7 Learning Technology Strategies to Achieve Engagement and Maximize Impact

Corporate training and development is continuously evolving, aided by constant innovation in learning technologies. Moving from e-learning to a blended learning approach, organizations are seeking further investments in learning technology than ever before. According to the 2019 LinkedIn workplace learning report, 59% of organizations are increasing their investment in online learning, while 39% are cutting down on instructor-led training (ILT).

“We have entered the ‘golden days of learning’ in business today,” says analyst Josh Bersin. His words echo sentiments expressed by learning and development professionals. Today, the key L&D priority for organizations is to explore innovative and emerging technologies. However, despite the exponential growth and increased adoption rates of learning technology in the past few years, many organizations still find themselves without a clear learning strategy to leverage technology.

When organizations roll out any kind of technology, they are seeking efficiency and future-readiness. However, in the absence of a planned and structured roadmap and strategy, the impact of technology is often diminutive. Organizations that employ technology hastily or go the trial-and-error route might not see the desired results. Likewise, although deploying learning technology can improve productivity and engagement, the impact is more pronounced and long-lasting in organizations that have an effective strategy in place from the start.

Without a learning strategy, organizations will find themselves chasing trends, without an approach that matches their specific learning needs. In an age where emerging learning technologies have become a must-have for delivering corporate training, organizations without a learning strategy in place are certain to be left behind. Here are seven learning technology strategies that can help organizations achieve higher engagement and maximize training impact.

1. Mobile Learning Apps

A key challenge for L&D professionals today is employee engagement, and it is time for L&D professionals to leverage a strategy that empowers their learners. According to Towards Maturity, 64% learners say access to learning content on a mobile device is “essential” or “very useful.” Mobile apps are common in our daily lives, so it makes sense to use them to deliver learning. With the cost of developing  apps shrinking, a mobile learning strategy is a must-have.

2. Gamification

Driven largely by smartphones and other mobile devices, the global gamification market is expected to grow by about 30% by 2024. The employee engagement crisis, coupled with our decreasing attention spans and learning retention rates, gamification can deliver a much-needed boost.

3. Interactive and Microlearning Videos

Video-based learning is an effective strategy to deliver engaging training. In 2017, CGS’ annual enterprise learning research found that video had the most growth in organizational digital learning strategies. Successful L&D programs also now leveraging microlearning videos that learners can consume easily and on the go. These videos not only offer cost reductions but also can be created, updated and deployed more quickly.

4. The Learning Experience Platform (LXP)

Although there is a lot of talk that the LXP will replace the learning management system (LMS), they will likely coexist for years to come. According to Bersin, the LXP market has reached over $350 million and is doubling year on year. LXPs offer several benefits in tandem with an LMS, including enabling:

Self-directed learning to enable a personalized learning experience.Collaborative and inclusive learning through user-generated content.Offering a positive user experience (UX), including easier navigation for a more engaging experience.

5. Big Data and Learning Analytics

In e-learning, the term “big data” refers to learners’ data, collected from an LMS or similar platform. This data is not only significant in volume but also dynamic in nature. Learning analytics enables organizations to track, measure and report on this data to provide actionable insights that can help improve training and enable maximum impact.

6. AI-powered Learning Technology Solutions

From AI plug-ins for e-learning courses to personalized learning pathways, real-time feedback and recommendations, AI-powered learning is among the biggest training trends in recent years. With the growth of AI-powered tools like chatbots, this learning strategy is sure to make an even bigger impact in the near future.

7. AR/VR and Immersive Learning

Although many organizations are reluctant to adopt immersive learning strategies like virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), largely due to higher costs and longer development timelines, they will likely make an impact in the coming years as the development costs decrease and the use cases become clearer.

Equipped with these key learning strategies, L&D professionals can boost learning engagement and achieve improved training impact now and in the future.

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