5 Learning Strategies from the Future

There is no doubt that the learning technology landscape has changed extraordinarily over the past few years. While in the first few years if the 21^st century, online learning was already offering a variety of interesting options for time-saving training technology, the past 10 years have seen us move with break-neck speed towards faster, more efficient and more customizable training opportunities. But just what will the future look like in learning and training technology? Things are about to get faster than ever before. Here are 5 learning strategies that are the future, but quickly becoming the NOW. 1. Corporate Training Initiatives Will Focus On Content Management Right now corporate training is centered around “the event” of training. Before, during, after. They look to develop training initiatives which are competitive but often textbook. With the use of improved social media platforms and customer recognition, more requirements and potentials for outside-of-the-box training exist. The creation of new training content which is catered and customized to each business, and each learner will be more the norm as we move forward to the future. Gartner Analysts add that: A content management workflow is necessary to ensure that training videos and PowerPoint presentations remain relevant. 2. Gamification E-learning initiatives have already begun to use gamification to increase uptake and knowledge retention. We already know that learners spend 50% longer on learning that involves gamification features, and this is only likely to increase over time. In fact, Gartner has previously claimed that by 2014, 80% of organizations will have gamified at least one area of business practice. Gartner also states that by 2016 brands and businesses can increase customer loyalty by leveraging gamification. Gartner Analysts explain: Virtually all areas of business could benefit from gamification as it can help to achieve three broad business objectives 1) to change behavior; 2) to develop skills; or 3) to enable innovation. While these objectives are very broad, more opportunities may emerge as the trend matures. 3. MOOCs Will Be More Successful Than Ever MOOCs – Massive Open Online Courses – are changing the way that learning opportunities are delivered and have been massively successful in doing so. No longer are professors lecturing to a group of learners but learners are now working with one another, debating and engaging with the material in forums or discussion groups. Some MOOCs offer up certificates or “credit” assignments, and others are simply for interest, but their value in corporate learning can simply increase. 4. Mobile Learning Will Only Increase According to recent research, around 40% of businesses are already using mobile learning as part of their recruitment and training initiatives. Mobile learning strategies can put training in everyone’s hands. A word of wisdom however, using mobile technology in this way effectively must be part of a grander corporate strategy which incorporates user needs, the appropriate platforms, adequate design and corporate standards. 5. Companies Will Soon Invest As Much On Customer Training As They Do On Employee Training An increasing number and wide range of solutions are attacking challenges relating to the initial onboarding period, and companies are looking for ways to have a unified learning experience online. If this sounds far-fetched, think again. Imagine the cost savings which could be realized if you were able to use technology to teach your customers better ways to interact with your site, and more easily draw on walk-throughs, or step-by-step instructions. Not only will these opportunities clear up calls to your service lines, but they will increase your bottom line. The future of training initiatives will be bigger, brighter and more interactive than before. Think about the changes and developments of the past 10 years. Can you even attempt to imagine the next 10? Commit your organization to developing individualized training initiatives, to embracing mobile learning, to finding MOOCs, using gamification examples and even to training the customer. After all, the future will be here before you know it.