Training Trends 2010: What’s happening and so what?

I just finished giving a talk on training trends – what they are and the “so what’s” associated with them.

Here’s a link to the slides associated with this presentation

We had a nice group of folks participating, and we generated lots of discussion. Here – for those of you who don’t want to access the slides – are the top 6 trends we see, and the “so-what’s associated with these trends. Feel free to agree, disagree, or propose other trends.

The need/demand to compress time.The shift from “training” to “learning.”The shift from F2F to online classroom.Rapid authoring (and we aren’t talking about Articulate here!)The new blend – formal and informal.Mobile and web delivery.

The trends are pretty self-explanatory. I think it’s the “so what’s” associated with them that are more interesting. What implications do the trends have for learning professionals, learners, and, indeed, companies who employ people and, in theory, support learning.

Traditional learning design models need to be revamped and re-thought. We have to consider usability data from learners as part of this.Remembering is WAY less important than it used to be. Now…FINDING stuff is most important. (Think WebMD)Instructional design – and the role of instructional designers – has to change. (Yeah, this one kind of links with Point 1).The tech toolbox HAS to be big – you can’t just use one tool and expect it do be your one-size fits all learning solution. Instructional designers may not have the technical proficiency to use all the tools, but they better be able to identify appropriate tools and figure out what to use when (or know who to ask.We have many more distractions for learners and IDers to manage – NO ONE gives 100% attention to most learning events – formal or informal!The new blend – formal and informal – only works so well. The holy grail right now is to “formalize informal learning” which sounds great but may not be a really good idea. Informal learning that is “formalized” requires a gardener/moderator to tend to it and cultivate interactions/community. Informal learning that is mandated (e.g. You will submit X blog posts/week gets the required minimum….but doesn’t really foster better learning. For me, it’s more about recognizing when letting people learn on their own is okay – and creating tools that make it easier for this to happen.

I’m going to deliver this presentation again on July 14th in Bloomington, IN and again via webinar in late July. Check out our website if you’d like to sign up for the next webinar:

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