Are Custom Elearning Solutions the Same As Ready-Made Elearning Solutions?

eLearning solutions provide many advantages to both learners and businesses in today's "always-on" environment. However, what is eLearning? Nowadays, even custom eLearning solutions are too a big hit among organizations. Initially, let us understand what electronic learning is. Then, we will discuss about the advantages, and disadvantages of ready-made e-learning solutions and custom eLearning solutions.

What is electronic learning?

To begin, let us define eLearning. The delivery of training and education via digital resources is known as eLearning.  Although eLearning solutions are based on structured learning, it is delivered through electronic devices linked to the internet. Here, devices refer to tablets, smartphones, and PCs. This enables users to study whenever and wherever they choose, with few, if any, limitations. ELearning, in its simplest form, is training, learning, or education provided online through a computer or other digital device.

What is a ready-to-use eLearning application?

Ready-to-use or off-the-shelf eLearning solutions are built on the premise that "one size fits all." E-learning development companies invest their own expertise, cash, skill, and research into developing e-learning platforms from the ground up. Vendors resell these created solutions to a variety of customers as ready-made goods. As a result, they may charge low pricing to cover development costs and then earn profit.

What is a customized eLearning application?

A customized eLearning solution is built from the ground up to meet the unique objectives of an organization.  It can also be built for a new entrepreneur interested in using eLearning for training, customer education, or blended learning. The characteristics of the application and e-learning platform change according to the changing nature of the implementation objectives.

Know the advantages and disadvantages of off-the-shelf eLearning solutions?

Advantages of off-the-shelf eLearning solution

•     If an off-the-shelf eLearning solution includes all you need, why not take advantage of it? It will be less expensive and less risky. You can start the training with the finished e-learning courseware.
•    Courses may be instantly launched with little or no setup time.
•    Typically customizable with corporate logos
•  Ideal for subjects with a broad appeal, such as health and safety training, GDPR, and so on.

Disadvantages of off-the-shelf eLearning solution 

•  Will not be customized to your business's unique requirements    
•  Your employees may struggle to connect with content that isn't relevant to your business.

Advantages of developing custom eLearning solutions 

• The ability to customize every element of the course enables you to produce genuinely relevant and personalized material for employees. The workforce may find such courseware more interesting.
• It can be tailored to your business's specific training goals and requirements
• It allows the organization to pick rarities and concentrate on the details, critical to the company’s objectives.
• Generally, they are simple to modify, update and alter as needed
•  Ideal if you have a unique perspective on a subject. 
•  You can disseminate internal knowledge or best practices throughout your company with it. You can address prevalent misconceptions or prejudices in your business or organization with it.

Disadvantages of tailor-made eLearning content

•  Generally, it entails a greater initial investment.
•   Setup and operation take longer
•   Requires time investment to identify internal expertise and an external partner capable of developing the best effective solution for your requirements
•   Inherently riskier - since you never know what you're going to get