New technologies are continually introduced to the market to meet the ever-changing needs of today’s business environment. Learning technology is no exception. However, learning technology is not an end in itself. This technology works within an ecosystem and must be designed and managed to deliver learning programs that ultimately drive business outcomes. The learning technology ecosystem consists of the tools, platforms, people, and processes that enable organizations to create, deliver, manage, and analyze learning content.
ATD Research conducted a survey of 212 talent development (TD) professionals to understand the different characteristics of the learning technology ecosystem and how they use available learning technology tools. The full report, sponsored by Eloomi, can be viewed here.
In our research, Learning technology ecosystem: tools, programs, strategies, We’ve found that for TD professionals, the top three most important features of the learning technology ecosystem are:
1. Ease of use for learners
2. Security measures
3. Data collection and reporting
Ease of use for learners
Today, TD professionals can design user experiences that are both easy to use and effective learning environments. Our research found that learner ease of use is a very important characteristic for 77% of organizations when considering purchasing a new learning platform. ATD recommends that you carefully consider user experience features and functionality when purchasing or creating a new learning platform. A better user experience can drive usage and engagement, which in turn can foster better skill development and retention. Check out the following for helpful frameworks to guide you through this process.
TD at work A technical guide to the learning technology ecosystem. Additionally, be sure to consider the accessibility of your platform to individuals with disabilities so that all employees have the same learning and development opportunities.
Security measures
Many components of the learning technology ecosystem are cloud-based, creating new challenges for data security. In our research, the majority of organizations say security measures are important for learning platforms. When evaluating new learning platforms, ATD recommends getting involved early so your organization’s IT team can consider security measures such as multi-factor authentication, compliance with privacy regulations, and other security protocols. Recommended.
Data collection and reporting
To manage effective learning programs, organizations evaluate them based on data and make changes as needed. Because workforce development professionals need to report on the business impact of their learning programs, many learning platforms include business intelligence capabilities to collect and report data. In fact, nearly two-thirds of survey respondents said data collection and reporting is very important when purchasing a new learning platform. We recommend that organizations consider whether their learning platform allows them to track data such as enrollment, quiz scores, and key performance indicators.
To effectively leverage data collected from learning platforms, organizations must also implement a data governance strategy. Our research shows that while two-thirds of organizations had a data governance strategy, only 49 percent reported that their data governance strategy provided more uniform data across talent functions. did. If your organization is considering establishing a data governance practice or wants to evaluate your current strategy, use ATD’s tool Considerations for Creating a Data Governance Practice to ask yourself the right questions .
Your organization may already have a robust learning technology ecosystem in place, or you may be auditing your current capabilities to drive better learning and business outcomes. No matter where you are on your journey, you can use this report as a benchmark to help you plan the next steps to align your learning technology ecosystem with your organization’s current and future needs.
