Delivering Learning in the Flow of Work

We often talk about the evolving nature of corporate training. In fact, this blog has discussed how:

• New information and technologies require that L&D be more agile
• The demand for new skills makes lifelong learners out of all of us
• Employees are busier than ever – dedicating a only 24 minutes per week to learning

We’ve also examined how new methodologies and technologies like microlearning and adaptive learning are excellent tools for delivering against these changing norms.

One area that we haven’t touched on as often is how to deploy these methodologies to the greatest effect. Luckily, it’s a topic that Josh Bersin wrote about in CLO magazine this week. In his op-ed, Learning in the Flow of Work, Bersin discusses how L&D should think about applying microlearning within the flow of work:

“Employees new to a position or role need macroprograms (e.g., onboarding) but once they get started they need microlearning to remind them of tips, inform them of changes and keep their skills current.”

Microlearning through Adaptive Technology

Bersin then goes on to discuss how microlearning is really well supported when it’s deployed through new adaptive technologies. These technologies leverage algorithms that repeat, adjust and space out content based on each individual learner’s unique needs. As a result, they’re able to overcome the time and agility challenges that are affecting so many L&D departments. AND they’re able to deliver learning in a way that reinforces critical job skills and better equips employees to apply the learning on the job.

Fulcrum Results

As an adaptive learning platform that leverages a microlearning approach, we’ve seen these positive outcomes in real time. In fact, as a result of this approach, our clients have experienced dramatic improvements in knowledge acquisition (38%) and reductions in training times (55%). Additionally, when implemented within the flow of work, our clients have reinforced core competencies leading to a 59% reduction in on the job errors, and in one case, a dramatic 25% increase in learners confident enough to take the final, high-stakes certification test.

As Bersin states, “The tools of L&D have changed. It’s time to embrace microlearning in a big way.” We would add that it’s time maximize the power of microlearning by applying it within an adaptive learning platform. For more information about our adaptive platform or how we leverage microlearning within our approach, contact us directly.