Training’s Gone Digital, But Measurement’s Stuck In Analog?

Technology has fundamentally altered the way we create and deliver corporate training, but how has it impacted how we measure training?

Sure, technology has given us interactive graphs and real-time dashboards, but a recent CLO Magazine article highlights that most of the metrics used today to analyze corporate training efficacy are relics of the traditional classroom, not the digital coup. This article further proposes that these traditional efficacy measures – participant reaction, test scores, impact and ROI – still serve us well and that “the digital revolution is not likely to require new measures or reports.”

With all due respect, we beg to differ.

Don’t mistake us. We’re not saying that ROI, participant reaction and test scores are irrelevant.

We’re simply saying that today’s learning technologies, especially those incorporating A.I. and machine learning algorithms, deliver data on a scale that’s unparalleled and, as a result, providers are reimagining metrics and delivering innovation at every turn.

For example:

• Instead of reactive metrics like test scores, advanced learning technologies can proactively pinpoint – down to the exact learning objective – where learners are struggling and why they’re experiencing difficulty during the training event. This is critical for targeting remediation and additional study while learners are still in the learning event (aka: when it’s most relevant and effective).
• By analyzing the depth and breadth of learner knowledge and mastery across thousands of learners, advanced learning technologies are able to predict if learners will be able to apply the knowledge they learned in training once they are back on the job. As a result learners and course developers can be confident in that the training is providing value and changing behavior.
• Emerging technologies are moving light years ahead of the traditional smiley sheet to evaluate participant engagement, rather than participant reaction. In fact, the most advanced platforms measure learner experience by assessing their level of engagement within the learning event – tracking every click, pause and time-out to know exactly where learners stand and adjust the difficulty of the learning content accordingly.
• Learning technologies can provide in-depth analysis of course performance, identifying poorly written questions and adjusting the difficulty and scoring of questions based on learner performance. This helps course developers improve and evolve their courses and gives them confidence that their course is as effective as possible.

When harnessed properly, learning analytics can provide incredible insight into employee knowledge and perceptions, organizational risk, business processes, and so much more. The data is there, creating the reports and metrics to make that data meaningful and easily decipherable will continue to be the ongoing challenge of the learning tech industry. As an industry, we’re already making great strides, but as technology continues to evolve, so must our learning measurements and reports.

For more information about how Fulcrum Labs big data to improve your training.