What is Content Curation? L&D Explained

Content curation is the process of gathering, organising, and sharing relevant information from various sources to enhance the learning experience. In the context of learning and development (L&D), it involves selecting and presenting valuable content that aligns with the educational goals and needs of the learners, often supplementing original content with curated materials to provide a well-rounded learning experience.

Why is content curation relevant to L&D?

In the dynamic field of L&D, content curation holds significant importance as it enables professionals to keep up with the ever-evolving information landscape. With the sheer volume of information available, learners can become overwhelmed. Curated content helps by filtering and presenting the most pertinent information, fostering a culture of continuous learning. It also supports employee engagement by providing access to diverse perspectives and the latest insights, thereby enhancing organisational culture and development.

Examples of content curation in learning & development

1. Learning Pathways: Creating a structured learning pathway by curating articles, videos, and other resources on a specific topic, enabling employees to progress through content at their own pace.

2. Weekly Digest: Sending out a weekly digest email that includes curated articles, podcasts, and industry news relevant to employees’ roles can keep them informed and engaged.

3. Resource Libraries: Developing an online library where curated content on various topics is categorised and easily accessible for self-directed learning.

4. Workshops and Webinars: Incorporating curated expert talks, webinars, and case studies into workshops to provide diverse viewpoints and real-world examples.

5. Social Learning Platforms: Using platforms where employees can share and discuss curated content, fostering an interactive learning community.

Best practices for content curation

To effectively incorporate content curation into an L&D strategy, consider the following best practices:

Understand your audience: Tailor content to match the interests and needs of your learners.
Diversify content sources: Use a mix of articles, videos, podcasts, and infographics from reputable sources.
Maintain relevance: Regularly update curated content to ensure it remains timely and applicable.
Provide context: Add annotations or summaries to help learners understand the importance of the curated content.
Encourage interaction: Facilitate discussions around curated content to deepen understanding and engagement.
Measure effectiveness: Use analytics to track engagement and gather feedback to refine future curation efforts.

Benefits of content curation

Content curation offers numerous benefits, such as saving time for both learners and L&D professionals by filtering out irrelevant information. It enhances learning experiences by providing access to a wide range of perspectives and up-to-date content. Furthermore, it supports a culture of continuous learning and engagement, which is crucial for organisational growth and adaptability.

Common challenges for content curation

Information Overload: Selecting the most relevant content from an abundance of available information can be overwhelming.
Maintaining Quality: Ensuring that curated content is accurate and from trustworthy sources requires diligence.
Keeping Content Updated: Continuously updating curated resources to maintain relevance and applicability.
Balancing Original and Curated Content: Finding the right mix of original and curated content to meet learning objectives.

What does content curation mean for frontline teams?

For organisations with substantial frontline workforces, content curation is particularly valuable as it provides immediate access to pertinent information without overwhelming the staff. By curating content tailored to their roles, frontline employees can quickly access the insights they need to perform their duties effectively. This approach supports just-in-time learning, crucial in fast-paced environments such as retail and hospitality, where frontline teams need to make informed decisions swiftly.

How does content curation support learning needs?

Content curation directly addresses learning needs by ensuring that employees have access to a curated selection of resources that are aligned with their development goals. By analysing learning needs and curating content tailored to these requirements, L&D professionals can bridge knowledge gaps and enhance competency. This approach also allows for a more personalised learning experience, where employees can explore curated content that is most relevant to their roles and career aspirations.

Content curation FAQs

How can I start curating content for my team?

Begin by identifying the learning objectives and needs of your team. Then, select diverse sources of information that align with these goals. Use tools such as RSS feeds, content aggregators, or social media platforms to gather and organise content, and regularly review and update your curated collections.

What tools can assist with content curation?

Several tools can facilitate content curation, including Feedly for RSS feeds, Pocket for saving and organising articles, and Scoop.it for discovering and sharing content. Additionally, platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter can be valuable for finding and curating industry-specific content.

How can I measure the success of content curation?

Success can be measured by tracking engagement metrics such as views, shares, and comments on curated content. Gathering feedback from learners on the relevance and usefulness of the curated materials can also provide insights for improvement.

How Ocasta can help with content curation

Ocasta’s learning management platform can significantly enhance content curation efforts by providing a centralised hub for managing curated resources. This platform allows frontline teams in retail, hospitality, and other customer-facing environments to access curated learning materials efficiently. By integrating microlearning and real-time updates, Ocasta ensures that curated content remains relevant and readily accessible, supporting continuous learning and development across the organisation.

Key takeaways

Content curation involves selecting and sharing relevant information to enhance learning experiences.
It is crucial for keeping L&D efforts aligned with current trends and learner needs.
Effective content curation supports a culture of continuous learning and engagement.
Best practices include understanding your audience, diversifying content sources, and maintaining relevance.
Common challenges include information overload and maintaining content quality.
For frontline teams, curated content provides quick access to necessary information.
Content curation supports learning needs by aligning resources with development goals.
Ocasta’s platform aids in managing and accessing curated content effectively.

What are other names for content curation?

Content curation is sometimes referred to as information curation, resource curation, or knowledge curation. These terms emphasise the organisation and presentation of content tailored to specific learning or informational needs.