What Does “Learner-Centric” Really Mean in 2018?

Learning and development is a very dynamic space in corporate America. But like so many other industries, there’s a lot of buzzwords that are thrown around rather carelessly at times. One of those keywords in the L&D space has been around for quite some time, and that is “learner-centric”. What does this mean now, in the dynamic learning and technology space we’re working within? Here are a few thoughts that will help bring this abstract concept to life.

 1. Learners are changing

Just as customers have changed with the advent of new technological experiences, so too have learners. To avoid addressing that important change is to let your learning material fall short. Whether you start thinking about how your learners can be using mobile devices or social media to interact with your content, the importance is to test and measure your results. And know that this space may look very different in a few short years.

2. Consider your cost and your value

With the increasing availability of online courses available at little to no cost, L&D experts need to think seriously about what more they can bring their clients. If your content is available for free elsewhere on the internet, you can be sure that your clients will choose the cheaper of the two options, unless there is a clear differentiator that shows them the value of their investment. Build that value into your marketing, your messaging, and of course your product. It will be what helps your content stand the test of time.

3. Don’t ignore crowdsourced learning opportunities

While not every youtuber is an expert in their subject matter, there is something to be said of learning from people who have been there and done that. As more professionals gain access to and see the benefits of sharing their knowledge with the world, that wealth of knowledge should not be ignored by the corporate knowledge experts. Rather than ignoring this important source of information, modern L&D experts need to embrace it, and build it into their plan for communicating accurate and timely information to learners.

4. There is still room for Instructor-Led Training

For a long time, Instructor-Led Training (ILT) has dominated corporate trainings. The voice of the expert still holds value in the present day, but for true “learner-centric” content, the focus needs to be less on the trainer and more on the trainee. That can mean more flexible, entertaining, or innovative digital content. And while instructors are still the boss, for now, the rate at which video and e-learning programs are growing, that might not be the case in the very near future.

5. Some things never change

The truth is that when it comes to “learner-centric” programs, the core methods are still the same. It all comes down to the individual, their learning objectives, and the ability to accomplish those learning objectives, in whatever format or style that is most effective for the time and environment. Because in the end, the learner is the one who will determine the future of the L&D industry. Meeting their needs should be priority number one. Now and always.

Are you looking for L&D experts to help you build a training program built for learning effectiveness?

Growing up with the internet, social media, and mobile devices, Millennials work and learn in unique ways. To provide effective L&D programs for them, you need to design and deliver your programs in new ways. Do you know how? For more tips on creating a modern learning and development program, contact the team at Clarity Consultants today.