The training and skill development industry has witnessed a huge shift over the past few years. As technology is slowly becoming the buzzword and the country is propelled towards going digital, the industry has been adapting at a rapid pace. This shift is also generated by the need of organisations to create sustainable learning systems which directly impact the measure of learning and technology provides this much needed edge.
Classroom learning was earlier replaced by online learning as key attributes of offline training were disregarded in the quest for sustainability. Yet, due to limited impact blended learning systems have taken root in the industry. These utilise the online method to introduce concepts which don’t require a human touch point and fuse it with a systematic roll out of offline methodology.
With the aid of technology, training transcends the classroom into the space of content crafting that is experiential, engaging as well as designed to drive key learning aspects. This phenomenon has fuelled the emergence of many content agencies that generate e-learning content designed to create impact and heighten the learning experience of the candidate.
Technology is also making learning affordable as well as accessible with a wide audience reach as most learning is available online and this includes content like skill development, education enhancement and personal development which are featured on platforms of virtual classrooms and syndicated e-learning systems. The reach is being optimised by a wide range of training resources and faculty that are now accessible with the click of a button.
The organisations and large corporate houses are investing in learning management systems and developing content for the same. The progress of participants can be tracked and this provides valuable insights to the learning and development teams. With an aspiration to capture eye balls and sustain interest many organisations have begun to activate social media as it plays an important role in the creation of learning communities. Another aspect is the acquisition of new talent in organisations. Technology makes the millennial tick and learning strategies are being developed to heighten skill orientation with aspects of attention spans and engagement firmly in place.
The off-line training industry is adopting the use of various technology tools to address the mindset of the new learner through ‘gamification’ ideas, interactive video conferencing, engaging applications as well on-line feedback systems. Technology is certainly propelling dynamism in the training industry as learning systems are adapting to the growing needs of both the organisations and the new learner on the block.
(The writer is Sushma Gaikwad, director,Wizcraft MIME)