E-Learning and Beyond

Technology innovation has transformed the way businesses transfer knowledge and ideas, but it’s only the beginning. Learning Management Systems and e-Learning are the future, but how messages are delivered and interpreted will continue to evolve over time as new trends emerge. It’s an exciting time for learning, and we’ve highlighted what we believe will be the future of training.

Social Learning

Social learning, contrary to what some may believe, is not social media. It is taking an established principle that was developed in 1970 and using today’s technology to complement the idea that people learn from informal human interaction. Social media in essence is just that, an informal platform for connecting and sharing ideas. By merging the two, we have social media learning. Why this integration is so promising for the future of training is how comfortable people are using social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. When integrated into training programs, individuals become fully engaged with the message in a collaborative environment.

Gamification

The addictive use of mobile applications that test cognitive skills is creating a huge buzz in the e-Learning world. To make learning fun, the idea is to use game-based settings to deliver educational material using both rewards and challenges. Educational games have been around for a while. With gamification, however, the same concept will be integrated into school and office training programs with the intent of teaching a particular skill set.

Mobile Learning

Mobile learning or m-Learning allows for the sharing of information conveniently from a mobile device. In the coming years as millennials demand innovation and programs move to online platforms, mobile will likely be one of the biggest trends in training. The slow adoption of this technology thus far is mainly due to challenges such as low bandwidth and battery life, but with technology enhancements happening everyday, we will see m-Learning in classrooms and offices around the world.

Tailored Approach

Training is not one size fits all. With personality tests like Myers Briggs, training can be delivered based on the unique learning style of each individual. Training of the future will also use big data and trends to determine more effective approaches of delivering information. Where training of the past was a passive, static experience, training of the future will be dynamic and engage users based on their behavioral needs.

Measured & Tested

Statistics and trends drive decision making, so it only makes sense that training programs will utilize data to develop better, more efficient learning solutions. Everything from engagement analytics to A/B testing will be used to gain insight into opportunities for a better workforce. Successful organizations of the future will use big data to drive training programs.

Training with Purpose

Most businesses don’t look at training as a strategic opportunity to drive business, but that is an old way of thinking. The leadership of an organization and the people on the front lines dealing with consumers are driving growth. If, for example, your organization’s primary goal is to increase sales, the solution is sales representatives equipped with the skills and knowledge base to drive new business. Do you want your organization to be associated with great customer service? Then, build a staff that understands your products and values, as well as customer service proficiency. Human capital is a major component of successful enterprise, and without a well-trained staff, organizational goals will be impossible to achieve.