Off-the-shelf eLearning: benefits, drawbacks, and factors to consider

Off-the-shelf, pre-authored eLearning has its benefits and its drawbacks – and factors to consider when choosing an off-the-shelf eLearning solution.

What is off-the-shelf eLearning?

Off-the-shelf eLearning refers to pre-authored eLearning courses that are developed and sold by third-party vendors. These courses cover a wide range of topics and are designed to meet the training needs of various industries and professions. Off-the-shelf eLearning courses are usually available in different formats such as videos, animations, interactive simulations, and gamification.

Benefits of off-the-shelf eLearning

Cost-effective:

Off-the-shelf eLearning courses are relatively inexpensive compared to developing custom eLearning content. They are a great option for organizations with limited budgets.

Time-saving:

Pre-authored eLearning courses can be delivered immediately, saving time that would have been spent on developing and designing custom eLearning content.

Variety:

Off-the-shelf eLearning courses cover a wide range of topics, and there is a vast library of courses to choose from. This makes it easy to find the right training program that meets specific needs.

Quality:

Off-the-shelf eLearning courses are developed by subject matter experts, ensuring that the content is accurate, up-to-date, and of high quality.

Drawbacks of off-the-shelf eLearning

Limited customization:

Since off-the-shelf eLearning courses are pre-authored, customization is limited, and it may not meet the specific needs of the organization.

Generic content:

Off-the-shelf eLearning courses are developed to meet the needs of a broad audience. Therefore, they may not be tailored to specific industries or professions.

Branding:

Off-the-shelf eLearning courses are developed by third-party vendors and may not reflect the organization’s brand, which can create confusion for learners.

Factors to consider when choosing off-the-shelf eLearning

Learning objectives:

Ensure that the off-the-shelf eLearning course meets the organization’s learning objectives.

Compatibility:

Check if the off-the-shelf eLearning course is compatible with the organization’s learning management system (LMS) and the devices that learners will use to access the course.

User experience:

The off-the-shelf eLearning course should be engaging and user-friendly, making it easy for learners to navigate and interact with the content.

Support and updates:

The vendor should offer support and regular updates to ensure that the content is up-to-date and relevant.