Instructional Design Trends: Combine Content and Technology

Technology has fundamentally changed the world we live in, including how information is shared and enjoyed. While video games, social media, and television are often seen as forms of entertainment, the underlying technologies and their approach to information-sharing and engagement can be incredibly beneficial when integrated into the learning experience. When companies make the most of available tech when creating their L&D programs, they can ensure that the content is presented in a manner that fully engages the learner. This can increase overall retention while also making learning fun, ensuring that employees have a positive view of the experience. If you are looking for ways to combine content with the latest tech, here is how you can get started. AI Enters L&D While one could argue that AI is still an emerging technology, it is already making waves in the business world. In the land of L&D, AI can promote more efficient learning in a number of ways. For example, chatbots with natural language processing can discuss topics with learners, allowing those who need more information or guidance to take a deeper dive into a concept. Employees can ask questions in a way that is comfortable and receive answers that mimic a genuine conversation with an instructor. In some cases, AI can help make the learning process more productive by assessing a learner’s current understanding of a topic and determining what additional level of instruction (if any) they require. Individuals with prior knowledge and experience can then bypass units that they would find redundant, allowing them to progress more quickly, while those who need additional instruction can take supplemental modules as necessary. VR and Learning Virtual reality (VR) can be a powerful instructional tool. Since the technology can immerse a learner into another environment, it can potentially simulate a real-life experience that isn’t readily available. Employees can fully visualize how certain decisions can impact a scenario and even experience the emotional responses that come with each choice. While VR in learning is often most prevalent in medical fields (such as through surgery simulation programs), it can easily be applied in any industry where interactions with items or people occur. For instance, mechanical skills can be learned with simulations, and customer service training may feel more realistic when the employee has to face virtual customers. Ultimately, combining content with technology provides companies with additional opportunities to make sure their staff remains engaged while learning and enables them to actually experience relevant situations that could enhance professional growth. Are You Ready to Make the Most of Instructional Design Trends? If you are ready to make emerging instructional design trends work for you, the experienced consultants at Clarity Consultants can work directly with your company to create a custom solution. Contact us to discuss your L&D goals with one of our knowledgeable consultants today and see how our unique services can make building your perfect learning and development program as simple as possible.

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