Technology in the workplace: How learning experiences are changing
If I asked you for the time, would you check on your analog wristwatch? Chances are if you are a millennial you wouldn't, as you're probably not wearing one and you might not even own one. You're more likely to check via some piece of versatile technology, which might be a smartphone, smartwatch, tablet, fitness tracker, or another multipurpose device. It's amazing to think of the effect technology has had on something as simple as telling the time, so how have advances in technology changed learning experiences and styles?
From push to pull
Technology has changed our lives and continues to do so, both at home and at work, in a rapidly evolving digital world. As a result of this, employees now have different expectations and preferences, learning styles have changed from a traditional push model to a more modern pull model. So what is a push and pull and what's the difference between them?
Historically employees would be invited to formal training, typically in a classroom, which would be at a time suitable for the trainer or training team. The employee would sit and listen whilst the trainer would go through a presentation, with the delegate taking reels of notes. The employee might be required to take a formal test (no talking or conferring please), and the success of the training and the employee would be based on the pass or failure of that test. The employee would be sent back to the workplace and often not given an opportunity to put into practice what they had learned.
The Ebbinghaus forgetting curve shows 50% of classroom training is forgotten in an hour if the theory isn't put into practice. So how effective could this method of training actually be? And at what cost to the organization?
Millennials pulling away from the push model
Today's employees, specifically millennials - who according to PwC will make up 50% of the global workforce by 2020 - expect a different kind of learning experience. The pull model, whereby employees are able to access the material whenever (work, home or on the go), however (desktop PCs, laptops, mobiles, tablets and face to face) and through whatever source (search, eLearning, assessment, video share, blogs, forums, knowledge share, mentors, communities and networks) is what these employees expect, desire and need.
The 70.20.10 approach
The 70.20.10 framework, which has been gaining momentum in recent years, takes on a different approach to learning, moving away from a formal classroom environment that provides little to no practice in the workplace after a training course is complete. The principle of this learning framework is 70% experience and practice, 20% conversations with people and networks, and 10% formal learning. The approach moves away from formal structured learning techniques, where it's thought to be more costly, inefficient, and does not provide flexibility for the employee or employer. The 70.20.10 approach goes hand in hand with millennial expectations and is complemented in our digital era where information, networks, and communities are more easily accessible.
What can employers do?
By creating a culture where employees willingly share skills and knowledge is critical for success within an organization. A study by BlessingWhite found employee development is one of the biggest drivers of retention and engagement, and aside from just retaining staff, employees are more capable and motivated in the workplace and within their role.
If employees are given access to the right tools and knowledge, they will drive their own development and will seek information themselves. Technology can help organizations to provide collaborative learning environments for their employees and help to create a one-stop-shop for employee learning, development, and training resources, allowing employees to gain access to this information when they need to.
This collaborative learning space can be provided through a virtual hub, whereby learning, development, and training tools and resources are all found in one place. This space allows for a continuous learning environment, whereby employees can pull on any information and resources they require at that time, in a format that is conducive to their learning style and from wherever they are. Digital eLearning modules provide interactive learning quickly and effectively to delegates, saving time and resources compared to traditional methods. Other forms of technology can also be utilized such as apps and games, through multiple channels including mobile, harnessing a 70.20.10 learning environment.
The final word on the evolving learning experience
Technology is rapidly changing the world around us, both at home and at work. With millennials soon becoming the majority of employees in the workplace, it is critical to ensure their learning and development needs are met. Moving away from a traditional push model to a pull model, whereby employees are responsible for their own development and are able to seek the information they require when, where, and how they need to, will lead to more capable and motivated employees and ensure organizations are retaining talent. Time to autonomy is quicker, employees are competent and confident in their roles and organizations save on costs of traditional formal training and move to digitalized solutions, which can provide a one-stop-shop for employees.
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