- Are you sometimes overwhelmed
by all the learning technology the experts
say you should be using?
Me, too.
Technology is, of course, the crux of digital learning,
but that doesn't mean it's all like super cutting edge.
There are a few common platforms
where digital learning happens,
and there are a few common tools
through which the learning happens.
I'd like to go over both of these now.
I think it'll demystify the topic,
and help you realize you're already doing
some of this stuff already.
Let's talk about the platforms first,
in other words, where digital learning happens.
It often happens within a learning management system,
or an LMS, and with the rise of digital learning,
you're seeing traditional LMS' evolve
into more user-friendly, learning experience platforms.
Digital learning happens on company internal websites,
and cloud-based social sites, such as Yammer and Slack.
It also happens in online communities and forums,
for example the LinkedIn or Twitter communities,
or a forum devoted to a particular software.
Those are the most common platforms.
Let's now talk about the most common tools,
or formats, through which the learning takes place,
and many of these tools are housed
within the platforms I just mentioned.
Digital learning takes place
through text messages sent to learners.
It happens through downloadable job aides
that learners pull when they need them.
Job aides are kind of like the utility infielder
of digital learning tools.
And let's not forget video.
What's cool about video is that it can be used
to simply present information to a learner,
for instance, the video of a surgical procedure.
And the learner can use the video to create.
For instance, videoing themselves as they reflect
on what they learned in your course.
By the way, this two-way functionality works
with strictly audio formats, too.
For instance, listening to a podcast,
and interviewing a noted expert in the company.
Last, digital learning happens through the online module,
especially those modules that are short and focused.
Now, those are by no means all the platforms
and tools, but they are the most common ones.
So don't be overwhelmed by all the tools available.
Experts will tell you, you have
to be using all these fancy tools,
but there are really just a few key platforms
to get started with, and more than likely,
you're using many of these right now.