The Unbundling of Udemy: The Rise of Bespoke Learning Communities

The Unbundling of Udemy: The Rise of Bespoke Learning Communities

In today's digital age, the internet has become a hub for learning and acquiring new skills. Platforms like Udemy have gained popularity for offering a vast catalogue of courses on various subjects, allowing individuals to study any topic of their choice. However, as the internet becomes increasingly bespoke, there is a growing demand for smaller, more thoughtful learning communities.

Education 3.0 gave birth to edtech startups that aimed to replicate the social experience of college, book clubs, or group classes online. These companies recognized the importance of the social aspect of learning, which is often lost in the transactional nature of most online learning platforms. Learning together, collaborating, and engaging in discussions are essential components of the learning process, and these startups aimed to provide that experience.

Creativity is dead, long live curation. The role of a curator is to sort through culture and show us what we need to know and why. Curation has always been about democratizing art and bringing it to different sections of society. It is about caring for and showcasing objects, but it has expanded to have a bigger social role. "Civic curation" is a concept that links curation to generosity and its impact on society.

In the world of brands, curation has become a powerful strategy for differentiation, relevance, equity, and longevity. Brands have shifted from simply manufacturing products to manufacturing culture, design, luxury, and art. Curation has become the fuel of modern culture, as it is much harder to replicate the aesthetic world and narrative that curation creates. A good curator goes beyond reposting images; they conduct research, write, and edit to provide a new angle on old things and connect them with new ideas.

Brands are under pressure to constantly create new products, but by curating the old, they give them renewed meaning and purpose in the eyes of consumers. Curation contextualizes products within a specific time and point of view, turning them into collectibles. This highlights the importance of brands becoming curators of their own, bridging the gap between different taste communities and introducing them to one another. This not only creates something new and familiar but also connects people, products, and ideas.

So, what can we learn from the unbundling of Udemy and the rise of curation in the digital age? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Embrace the social aspect of learning: When developing an online learning platform or community, prioritize the social aspect of learning. Create opportunities for collaboration, discussion, and engagement among learners. Learning together not only enhances the learning experience but also builds a sense of community.

2. Curate, don't just create: Brands can benefit from adopting a curator's mindset. Instead of constantly striving to create new products, curate existing ones in a way that provides new meaning and purpose. Connect old ideas with new ones, and bridge the gap between different taste communities. This not only adds value but also sets the brand apart from competitors.

3. Foster curiosity and generosity: Curation is all about curiosity and caring for the objects or ideas being curated. Encourage curiosity among learners and foster a sense of generosity within your learning community. Create an environment where learners are encouraged to explore new topics and share their knowledge with others.

In conclusion, the unbundling of Udemy highlights the growing demand for smaller, more thoughtful learning communities in the digital age. The social aspect of learning, as well as the rise of curation, has reshaped the way we approach education and brand building. By embracing the social aspect, curating existing ideas, and fostering curiosity and generosity, we can create a more engaging and meaningful learning experience for all.