Training and Learning is an
integral part of the corporate world and is a continuous process. But providing
continuous training for specific learner requirements is often a challenge. For
sudden and targeted learning needs, e-learning services are often the answer
and customized e-learning solutions are effective. Customized e-Courses are created
for the training of a specific group and for a specific learning objective. It
is need based and the e-learning solution caters to the training in a specific
topic or subject.
Customized e-courses are coursesthat organizations prefer to develop through external companies who provide
e-learning services by utilizing the most appropriate e-learning software. This
makes sense at many different levels.
- It frees their internal training staff into
channelizing their capabilities into catering to the training needs of the
organization as a whole, not just a specific need or group.
- Many small or medium organizations, who are in their
growing phase, cannot invest huge amounts for online training software.
- Another reason is the amount of red-tape that one
encounters in accessing corporate learning platforms. Material that is to
be uploaded also has to go through various screenings and approvals –
which prove to be a great hindrance in providing trainings as per need
Moving around such constrains
within the organization can be tedious and time consuming. On the other hand, customized
e-courses created with e-learning software can be run on stand-alone basis and
are a better solution.
However when developing
customized e-courses, there are a few challenges which need to be addressed.
- If the training is web-based, it needs to be assured
that every learner has internet access and available bandwidth to view all
the functions within the e–learning solution. If computers or internet
access is not available, the logistics of bringing the learner group to
the learning medium need to be worked out.
- It is best to think about the extent of tracking that
needs to be done beforehand and find a solution for it. If it is that
basic information like the number of learners completing the course, the
tracking portal can be designed such. If more information like the time
taken by individual learners or the number of logins by an individual
learner needs to be tracked, the tracking mechanism can keep that in mind.
- A concern when designing a customized e-learning
solution is that it should be user-friendly. It is prudent to assume that
the learner has not encountered such a training course before and has to
be initiated smoothly into the workings of it.
- The team that is providing the e-learning services has to pitch in and provide support when needed. Be it a query on the content of the course or a technical issue, every query needs to be addressed to ensure that the training is effective in reaching out to the learner.
