Should we change our methodology for training and development?

Technology has fundamentally changed the way we live, work, and play. As a result, many learning and development professionals are thinking more about how people learn when they use technology, if training and development best practices should change as a result, and if classic instructional design methods are enough to meet the needs of the modern adult learner.

Many current training and development initiatives reflect a desire to improve learning outcomes by improving the learner experience. This is the correct approach to take: the learner experience in training development is a top priority. Centering development of a good learner experience ensures engagement, motivation, and retention. However, we must take care to remember that the fundamentals of learning pedagogy haven’t changed – even though it may seem as if new technologies, remote workplaces, and blended learning environments have fundamentally changed training and development needs and practices.

How We Build Training and Development Learning in the face of new Technology

New technologies and remote work necessitate new training delivery methods going forward. However, learners are still fundamentally unchanged in the “how” and “why” they acquire new information as cognitive processes haven’t really changed. For example, we can safely say that humans are social learners. They need context to understand, process, practice and retain information.

Knowing this, we can make best use of new technologies and build better blended learning experiences. For example, we can build engaging social learning experiences that encourage active participation with digital content and create real-world scenarios into learning experiences that encourage practice and build confidence.

Effective Design for Digital Learning Platforms

What additional takeaways or best practices would recommend, knowing that learning needs haven’t changed but delivery methods have?

The best digital learning will include easily accessible resources, guides, and on-the-job aids for reference to supplement any video or virtual instructor-led training. Remember to keep training segments short and easily digestible, to avoid overload. Offer options, and design with mobility in mind.

Need more insights on this topic? AllenComm CEO Ron Zamir contributed an article recently published on Forbes.com with more information and useful advice. You can read the full article here.