903 Putting Learners in Control with Flexible Learning Experiences
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Thursday, March 28
Instructional Design
Salon 11
With so many tools at their disposal, how do L&D professionals create effective learning ecosystems that meet the diverse needs of their learners? The key is focusing on relevancy, choice, and motivation. By listening closely to your learners about what, when, and how they want to learn, grow, and develop, you can deliver personalized experiences that help them fit professional development into their busy day. Learner-driven experiences offer the ideal mix of microlearning and macrolearning, from short how-to videos to in-depth learning paths. Done right, they will inspire your learners to build new skills and knowledge, put what they’ve learned into practice, and reflect on what went well and what could have gone better.
This session will share one team’s recent experience developing a new learning resource that puts learners in control of where and how they acquire knowledge and skills. You’ll discover a process for understanding learners’ needs and motivations, making design decisions, and adjusting the design based on learners’ reactions. You’ll learn how to include your learners in the design of learning experiences that focus on the capabilities that are most important to them. This session will help you design flexible solutions that consistently encourage and engage learners by integrating five key elements of a successful learner-driven approach. You’ll leave understanding how to prioritize the capabilities of an effective learning environment that resonates with all types of learners.
In this session, you will learn:
- How to design using a learner-driven approach that meets the needs of today’s learners
- Design tips using the five key elements of a successful learner-driven approach
- How to mix content types for maximum effect, from short-burst videos to in-depth learning paths
- How to provide the setting and guidance for your employees to make learning a habit
Audience:
Designers and managers
Technology discussed in this session:
Mobile devices, performance support applications, and Harvard ManageMentor
Diane Belcher
Senior Director, Product Management
Harvard Business Publishing
Diane Belcher is a senior director of product management at Harvard Business Publishing. She is responsible for strategy, business performance, category management, and market awareness across all of the Corporate Learning product lines. Prior to joining the Harvard Business Publishing team, Diane worked for Fidelity Investments, where she held various roles in human resources and led the customer experience strategy for the workplace investing business.

Robert Jones
Product Director
Harvard Business Publishing
Robert Jones is a product director at Harvard Business Publishing Corporate Learning. He leads the team responsible for defining, creating, and evolving the company’s self-paced leadership development solutions. Prior to joining Harvard Business Publishing, Robert held positions at Pearson, Rave Mobile Safety, AOL, and Blackboard. Robert earned his undergraduate degree from Cornell University.