As organisations increasingly turn to online platforms to deliver learning and training, it’s important to recognise that not all digital learning is created equal. There is a significant distinction between simply providing content and offering the right content, in the right manner, to the right learner.

While terms like “digital learning” and “customised learning” are often used synonymously in the field of education, they represent essentially different approaches. Understanding this distinction is fundamental to designing a learning strategy that goes beyond participation– one that fosters real engagement, enhances knowledge retention and drives better performance results. 

Let’s explore how these two strategies differ and why that distinction matters.

Defining Digital Learning

Digital Learning refers to the use of digital tools and technologies to enhance the delivery of education. It includes a wide range of tools and formats including online courses, interactive software, educational videos, and immersive experiences, which can be used to enhance learning and development for students of all ages and backgrounds.

Key characteristics:

• Online training sessions are accessible to all types of learners, regardless of their location, time, and circumstances. 
• Content is delivered online, allowing learners to learn at their own pace and on their own time, which is advantageous for individuals with hectic schedules.
• Online courses provide interactive and immersive learning experiences to keep learners engaged and motivated. 

While digital learning makes education and training more accessible, interactive, and flexible, it often follows a one-size-fits-all model, delivering the same material in the same way to all learners.

Setting Customised Learning Apart

On the other hand, customised learning tailors the learning path to individual needs, roles, skill levels, and performance data. It employs AI-driven analytics to analyse student performance data and preferences, ensuring that students receive the most relevant and effective learning support.

Key characteristics:

• The learning journey is student-centric or built around the individual, considering their prior knowledge, learning style, goals, pace, and interests.
• Learning materials are adaptive and flexible to individual learning styles and paces, allowing learners to progress at their own speed. 
• Feedback and recommendations are based on learning analytics and performance data, which adjust in real time to provide relevant, targeted, and meaningful experiences for each learner. 

Digital vs. Customised Learning: A side-by-side comparison

To gain a clearer insight into the differences between digital learning and customised learning, let’s examine the comparison table below. 

Why the Difference Matters

Both customised and digital learning provide significant value, depending on the learning intent, goals, and the specific demands of your organisation. That is why, it is crucial to understand that just because you have invested in digital learning does not imply that you will immediately provide personalised learning to your learners. They each have their own unique distinction, and it is critical to learn this in order to get the most bang for your buck.

• Digital learning excels at accessibility, scalability, and consistency. It is an effective method for delivering fundamental information to large teams or geographically dispersed learners. For compliance training, onboarding, or general upskilling, digital learning provides a reliable and cost-effective solution.
• Customised learning, meanwhile, provides in-depth and more relevance to the learning experience. By aligning training content with learner’s interests, performance data, or personal goals, it fosters higher engagement, improves knowledge retention, and cultivates critical life skills. It is particularly effective for addressing specific learning gaps or enhancing individual growth. 

Ultimately, the most successful strategies combine the qualities of both, utilising digital platforms to provide accessible, customised experiences that fulfills both corporate and learner needs.

Looking to improve your learning and training initiatives? SSA Group has the proficiency and experience to offer customised learning solutions that can elevate your learning engagement and empower your workforce to be ready for the future of the work. Contact us today!