Advances in technology not only motivate learning and development professionals to stay up to date with cutting-edge technology, but also bring them back to basics. why? The current rate of development is of interest to experts in all fields. No one can play the role of omniscient sage anymore. Instead, experts humble themselves, acknowledge what they know and don't know, return to timeless methods, and are selective about opportunities to share their insights.
L&D professionals are taking off their teacher hats and taking off their facilitator hats. We are finding new meaning in fostering organizational behaviors that embed, sustain, and communicate learning and insights within the flow of work. This technology boom may ultimately solidify our position as a strategic business partner. In order for learning professionals to overcome the boom and flourish, they need to reevaluate their fundamentals and turn to the sun.
reconsider the roots
Each new technology or trend must be evaluated against tried and true learning paradigms. Although often confused or cluttered with spurious weeds, the roots of our fields run deep. The way adults learn new skills and behaviors does not rely on technology. New technologies that support these natural processes or reduce administrative burdens are beneficial to the field.
Advances in technology and science are also accelerating our knowledge of the brain and how it works. The more we understand the human mind and behavior, the more we can provide learning solutions to individuals. Technology reveals the inner workings of what we hypothesize, test, and often pretend to know. Leaders in neuroscience and brain-centered learning like Lauren Waldman are using technology to create transparency about how the brain learns. Sharing such knowledge helps learning professionals cut through the noise and get back to their core tenants.
Once learning professionals have real knowledge of learning methods and theory, our attention will shift to dispelling misconceptions that learners have about technology-enabled development. In a world where there's an app for everything, an endless queue of streaming content, and a seemingly wise personal assistant in your pocket, adults are learning how to effectively take in information and practice and apply new knowledge. benefit from reminders on how to seek guidance.
One of the most persistent misconceptions among learners is that learning only happens in the classroom or on a computer. The 3E model proposes that development comes through experience and exposure, not just education. This model reframes the entire workday as a continuous learning opportunity. Some people align this model with the famous 70:20:10 framework. This framework encourages, but does not prescribe, proportional diversification of learning. When employees are empowered to view every encounter as a learning opportunity, technology becomes a supplement rather than a requirement or a crutch.
turn towards the sun
Light illuminates what works and eliminates what does not. When learning professionals “follow the sun,” we align ourselves with our North Star and establish a litmus test for where and how we spend our efforts.
As learning cultures embrace new technologies, learning professionals need to think globally about end-to-end workforce development solutions. Technology is enabling the sustainability and scalability of traditional service programs such as mentoring, while also giving new meaning to just-in-time learning through opportunities built into many business platforms used in the flow of work. bring. As learning moves from an occasional activity to a daily means of success, meaningful advances will be made in the learning industry and in work in general.
Technology is also evolving the way learning professionals gather knowledge, discover knowledge, and document insights. Historically, these key business functions have often been delegated to learning teams, and the business need for learning teams has not disappeared. In fact, the rate of knowledge creation is rapidly advancing. New technology helps professionals keep pace, make sense of information overload, and uncover new insights.
Finally, as learning professionals continue to focus on their core goals, they can layer technology to enhance their impact and ROI measurement efforts, but this remains a daunting and vague idea. It's an initiative. Technology enables enhanced sensing, diagnostics, and analysis. As technology generates more data points than ever before, learning professionals must do away with vanity metrics in favor of holistic insights that deliver value. The sun burns off the fog and illuminates important measures that only technology can bring to the surface on a large scale.
Dangers of overwatering
Learning is positioned as a strategic partner and consultant to help us focus on our true roots and let the sun chase away darkness and distractions. This top-down and bottom-up approach leaves him with one area to consider. What are the risks of overwatering flowering “learning plants”?
Advances in technology often lead to “shiny new toy” syndrome. This distracts us with longing for things we can't afford or hope will be the new magic bullet. We play with this toy and then it goes to sleep in the closet. This reduces your ability to serve your learners, creates an overly complex technology stack, and can alienate parts of your client group.
New technologies also come with challenges such as incompatibility with existing platforms and the need to indiscriminately update all existing materials to the latest tools. However, this issue is sensitive because the reverse also causes problems. Outdated tools discourage learners, undermine the surface value of content, and make learning teams look outdated. Utilizing the right technology in the right way and to the right degree is a fine line that deserves a nuanced approach.
conclusion
To learn to flourish in this technology boom, we need to lean into our timeless roots, protect ourselves from the deluge, and bring every new idea and tool into the light for careful consideration. there is.
