The landscape of online learning is rapidly evolving, with a focus on peer-based knowledge sharing becoming increasingly prevalent in modern workforce development. As organizations strive to address skills gaps and meet the evolving needs of their employees, the role of online learning in upskilling has never been more critical. In this article, we delve into the future of online learning in 2024, drawing insights from industry experts Alice Thompson and Ross Stevenson.
Peer Learning: The Preferred Choice for Upskilling
According to the latest report, employees are turning to peer learning as their preferred choice for upskilling. Learning from colleagues and peers has emerged as the number one method for meeting employees’ skill development needs. This highlights the value that learners place on peer-to-peer interactions and the importance of engaging with the experiences of their peers.
Ross Stevenson, Chief Learning Strategist and Founder of Steal These Thoughts, emphasizes the power of peer learning in organizational development. He believes that people learn best from each other, whether through observation, discussion, or hands-on experience. By designing learning experiences around successful practices within the organization, employees can gain valuable insights into what drives success and how to replicate it.
Subject-Matter Experts: Leveraging Internal Knowledge
The report also sheds light on the positive responses from subject-matter experts (SMEs) who are eager to contribute their expertise. Recognition for their knowledge ranks highly among SME motivations, presenting a significant opportunity for organizations to tap into internal expertise to drive learning and development initiatives.
Alice Thompson, Development Partner for Marks & Spencer, highlights the untapped potential within organizations for leveraging SME knowledge at scale. With advancements in technology, organizations now have the tools to harness this expertise efficiently and effectively. By empowering SMEs to create impactful content and providing the necessary support structure, organizations can maximize the value of collaboration with internal experts.
AI and Collaborative Learning: Enhancing Learning Experiences
Advances in AI technology are revolutionizing the way organizations engage with SMEs and design learning experiences. By leveraging AI to draft specific learning objectives and then inviting SMEs to add context and nuance, organizations can create tailored learning experiences that resonate with employees and drive skill development.
Connecting the Dots for Effective Upskilling
Now is the time to bridge the gap between employees’ receptiveness to online learning and organizational growth. By aligning digital learning content with employees’ interests and future skills needs, organizations can create meaningful learning experiences that address skills gaps and drive workforce development.
Ross and Alice offer three key takeaways from the report to guide organizations in developing effective online learning initiatives:
1. Ensure digital learning content aligns with employees’ interests and learning goals.
2. Identify future skills needs and present them in engaging digital formats.
3. Stay informed about current trends and preferences to adapt learning strategies for sustained positive results.
By incorporating these key insights into their online learning initiatives, organizations can empower employees to develop essential skills, drive organizational growth, and create a culture of continuous learning and development.
In conclusion, the future of online learning in 2024 is bright, with a focus on peer-based knowledge sharing, leveraging internal expertise, and utilizing AI technology to enhance learning experiences. By staying attuned to employees’ needs and preferences, organizations can create impactful learning initiatives that drive skill development, close gaps, and foster a culture of learning and growth. Download the 2024 State Of Online Learning Report today to gain valuable insights and propel your organization’s learning and development initiatives to new heights.
