The world of corporate training is constantly evolving, and it’s important to stay on top of the latest trends and innovations in order to remain competitive. One way to do that is to look to the world of education technology (edtech), which has a long history of being at the forefront of learning technologies.
Take, for example, the learning management system (LMS). Originally created for classrooms, it wasn’t until almost a decade later that LMSs began to be used in corporate learning and development. The same progression has been true for many other learning technologies and trends, such as microlearning, personalization, competency-based learning, gamification, and adaptive learning.
So, what can corporate L&D expect to encounter in the next few years? Here are three edtech trends and technologies that are expected to impact corporate training in the near future:
1. AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) is already being used in many business units, but it has yet to gain significant traction in L&D. However, in education, AI is being leveraged to drive learning efficacy and personalization, and to offer automation that eases instructional burdens. For example, Content Technologies, Inc. is using Deep Learning to create customized textbooks that fit the needs of specific courses and students, while Century Tech uses AI to study student engagement and responses to help teachers and education administrators understand how their students learn.
As AI becomes more prevalent in education and other business units, corporate L&D is expected to explore what they can do with the technology within corporate training. Look for tools that use AI and machine learning to develop and refine content, deeply personalize the learning process for each individual, and deliver predictive analytics into performance, behavior, and aptitude.
2. Interactive Video and Social Learning
New interactive video platforms and technologies are enabling social learning, combining the learning benefits of video with the engagement benefits of discussion, collaboration, and self-direction. Rather than passively watching a piece of content, learners can actively participate, posing and answering questions, commenting, and discussing the content with their peers and instructors. For example, Arc Media is an educational video hosting platform that implements interactive capabilities akin to SoundCloud and Facebook Live, while Flipgrid is an app where students can respond to questions or prompts with short videos and leave responses to other students’ videos.
3. AR and Voice
Augmented reality (AR) and voice technologies are beginning to gain traction in education, with AR being used to better explain abstract concepts and engage students on their smartphones, and voice technology like Amazon’s Alexa being used to improve student engagement and success rates. Some companies are merging the two technologies for the education space, with emerging products like spARK, an AR and voice platform that allows educators to turn lesson plans into interactive, multi-sensory learning experiences.
Takeaway
As we look to the future of corporate training, it’s clear that edtech innovations will play a critical role in shaping the landscape of learning and development. The advancements in AI, interactive video and social learning, and AR and voice technologies offer exciting possibilities for transforming the way we learn in the workplace.
In the coming years, we can expect these technologies to become even more sophisticated, and we will see a shift towards more personalized, immersive and engaging learning experiences. This will allow corporate L&D to create training that is more relevant, effective and enjoyable for employees, leading to better retention of knowledge and skills.
To stay ahead of the curve, organizations need to be open to experimentation and willing to embrace new ways of learning. By leveraging these emerging trends in edtech, they can create a culture of continuous learning and development that will prepare their employees for the challenges of the future of work.
In short, the future of corporate training is an exciting one, with endless possibilities for improving the way we learn and develop skills in the workplace. By embracing these technologies, organizations can not only keep pace with the changing demands of the workforce but also create a more engaged, productive and successful workforce.
