compliance and regulatory requirements.
  3. Engagement: The interactive nature of eLearning facilitates an engaging learning experience, boosting knowledge retention and overall effectiveness.
  4. Addressing Dynamic Skill Demands: The variable nature of the modern workplace demands a dynamic and adaptable approach to employee development. eLearning modules rise to this challenge by providing a readily accessible library of online courses. Employees are encouraged to continuously acquire new skills and knowledge, ensuring they stay ahead of industry trends and remain prepared for the evolving demands of the job market.
  5. Global Collaboration: Custom eLearning platforms shatter geographical barriers, creating an interconnected global learning community. It fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing among employees worldwide, enriching them with diverse perspectives and enhancing cross-cultural communication skills. The global exchange cultivates an adaptable and well-rounded workforce prepared to thrive in an international marketplace.

Best Practices for Custom eLearning Implementation

This guide innumerates a framework specifically designed to ensure learner motivation and drive custom eLearning acceptance throughout your company.

1. Creating a Learner-Centric Design

Effective custom eLearning solutions hinge on a deep understanding of your target audience—your employees. Successful programs prioritize the needs, goals, and expectations of your learners, surpassing generic training modules.

  • Learner Needs Assessment: Conducting surveys, focus groups, or one-on-one interviews can provide valuable insights into your employees’ learning preferences and existing skill gaps. Understanding their needs enables you to tailor eLearning content that directly addresses their challenges and fosters effective knowledge acquisition.
  • Engaging Learning Experience: Catering to diverse learning styles is paramount. Develop a comprehensive workforce learning program incorporating various engaging formats, such as interactive modules, simulations, and microlearning opportunities. The multifaceted approach caters to different learning styles and preferences, maximizing engagement and knowledge retention.
  • Building a Collaborative Team: A dedicated project team is vital for bringing your eLearning vision to life. This team should encompass:
  • Project Lead: Appoint a project manager with a clear understanding of eLearning best practices and the authority to guide the initiative seamlessly.
  • Subject Matter Experts: Include SMEs from relevant departments possessing the deep knowledge required to create accurate and insightful learning content.
  • Instructional Designers: Leverage the expertise of instructional designers who can translate subject matter expertise into successful learning experiences.
  • Stakeholder Representation: Involve stakeholders from various departments to ensure the eLearning program aligns with overall organizational goals and addresses departmental training needs.
  • Executive Sponsorship: Securing buy-in from senior leadership is crucial. Engaging senior management fosters a culture of continuous learning within the organization, ensuring the project receives the necessary resources and support to thrive.

2. Developing a Measurable Learning Journey

Having established your goals and assembled a skilled team, it is time to design a robust learning architecture with meticulous care. This stage involves:

  • Needs Analysis Translation: Convert your identified needs and goals into a clear and concise learning architecture. This blueprint outlines the specific knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSAs) that your eLearning program will address, as well as the learning journey employees will undertake.
  • Establishing Measurable Outcomes: A successful eLearning program goes beyond simply delivering content. Establishing clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) aligning with your initial strategic goals is vital. KPIs act as measurable markers that track the effectiveness of your eLearning program and its impact on employee performance.

Examples of relevant KPIs for corporate custom eLearning include:

  • Learner Engagement: Track key metrics, including course completion rates, time spent on modules, and participation in interactive activities.
  • Knowledge Retention: Utilize post-training assessments to gauge employee comprehension and knowledge retention.
  • Performance Improvement: Monitor how the eLearning program translates to on-the-job performance improvements. This might involve tracking key performance metrics specific to different roles.
  • Return on Investment (ROI): Evaluate the financial impact of your eLearning program. It includes the cost of development and implementation compared to the benefits it generates, such as increased productivity or reduced training costs.

3. Creating Engaging Learning Experiences

Effective custom eLearning solutions surpass static presentations. To maximize learner engagement and knowledge retention, incorporate a variety of multimedia elements:

  • Content Development: Leverage the expertise of your subject matter experts and instructional designers to supplement text-based instruction with engaging visuals such as infographics, animations, and job-relevant videos. This diversified approach caters to different learning styles and preferences, keeping learners actively involved in the learning process.

Consider incorporating diverse multimedia elements, such as videos, simulations, and interactive exercises, that cater to multiple learning styles and enhance comprehension. Integrate quizzes, polls, and simulations throughout the program. These interactive elements transform passive learning into active participation, facilitating deeper insight and application of the material.

  • Assessment Strategies: Integrate formative and summative assessments throughout the eLearning program. Formative assessments, such as quizzes and knowledge checks, provide real-time feedback and identify areas where learners might require additional support. Summative assessments, such as final exams or project-based tasks, evaluate overall knowledge acquisition and skill mastery upon program completion.
  • Microlearning Modules: Break down complex topics into bite-sized, easily digestible modules. It allows learners to focus on specific areas at their own pace, optimizing knowledge absorption while minimizing cognitive overload.

4. Establishing Timelines and Resources

While pinpointing an exact timeline for eLearning projects can be challenging, understanding these factors can help create a realistic roadmap.

  • Decision-Making Streamlining: Ensure all stakeholders involved in the eLearning project possess the authority to make timely decisions. It minimizes delays caused by lengthy approval processes.
  • Vendor Selection Impact: Your chosen eLearning solutions significantly impact project timelines. Providers offering pre-built content and automated updates require less internal resource allocation, leading to faster deployment.
  • Budgetary Considerations: eLearning costs vary depending on platform complexity and features. Consider the total cost of ownership (TCO) when budgeting. This includes:
    • Platform Cost: The initial platform licensing fee.
    • Maintenance Costs: Ongoing expenses related to updates and potential customization requirements.
    • Resource Allocation: Factor in the internal resources required to manage and populate the platform (content creation, user assignment). AI-powered solutions can automate some tasks, reducing resource allocation.

Why are Custom eLearning Solutions Better than Off-the-Shelf Courses?

Both custom and off-the-shelf eLearning solutions are of immense help to learners. However, custom solutions offer several additional advantages that take it to the next level.

Let us explore what sets custom eLearning solutions apart from off-the-shelf courses:

1. Targeted Content

Custom eLearning solutions shine in their ability to personalize the learning experience, which is not the case with off-the-shelf courses. It caters to individual needs and learning styles, which allows learners to progress at their own pace. They identify strengths and weaknesses through assessments and tailor content and difficulty levels accordingly.

Such a targeted approach ensures the acquisition of relevant skills and knowledge, maximizing learning outcomes.

Moreover, the fact that personalized learning improves knowledge retention by up to 50% compared to traditional methods supports the adoption of eLearning solutions.

2. Increased Engagement

Custom eLearning transforms dry topics into engaging experiences by curating content specific to the company’s culture and terminology, as well as incorporating real-world examples. Learners connect better with familiar language and relatable scenarios, which fosters a sense of relevance and boosts motivation.

Such a customized approach sparks curiosity and promotes active participation, which makes complex concepts easier to grasp. Unlike generic courses, custom solutions bridge the gap between theory and practice, resulting in increased learner engagement.

3. Improved Knowledge Retention

Custom eLearning goes beyond delivering information and facilitates knowledge retention through carefully designed learning strategies and activities.

Unlike traditional courses, customized programs incorporate interactive elements, simulations, and spaced repetition techniques, which have been proven to enhance memory and recall.

4. Addressing Skill Gaps

Unlike off-the-shelf courses, custom eLearning solutions tackle skill gaps head-on. Such programs pinpoint specific weaknesses within your workforce through assessments and targeted content and address them directly. Such focus ensures everyone receives the training they need to reach the desired level of proficiency in critical areas.

5. Alignment with Business Goals

Custom e-learning solutions establish a direct connection between training and your organization’s specific objectives. This link ensures that the skills and knowledge acquired through training directly contribute to achieving broader business objectives.

6. Branding and Consistency

Building and reinforcing brand identity can be challenging through traditional courses. However, eLearning solutions ensure consistency and highlight your company’s identity throughout the learning experience. By incorporating logos, color schemes, and your unique voice into the course design, these courses create a cohesive and recognizable brand experience for learners.

7. Scalability and Adaptability

Custom eLearning solutions offer remarkable scalability and adaptability, unlike off-the-shelf courses, which offer limited flexibility. It is simple to scale adaptive learning courses up or down to accommodate varying group sizes, ensuring efficient training delivery regardless of the number of learners.

Additionally, it offers an easy option to update content to adapt to evolving industry trends, regulations, or internal changes. Such a dynamic approach ensures that training is both relevant and effective.

8. Integration with Existing Systems

Unlike regular courses that often require standalone platforms, eLearning solutions seamlessly integrate with your existing Learning Management System (LMS) and other platforms.

The easy integration facilitates efficient delivery, streamlined administration, and centralized data management. Learners access training within their familiar LMS environment, eliminating the need for additional logins or data migration.

9. Measurable Impact

Standardized training courses offer limited assessment options. On the contrary, custom eLearning enables you to design targeted assessments and effectively track learning outcomes.

Beyond simple quizzes, they incorporate simulations, case studies, and real-world application scenarios to gauge knowledge acquisition and skill development.

Such a comprehensive approach allows you to measure the impact of training. It helps identify areas of strength and opportunities for improvement. Custom eLearning enables data-driven decision-making and helps refine training programs to ensure tangible results.

10. Ownership and Control

While off-the-shelf courses offer limited control, custom eLearning solutions empower you to retain full ownership and control over the content. It allows you to modify and update the material, ensuring it aligns with your evolving organization and industry.

Custom eLearning options also create a dynamic and relevant learning experience that grows alongside your organization, setting it apart from the static limitations of off-the-shelf solutions.

The Takeaway

Today, research indicates that businesses, regardless of size, can leverage content to enhance brand awareness, educate their audience, and drive revenue growth. Many advertisers also find that content-led advertising is more effective for brand engagement.

Hence, companies must build sustainable content development and distribution operations early to capitalize on the digital content creation wave. Teams need access to the right tech stack to produce and distribute content at scale.

Access to the right digital content publishing tools helps streamline the process and enable data-driven content decisions. It can help content teams build a continuous engagement pipeline with audiences, with content at the center.

If your business is looking to revamp its content creation and distribution strategy, Hurix Digital is geared to support you in meeting all your company’s content creation needs.

Get in touch with us to start a conversation.