In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, transforming traditional training methods by harnessing the power of custom content development has become indispensable. Organizations need to be in a strong position to develop the skills they need for the future of work.
Brandon Hall Group’s ‘Transforming Learning for the Future of Work’ study finds that just 37% of companies believe their approach to learning is putting them in a strong position to develop the skills the organization needs for the future of work.
As businesses and educational institutions embrace the potential of eLearning, the demand for tailored and effective training content has surged. Another challenge companies say they face (as per the same study) is that their learning content does not support the skills they need to develop, with 68% saying this is at least moderately challenging.
This is where custom content development comes into play, offering a solution that goes beyond off-the-shelf courses. In this blog, we will explore the concept of custom content development for online training, its benefits, key considerations, and why it outshines generic alternatives.
What is Custom Content Development?
Custom content development involves the creation of unique, tailor-made eLearning materials that are designed to meet specific training needs.
Unlike Generic Off-The-Shelf Courses, Custom Content Development Focuses On Aligning Training Content With The Organization's Goals, Learners' Needs, And The Subject Matter.
This process allows for a more personalized and engaging learning experience, leading to enhanced knowledge retention and skill development.
4 Benefits of Custom eLearning Content Development
1. Relevance and Contextualization
Custom content is developed keeping the organization’s industry, culture, and specific challenges in mind. This ensures that the content is relevant and resonates with learners, making the learning experience more meaningful.
2. Engagement and Interactivity
Custom content can incorporate interactive elements such as quizzes, simulations, and branching scenarios. This interactivity boosts engagement, making the learning process dynamic and immersive.
3. Flexibility and Scalability
Custom content can be adapted and updated as per changing requirements. This flexibility ensures that the training remains up-to-date and aligned with the latest industry trends.
4. Addressing Diverse Learning Styles
Different learners have different preferences when it comes to learning. Custom content can be designed to cater to various learning styles, ensuring that every individual gets the most out of the training.
6 Key Considerations for Custom Content Development
1. Establishment of Clear Objectives
Before embarking on custom content development, clearly outline the learning objectives and desired outcomes. This will serve as a roadmap for the content creation process.
2. Involvement of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)
Collaborate with SMEs who possess in-depth knowledge of the subject matter. Their insights will ensure accuracy and authenticity in the content.
3. Learner-Centric Approach
Keep the learners at the center of content development. Understand their needs, preferences, and pain points to create content that resonates with them.
4. Interactivity and Multimedia
Incorporate multimedia elements like videos, animations, and interactive quizzes to enhance engagement and retention.
5. Assessment Strategies
Design effective assessment methods to gauge the understanding of learners. This could include scenario-based assessments or practical assignments.
6. Custom Content vs Off-the-Shelf Content
While off-the-shelf content might seem like a convenient option, it often falls short in delivering impactful learning experiences. Custom content development offers several advantages that set it apart:
Personalization: Custom content is tailored to the organization’s unique needs, while off-the-shelf content takes a one-size-fits-all approach.
Relevance: Custom content is designed to address specific challenges and goals, making it more relevant to learners’ roles and responsibilities.
Engagement: Interactive elements in custom content keep learners engaged, unlike the passive nature of off-the-shelf courses.
Flexibility: Custom content can be modified and updated, ensuring that the training remains current and effective.
Role of SMEs in Creating Tailored and Accurate Content
SMEs play a crucial role in the custom content development process. Their expertise ensures that the content is accurate, up-to-date, and aligned with industry standards.
Additionally, selecting the right partner for your custom eLearning content development needs is essential. A partner like Harbinger, an organization that comes with a track record of successful projects, a deep understanding of instructional design, and a learner-centric approach can contribute significantly to the effectiveness of the training program.
We design and develop custom eLearning solutions that suit your audience, improve performance, and are essentially guided by your business drivers. Our solutions are built using a wide range of instructional approaches like authoring tool-based development, microlearning, gamification, interactive videos, and more.
End Note
In the dynamic world of online training, investing in custom content development can be a game-changer. It empowers organizations to deliver training that is not only effective but also engaging and personalized. Being an eLearning service provider since 1990, Harbinger’s eLearning services will be a gamechanger for you, to create training materials that align with your unique goals and learners’ needs.
The realm of online training is evolving, and so are the expectations of learners. Custom content development stands as a beacon of innovation in this area, providing organizations with the means to create impactful training experiences that resonate with learners. With its personalized approach, engagement-enhancing features, and adaptability, custom content development is undoubtedly the way forward for effective online training.
If you’re looking for an experienced partner to implement custom content development for effective online training, write to us at contact@harbingergroup.com.
