In the ever-changing world of Learning and Development (L&D), traditional methods like e-learning, webinars, and face-to-face training have long been the go-to solutions. However, as the digital age continues to evolve, the limitations of these approaches are becoming increasingly evident.

Enter content curation—a fresh, dynamic approach that offers a plethora of benefits over traditional L&D methods.

What is content curation?

Content curation is the process of gathering, organizing, and sharing relevant content from a variety of sources. In the context of L&D, content curation can be used to create personalized learning experiences, adapt quickly to changing needs, save money, boost engagement, and foster lifelong learning.

Here are the top 5 benefits of content curation in L&D:

Personalization: Tailoring Learning to Individual Needs

Traditional L&D methods often take a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether it’s a pre-recorded webinar or a standardized e-learning module, the content is usually generic and not tailored to individual learning needs.

However, content curation allows for a highly personalized learning experience. By aggregating, filtering, and sharing relevant content, L&D professionals can cater to the unique needs, interests, and skill levels of each learner. This personalization not only enhances engagement but also improves learning outcomes.

Learning experience platforms (LXPs) can suggest learning content to learners based on what they have done in the past, what they want to learn, and how they learn best. This helps learners find new content that they might not have found on their own.

Agility: Quick Adaptation to Changing Needs

Traditional L&D methods like face-to-face training require significant time and resources to update. This makes it challenging to adapt to rapidly changing industry trends and organizational needs.

Content curation, on the other hand, is inherently agile. It allows L&D professionals to quickly and easily update learning materials to reflect current trends, technologies, and organizational goals. This agility ensures that learners are always equipped with the most up-to-date information.

Cost-Effectiveness: More Bang for Your Buck

Developing e-learning courses or organizing webinars and face-to-face training sessions can be expensive. These costs can be prohibitive for smaller organizations or departments with limited budgets.

Content curation is a cost-effective alternative. By leveraging existing high-quality content from various sources, organizations can provide valuable learning experiences without breaking the bank.

Engagement: Captivating the Modern Learner

Today’s learners are often disengaged with traditional L&D methods. The content can be dry, and the delivery methods outdated, leading to poor retention and application of knowledge.

Content curation can significantly boost engagement. By incorporating a variety of formats—articles, videos, podcasts, and more—curated content offers a rich, multimedia learning experience that captivates modern learners.

Lifelong Learning: Fostering a Culture of Continuous Improvement

Traditional L&D methods often focus on event-based learning—once the webinar is over or the e-learning module is completed, the learning stops.

However, content curation encourages ongoing learning. By continually updating and sharing relevant content, L&D professionals can foster a culture of continuous improvement and lifelong learning.

Conclusion

Content curation offers a fresh, dynamic approach to L&D that addresses many of the limitations of traditional methods. From personalization and agility to cost-effectiveness, engagement, and lifelong learning, the benefits are compelling. It’s time to rethink your L&D strategy and consider how content curation can elevate your learning initiatives to new heights.

What’s your experience with curation for helping others learn? Have you tried it? Are you curious?

Check out my C.U.R.A.T.E.D. model. I think it can help anyone who is navigating down this curation path.