The Way Ahead for eLearning: Reading the Trends

Whether implicit and unspoken, or recognized butmarginalized, the worldviews shared by designers get built into the models thatshape eLearning. Even the words that we use to describe instructionalstrategy—pedagogy and didactics—carry a worldview within themselves thatperpetuates traditional training and “click Next” approaches. At the same time,the word that describes the science of learning—mathetics—is virtually unknown.

However, trends in the world of work, in generational differentiation,and in technology are working together to re-shape our thinking and ourpractice when it comes to eLearning. It’s an old but true observation that thefuture isn’t what it used to be. Understanding what to expect and what toprepare for depends on understanding those trends and how they are workingthemselves out in social learning. Would you like some insight into the trendsand what to do about them?

The trends that are driving change in learning

The disruption created by increasingly rapid technologicaldevelopment is transforming every element of how we do business and live ourlives. It allows us to connect and learn from each other, wherever we are, andwhenever we want. It puts incredible resources for learning into our palms—mobile,and always available. This disruption puts pressure on businesses tocontinually innovate and change to survive, and means learning professionalsmust adapt to support cultures of continuous learning.

Learners come to their workplaces with expectations raisedby their personalized digital-media experiences. In increasingly time-poor,media-rich lives that are overwhelmed by information, traditional approaches tolearning fail to engage or deliver impact. Learners expect to be autonomous intheir learning, they expect to find relevant information quickly and tocontribute to a conversation about their individual needs.

How can we harness the power of digital disruption to theservice of workplace learning? What can we learn from the strengths of not justcurrent social learning practices, but also lessons from the past (and even thefuture)? How can we create environments in which the energy and knowledge oflearning communities supports the delivery of targeted, relevant, and engaginglearning experiences? 

Designing learning for the future

I will present a concurrent session, Designing Learning forthe Future: Community, Curation, Customization, at The eLearning Guild’sNovember 18 – 19 OnlineForum Collaborative,Social, and Informal Learning: Where Do Learning Professionals Fit? In mysession I will examine next-generation learning trends in depth, and the waysthey affect the role of the learning and development professional. You will beable to explore the competencies and capabilities that you need to meet thelearning challenges of the modern workplace, including managing social learningcommunities, curation, and learning diagnostics. I invite you to join me andthe other presenters for a vital and engaging experience! Open the link in thisparagraph for details and registration.