Five Technologies That Will Continue to Impact Learning

 

Virtual Classrooms

Virtual classrooms involve using computers and the internet to conduct learning sessions. One of the primary benefits of this type of learning technology is that learning is not limited to one geographical location. With individuals accessing classes from anywhere in the world via the internet, organizations can reach a wide number of individuals at a fraction of the cost that face-to-face instruction would cost (Noe, 2020).  For this type of learning environment to be effective a trainer should keep the following in mind (Noe, 2020):

• ·         Create learning sessions that are shorter and integrate activities that allow learners to apply what they have learned to their work
• ·         Ensure to capture learner attention by making the environment engaging and interactive
• ·         Include media (video, audio, graphics) that support the learning material
• ·         Limit the classroom attendants to no more than 25 people
• ·         Create a facilitator guide that includes key points, questions, and activities for the class
• ·         Provide different ways for participants to interact (email, forums, blogs, chat spaces, and webinars)
• ·         Ensure that technology is working as it needs to prior the first class

During Covid-19 it became apparent the importance of this technology for not only K-12 students and teachers but also for those whose work transitioned from an office to a home environment. As more offices have seen the benefits of allowing employees to work from home, this technology will continue to evolve and be an essential method for continuing to provide training to employees.

Chatbots

Chatbots are a form of artificial intelligence that create automated conversations that are personalized to the experience of the user (Noe, 2020). In training chatbots can be used to help remind learners about important concepts; emphasize learning goals and provide updates on learner progress towards those goals; provide additional resources for learning; and to quiz learners on content presented in the course (Noe, 2020). Chatbots are beneficial to learning in that they help to engage learners by providing comments and feedback that directly pertain to the individual thus creating the appearance of a customized learning experience.  

Chatbots can also be used by organizations as a way to better assist customers with their needs. Creating a chat area that is intuitive enough to ask questions to obtain information and then be able to effectively direct customers to either a self-help area on a website or connect clients with a live service person helps to manage customer inquiries and organizational resources.

Mobile Learning

Mobile learning allows learners to access learning content from anywhere and at any time (Noe, 2020). Content typically includes videos, games, pdfs, and courses and can be accessed from a smartphone, iPad, notebook computer, or wearable technology such as smartwatches (Noe, 2020). One of the greatest advantages to using mobile learning is that it provides access to the most updated content and allows those employees who don’t have time to access training more flexibility (Noe, 2020). Learners can also create and share their own content which allows them to demonstrate and apply what they have learned.

As more individuals have access to and use mobile devices, this type of learning method will grow as it provides a flexible alternative for learners to customize and engage with content on their own time and terms.

Serious Games/Gamification

Serious games are games that are designed around training content and to achieve learning objectives (Noe, 2020). The purpose behind using serious games is to create a fun and challenging environment which encourages learners to improve their skills and knowledge so that they can transfer learning to their work. Many games are created in a simulated environment that mimics the workplace and present typical challenges and problems that an employee would encounter (Noe, 2020). By allowing employees to make decisions and see the consequence of their choices in a game environment, it helps to develop a higher level of confidence in the workplace in approaching more complex situations and the transfer of learning to the workplace.

Artificial Intelligence

Many times, organizations have no clue what they really know. Most knowledge is stored away with SMEs, documents, presentations, and videos with no easy way for users to easily search across these items (Fuse, n.d.). The way artificial intelligence (AI) works is that it takes all of the information from these various sources and puts it together in an easy-to-understand way so that users’ questions can be answered fully taking into consideration all sources of available information (Fuse, n.d.).

One of the greatest benefits of AI is that has an ability to not only help learners with obtaining the information that they need, but also increases the likelihood that the AI engine will be viewed as a trusted resource and will be used on a more frequent basis to obtain needed information.

As more and more content becomes available online, some form of AI will be essential to effectively discern relevant from non-relevant information.

 

Resources

Noe, R. A. (2020). Employee training and development (8th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill.

FUSE. (n.d.). 4 Ways AI Can Power Up Digital Learning. Training Magazine Network. Retrieved December 12, 2021, from https://www.trainingmagnetwork.com/lessons/131056/overview?slide=start.