In the race to move training and education online, many organisations have opted for the ‘one size fits all’ approach to eLearning, using ready-made modules that address a particular topic or skill. Off-the-shelf products can be cheaper, but are they cost-effective in the long term, and do they actually meet your specific needs? (Hint: the answer to both questions is no!).
In this article, we'll explore the top five reasons why customised learning is the right choice for your team, particularly in the context of New Zealand.
1. Customised Education
Bespoke eLearning is designed to cater to the unique learning needs, goals, and objectives of an organisation or individual. This means that the content is specifically tailored to support the learner's requirements, resulting in a more effective and efficient learning experience. In contrast, off-the-shelf eLearning is often less engaging and can become monotonous, leading to low learner engagement.
2. Cost-effective Teaching
Although bespoke eLearning may initially be more expensive, it often proves to be more cost-effective in the long run. This is because the content is specifically tailored to the needs of the learners and the organisation, resulting in higher learner engagement and improved retention rates. This can lead to fewer training sessions, reduced training costs, and increased both performance and productivity.
Bespoke courses also have a longer shelf life. They are developed to remain relevant and impactful over time, whereas off-the-shelf content can quickly become outdated, less engaging, and ill-suited to an organisation's evolving needs and strategies. The investment in a custom solution pays off through its longevity and sustained effectiveness.
3. Increased Student Retention
Bespoke eLearning is designed to reflect the participants' own experiences, which can help improve learner retention rates. It can incorporate storytelling, scenario-based learning, and real-world interactions with examples and data to help students remember the content.
4. Culturally Appropriate Content
Many off-the-shelf teaching products use content from outside Aotearoa, New Zealand, immediately creating a barrier between the learner and the learning content. This can include voiceovers with foreign accents, unfamiliar styling, and culturally irrelevant details. Such factors can quickly disengage the learner, creating the impression that the learning content isn’t applicable to them.
In contrast, bespoke eLearning courses can be designed to incorporate all aspects of the unique cultural context of New Zealand, ensuring that the content is relevant and engaging for local students. This not only enhances the learning experience but also demonstrates respect for the diverse cultural backgrounds of New Zealand's population.
5. Scalability
Bespoke eLearning can be designed to be scalable and easily updated as an organisation's needs change. This means that the content can be updated quickly and efficiently, ensuring that it remains relevant and up-to-date. Off-the-shelf eLearning may not be updated regularly, resulting in outdated features and irrelevant content.
Customised Solutions Built for Specific Needs
Bespoke training courses are crafted around the students' and organisations' needs. The learning, resources, and support are tailored to their requirements, knowledge, and skills. This allows for the development of a responsive and supportive service that's built on partnerships.
Bespoke eLearning services are centred around communities and their experiences. They aim to facilitate safe learning and knowledge-sharing through tools and networks. A one-size-fits-all solution can never achieve the range and depth of a bespoke service focused on empowering people through education. Off-the-shelf solutions are inflexible, but a bespoke solution is shaped to purpose.
For effective, impactful learning in the New Zealand context, bespoke is simply the best practice. By planning and investing in customised eLearning solutions, organisations can ensure that their team's unique needs are met, resulting in a more engaging and efficient learning experience.
Additionally, bespoke learning courses demonstrate cultural sensitivity, respect for the diverse backgrounds of the team and learners, and a commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and knowledge.
How can Pipi deliver a professional learning experience?
Pipi Learning has over 50 years of collective experience developing and delivering professional learning solutions across a range of sectors. Our team includes subject matter experts, educators, researchers, and health professionals who understand how to create impactful online learning experiences tailored to an organisation's needs.
Pipi takes a partnership approach to professional development, working alongside our clients to understand their strategic goals, learning needs, and desired outcomes. We believe learning should be engaging, culturally appropriate, and lead to meaningful change. Our bespoke eLearning modules are highly interactive, incorporating elements such as scenario-based learning, storytelling, quizzes, and simulations to motivate students and enhance knowledge retention.
Pipi also assists clients with broader learning and development resources, including onboarding programmes, health and safety compliance training, and pathways for career progression. Our scalable eLearning solutions and learning management and governance systems give organisations the flexibility to efficiently up skill large teams across multiple locations.
With expertise across education, health, social services, security, and building industries, Pipi Learning helps empower people through customised online learning experiences that deliver real-world change. Our goal is to work with clients to build learning programmes that embody the values and concepts of manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, and whakapapa.