Technology is continuing to transform learning, and the pace is increasing.
Some corporate learning leaders were candid in sharing that their employees preferred Google (i.e. “googling” the topic) to the training offered by the company. Google was simply faster.
The use of learning videos is gaining fast traction. I met a representative from a company called Grovo. He introduced his company as the specialists of “micro learning”. The company used to produced 3 to 5 minute videos to teach employees new digital skills. They discovered that a much better format was 60 to 90 second videos, and dubbed this “micro learning”. Grovo is VC-backed and received $15M last year in a series B funding.
Nick Howe, Vice President of Hitachi Data Systems (HDS) Academy, shared how he is using Adaptive Learning (in partnership with Area9Learning) to save 15 person-years on compliance training. Adaptive learning helps you to move away from “one size fits none” to a truly customized learning experience. The customization happens via “machine learning” as learners answer four simple questions every minute. The system automatically adapts the next minute of content based on each learner’s answers. This saves a lot of time and focuses on knowledge gaps.
Robert Perkins, VP of Global Talent Management at retail giant Foot Locker, explained how they are using Predictive Analytics (in partnership with Infor) to hire better performers while lowering the cost and time spent on recruiting. After “mapping” 10,000 sales associates and comparing them with their best performers, they were able to design a behavioral assessment questionnaire that candidates answer online. Before, store managers were looking at over 100 resumes and interviewed 7 people on average for each open position. Now, HR delivers to them 4 to 5 “guaranteed” candidates. This has resulted in better performing new hires, a 25% increase in productivity and 32,000 hours saved!
Vendor websites:
- Grovo: http://www.grovo.com
- Area9Learning: http://www.area9learning.com
- Infor: http://www.infor.com
