Continuous Development

Charles Horton says you can't beat the real thing.

Take a look at your e-learning platform. I mean, grab yourself a Coke and really take a long look at it. Is it good enough? Is there anything else you could do to improve it? You know how Coca-Cola is always tweaking their drinks? Well, your e-learning system needs that same kind of attention.

Imagine you’ve just launched a shiny new e-learning platform. It’s working great, users love it, and you’re tempted to sit back and say, “Job done!” But here’s the thing - standing still is like moving backwards.

If Coke had stopped innovating after their original formula, we’d all be drinking fizzy water with a hint of cocaine in it (no, really). Similarly, if you don’t keep developing your platform, you’ll find yourself serving up outdated content on a clunky system, (minus the drugs).

Now, you might be thinking, “But my platform is good enough. Why fix what isn’t broken?” Well, that’s the trap of the “good enough” mindset. In e-learning, just like with Coca-Cola’s products, user expectations and technology are always evolving. What works today might not cut it tomorrow.

Let’s break it down using our Coke analogy. When diet trends hit, Coca-Cola didn’t just shrug and say, “Our original recipe is fine.” They created Diet Coke, Coke Zero, and a whole range of low-sugar options. In the same way, your e-learning platform needs to adapt to new learning theories, emerging technologies, and changing user needs.

By continuously developing your platform, you’re not just avoiding problems - you’re opening doors to new opportunities. Maybe it’s integrating AI-powered personalised learning paths, or adding gamification to boost engagement. It’s like Coca-Cola introducing new flavours or packaging - you’re enhancing the user experience and keeping things fresh and exciting.

Here’s a key point: regular updates help you avoid the dreaded “massive overhaul.” Imagine if Coke had ignored changing consumer preferences for years. They’d have had to completely reinvent their product line overnight! It’s the same with your e-learning platform. Small, regular updates keep everything running smoothly, rather than kicking the can down the road to what will end up becoming a large-scale and potentially costly project.

These ongoing improvements bring a bunch of benefits:

Enhanced User Experience: Just like a new Coke flavour might excite consumers, updates to your platform can make learning more engaging.

Improved Security: The digital security landscape is always changing. Regular updates help protect your platform and your users’ data.

Better Performance: As your user base grows, your platform needs to keep up. Continuous development ensures your system can handle increased traffic and more complex tasks.

Cost Efficiency: Addressing issues as they arise is far less expensive than waiting for a major problem to force a complete overhaul.

Remember, continuous development in e-learning is a journey, not a destination. It’s about keeping your platform on the right path, ensuring it meets user needs and adapts to changing conditions. This involves regular assessments, incremental updates, and proactive planning for future improvements.

So, take a leaf out of Coca-Cola’s book. Keep refining your e-learning platform, stay curious about new possibilities, and don’t be afraid to experiment. There’s no such thing as “good enough” - there’s only “What’s next?” So, keep moving forward, keep improving, and watch your platform fizz with success!

Sorry, I couldn’t help myself…