off-the-shelf vs bespoke e-Learning, which is better?

The answer depends on several factors and the cost can vary widely depending on the complexity of the subject, the quality and quantity of the source materials,the level of interactivity required and the type of learning resources being created.

Typically, it costs more to create highly interactive learning experiences with multimedia content, assessments and integration with learning management systems.

So, given this uncertainty, it is not possible to give you an exact cost. It is, however, possible to introduce some of the factors that will affect the investment required.

Several factors influence the overall investment required to develop an e-learning course.

One of the most obvious factors is the length of the course. A short awareness module may take learners 20–30 minutes to complete, whereas a more substantial training programme could involve several hours of learning content delivered across multiple modules.

Longer courses generally require more development time because they involve:

• more learning content
• additional graphics or media
• more assessments and learning activities.

The level of interactivity included in a course can significantly influence development effort.

Some courses present information through simple text, images and quizzes. Others incorporate more advanced features such as:

• scenario-based learning
• interactive simulations
• branching decision exercises
• video demonstrations.

Higher levels of interactivity can improve learner engagement but may require additional design and development work.

The complexity of the subject matter also affects development time. Technical subjects or specialist professional training programmes often require:

• consultation with subject experts
• careful instructional design
• structured learning sequences to explain complex concepts.

This additional design work can increase development effort compared with simpler awareness training.

Visual resources can significantly enhance the effectiveness of digital learning.

These may include:

• diagrams and illustrations
• photographs
• video demonstrations
• animations or interactive graphics.

Creating or sourcing appropriate visual materials can be an important part of the development process.

Many training programmes include formal or informal assessment processes.

These may involve:

• knowledge checks and quizzes
• scenario-based assessments
• workplace assessment activities
• certification tests.

Designing reliable and meaningful assessments requires careful planning and development.

Typical Scales of E-Learning Projects

Rather than thinking in terms of fixed prices, it is often more helpful to think about different scales of e-learning projects. A  small scale project would be a short course with one or two topics and limited interactivity, whereas a large scale project would be one covering a whole programme of learning with multiple topics, requiring many different components in many different formats with integration with learning management systems and organisational training systems.

When Should Organisations Outsource E-Learning Development?

Many organisations initially consider developing e-learning internally. This can work well where internal expertise and resources are available. But it is not an easy fix.  To be able to create effective elearning people need the indepth skills in areas such as instructional design and IT.

Outsourcing may be a more cost-effective option especially when training programmes are complex or technical and if digital learning expertise is limited internally.

Specialist support can help ensure that learning materials are engaging, structured and aligned with training objectives.