What is a Small Private Online Course (SPOC)?
A Small Private Online Course (SPOC) is a type of e-learning course intended for a small group. The concept is based on the MOOC format and is well suited to business contexts.
What are the key features of this type of online training?
According to a 2019 survey by the FFOD’s Digital Learning Observatory, 71% of the 400 respondents reported that digital formats motivate learners and boost engagement. In keeping with this observation, SPOCs were a big hit with businesses in 2020.
What accounts for the popularity of SPOCs in business? 97% of employees have a favorable opinion of the virtual classroom format.
However, unlike other training formats, access to SPOC courses is restricted. In France, participants are typically selected in advance by the company or on the basis of their specialization.
The small group size motivates participants to collaborate and join in social interactions.
This interactive online training, which is ideal for learners looking to develop expertise relating to a specific problem, may be provided using a variety of media:
- Videos
- Documents
- Videoconferencing
- Chat
- Quizzes
- Team workshops, etc.
SPOCs include practical exercises to stimulate group work and enable learners to gain insights from the experience of others. These virtual classes facilitate fast-flowing, spontaneous discussions among learners, or between learners and trainers.
At the end of the course, all participants who achieved their goals receive immediate certification. Managers taking a corporate SPOC receive a post-training assessment report.
Pros and cons of SPOC courses lasting a few weeks
Choosing from the vast of MOOCs and other online training courses can be a difficult task. If you want to learn quickly and effectively, a SPOC can be ideal, for the following reasons:
- Personalized support aided by the small group size
- Accessible online (24/7) to fit each learner’s schedule
- Fast-paced SPOC courses resemble a business training session
- This e-learning format specifically addresses professional issues and is Ideal for developing the skills of a company’s employees
- Content can be adapted to the participants’ level
- Working with multiple materials (e.g. video content or social media) avoids fatigue
- Regular discussions with trainers, resulting in a relevant, high-quality learning project
- New working methods
- This SPOC training offer is suitable for all themes. In France, for example, FNAIM (a real estate federation) teamed up with Qualitel (a housing certification association) to create Les Copros Vertes in late 2019. The idea behind this initiative was to train and upskill owners and property managers.
- With personalized support, the dropout rate is low
However, SPOCs also have some drawbacks:
- As these courses are designed for a small group of learners, the number of places is limited.
- Despite having trainers on hand, learners need to be independent and responsible.
SPOC-based training is ideal for learning quickly and effectively. This digital format is suitable for all companies wishing to develop their employees’ skills. Supervising learners encourages them to work and interact with other people.
