Last month we have visited Europe’s leading workplace learning event – Learning technologies 2018. Find out what we got out of it, And CHECK out Linkedin’s workplace learning report!
This year’s Learning Technologies Conference #LT18 offered a wealth of insights into the learning & development industry. Learning Technologies is Europe’s leading showcase of organizational learning and the technology used to support learning at work. With more than 8.000 visitors, 150 free L&D seminars, over 200 exhibitors, two exhibition halls packed with the latest learning technologies, innovation, and best practices, and the industry’s leading L&D conference, it provided a unique environment for all those involved in workplace learning. We took a chance to attend the conference from an audience perspective, attending multiple sessions and visiting hundreds of exhibition stands in the free exhibition area.
What we found out HR professionals and learning providers are serious about technology and are talking about the best ways of introducing better, faster, smarter solutions for the workplace.
Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Learning Ecosystems have been the most mentioned buzzwords at the conference. A learning ecosystem is a collection of Learning & Development tools, processes, content, connections, relationships, etc. It’s made to fit the organization’s specifications and integrates whatever the organization needs.
However, along with the discussion on technology and machine, online, and mobile learning, the topic of human connection, and training for soft skills have been as important. We particularly liked the presentation by Blake Buisson from LinkedIn Learning. One of the top quotes he referred to was on the importance of people skills.
“People skills are more and more important in an era where we have powerful and pervasive technology. It sounds counterintuitive but to beat the bot, you need to be more human.”
Paul Rohring , Chief Strategy Officer, Cognizant Digital Business
Linkedin’s workplace learning report
In his presentation, Blake gave a summary of LinkedIn’s Workplace report that is now out there. Check the link: LinkedIn’s 2018 Workplace Learning Report. The report which is out on 28th February 2018, gives a great insight into today’s challenges of all that support talent and organizational development. And how do companies go about developing and engaging their employees?
“In the age of automation, maintaining technical fluency across roles will be critical, but the pace of change is fuelling demand for adaptable employees who are critical thinkers, communicators and leaders” comments Tanya Staples in the blog post introducing the report.
What it means for us, you?
Learning at work happens all the time. People learn by doing, by receiving feedback, by being coached, and also by attending workshops and other learning events. And the great news is leadership, communication, collaboration can all be learned through team experiences and team workshops. That’s why we believe we are striking the right balance of technology-based solution that delivers a great human connection. Check out our earlier blog post where we elaborated on the importance of investing in Human Connection (go to blog post). Employees, managers, and leaders need solutions that are available instantly. If they are to book their next team event or team workshop it should be available to them as easily as booking a hotel for the next holidays.
And behind the online platform, we are bringing quality proven providers that are helping teams not only to connect and get to know each other better. But also those we can help teams learn and develop even further. We are investing in connecting with event providers that can help to grow the future workforce. A connected, human, creative, and authentic workforce that is able to collaborate and communicate.
