The e-learning technology revolution

When it comes to technology for training and education, we’re spoilt for choice. In fact, sometimes the number of options we have can seem a bit overwhelming. With technological innovation advancing so quickly, it’s important to keep abreast of new developments but also be able to identify if the new technology is the right solution.

In my experience speaking to businesses, the following are the most common technology trends that come up in conversation.

Virtual reality

Virtual reality (VR) is perfect for training staff who perform high-risk tasks; for instance, people working in mines, on construction sites or on oil rigs. By simulating potentially dangerous environments, you can develop your skills with no risk of injury. This type of training will initially be limited to large corporations due to the high costs of developing custom applications and the initial set-up. Mobile-based VR, such as Google Cardboard and Samsung Gear, provide a lower barrier to entry and may be adopted much faster.

Augmented reality

While there is a lot of talk about VR at the moment, it’s worth mentioning the benefits of augmented reality (AR). For AR, users are presented with a combination of real-world information and simulated data. Imagine being able to hold up your phone to a piece of equipment you are using and see the operating instructions right next to it on the screen. In fact, many companies are already using this technology to educate their customers in marketing campaigns. Now it’s time to start innovating its use for training as well.

Adaptive e-learning

Adaptive learning is basically e-learning courses emulating exactly what an experienced trainer or teacher would do in a classroom, customising the content and delivery to meet their students’ requirements. Adaptive e-learning responds to each individual’s level of knowledge, adapting and shaping the courseware to meet the learner’s needs. An Australian company called Smart Sparrow has developed a tool that does this quite nicely. It provides a platform for trainers to provide feedback, adapt their teaching and design courses that can take people on different learning pathways based on what they know. While great instructional designers have been designing e-learning like this for a long time, the software is now catching up to make it much easier.

Wearables

While there is a lot of excitement about smartwatches and fitness trackers, I’m still not sure that we’re at the point where they will be useful training tools. In the consumer space there are some interesting wearables being created for behaviour change. For example, Lumo Lift reminds you to correct your posture when you start slouching, and the Pavlock quite literally shocks you if you break a habit. I see more potential in these types of wearables with one specific function, rather than devices that are trying to be everything to everyone.

Location-based training

Through GPS technology and devices like iBeacons, companies are able to provide location-based training. This is perfect for organisations with many branches or large buildings. Employees won’t have to sift through irrelevant training to find what applies to them, as it can all be filtered by location. Imagine being inducted into a new company and new information is sent to you every time you go to a new area of the building. Walking into the printing room? Here are the instructions for using the photocopier. Relocated to a new branch office? Here are all the policies and procedures for the branch.

New ways to use existing technology

Every day there are innovations in software and hardware, but there is not enough innovation when it comes to finding better ways of using the technology we already have access to. This is the easiest win. It doesn’t require big set-up costs, it just involves a bit of creativity and asking the question, “What can we do with what we have?”

No matter what new trends occur in technology, what’s most crucial is staying focused on your objectives and what you’re trying to accomplish. Training and development is all about improving performance and learning new skills. It can be quite tempting to be caught up in exciting new pieces of software or hardware, but never lose sight of what you’re really trying to improve.

An experienced instructional designer, Matt Smith is fascinated by the opportunity to use technology in new and creative ways for learning. Matt founded Pure Learning in 2015 to bring this fresh approach to Australian small to medium-sized businesses.