Seven topics to quench your curiosity and ignite your learning strategy
Ever since our hunter-gatherer days, we humans have been collectors.
Though most of us have given up stockpiling grains, some of us collect stamps, others coins, and still others Star Trek, superhero, or historical memorabilia.
We love all of these enthusiasts, but our rainbow heart has always belonged to a special group of superfans: L&D leaders and professionals. These aficionados simply can’t get enough freshly minted thought leadership on learning strategies, emerging technologies, or design philosophies.
They’re the inspiration for this limited-edition set of our Top Learning and Development articles on the seven topics that are keeping you and your fellow L&D devotees up at night (We see you Googling!).
1. Always in Style: L&D Trends
Like time, tide, and technology, L&D is always in flux…and always interesting. Our industry’s most recent trends have landed us at the intersection of AI, skills, learning impact, and, yes, AI, which merits its own headline. (See No. 3.)
Learning is–or should be–ultimately a part of a larger change management initiative. Learning in the flow of work offers opportunities to meet learners at their moments of need while respecting their limited time and bandwidth. When they’re met with training that meets the seven learner-centered design criteria, they just might come back for more.
Want the unabridged version of the latest learning trends? Download our eBook for a look at the top priorities, challenges, and aspirations of L&D leaders and professionals like you.
2. Diagnosis Before Design: The Value of Learning Needs Analysis
What seems to be the problem?
What are the symptoms?
What does recovery look like for you?
If these three questions remind you of a trip to the doctor, you’re right! These are exactly the kinds of needs analysis questions L&D leaders should be asking stakeholders long before they launch into a plan for “treatment.” (Spoiler: Training won’t be the right prescription for every case!)
Dive into this vital diagnostic stage and discover how to put your business and learning needs under a microscope at the strategic and project levels.
3. AI-Powered Solutions and Strategies for L&D
Will AI make L&D departments (and professionals) obsolete? We’re inclined to agree with our Magic 8 Ball: Very doubtful.
We’re optimistic about our fellow learning innovators’ ability to adapt and upskill to this rapidly changing technology–and with 3 out of 4 knowledge workers across generations using genAI at work, many of us have at least been dabbling.
AI can be a great tool to engage learners and offer more value, flexibility, and scalability to our stakeholders and learners. But first, we need to have strong AI governance and ethics in place.
Once that foundation is laid, you’re ready to open the door to three types of AI implementation,..and observe all of these in action with a rapid-fire video tour of no less than seven real-life AI projects from the SweetRush portfolio.
Curious to listen in on your peers’ conversations about AI? Discover their top five AI priorities and how they’re partnering with us for end-to-end mapping of their AI learning and business strategy. (Spoiler: Needs analysis shows up again here!)
But remember, AI is the sidekick, not the superhero: it’s a partner for human intelligence (HI); a digital Alfred to your Batman.
Where to go from here to deepen your AI knowledge? We’d recommend diving into a good book: our comprehensive guide to genAI for L&D innovators.
If you’d prefer to begin with the basics, our four-part AI Glossary for L&D has you covered! Simply choose your topic and watch your AI vocabulary grow:
- Part 1: Foundational Concepts of AI
- Part 2: Key AI Technologies
- Part 3: Advanced AI Techniques and Applications
- Part 4: AI Architecture and Algorithms
4. Adaptive Learning + Online Training: A How-to Guide
There’s been some debate about the differences between “adaptive learning” and “personalized learning.”
At SweetRush, we believe these are one and the same. (Cue the meme of Spider-Man pointing at his identical twin.)
Here are just a few of the benefits of adaptive learning:
- Greater learning and retention
- Less time spent in training
- Happier employees
You don’t need superpowers (or a massive budget) to create adaptive learning. Get inspired by six pro tips for applying adaptive learning to your online training, using off-the-shelf technology and your own ingenuity.
Prefer a more comprehensive look into adaptive learning? Our eBook, Hats Off to Adaptive Learning, will outfit you with a deep understanding of adaptive learning techniques and plenty of examples.
5. Polymath or Partner? How SweetRush Creates Custom Learning Solutions for Clients in Every Industry
From finance to pharma, and from transportation to technology, we’ve partnered with clients in a diverse range of industries to create award-winning, impactful custom learning solutions.
It’s not that we’re polymaths with expertise in every industry (though we are proud of our deep bench of SMEs!)…we’re partners who learn your language, represent your brand, and rise to your industry’s scrupulous regulations.
Explore how a custom learning partnership unfolds across industries, topics, and business challenges.
6. Consult, Shift, Align, Repeat: Securing Leadership Buy-in for L&D
Historically, L&D has been viewed by stakeholders as a cost center that is tapped into on an as-needed basis: The organization identifies a need and then goes to L&D for “help.” This cycle creates an order-taker mentality that keeps L&D leaders and teams in reactive mode.
To break this cycle and be seen as a trusted partner that adds value, L&D leaders need to turn the conversation around. That means engaging in ongoing strategic-level needs analysis (See No. 2) but, above all, it entails a mindset shift.
Discover how to earn your team a seat at the table with SweetRush Co-Founder Andrei Hedstrom’s open letter to L&D leaders.
7. Did It Work? How Do You Know? Learning Analytics and Evaluation
Every facet of business is becoming more data-driven, and L&D is no exception. Yet more than one-third of L&D leaders and teams are struggling to put efficient measurement, evaluation, and learning analytics programs into practice.
Where does the problem begin? With needs analysis (No. 2 strikes again!), or rather, the lack thereof. Learn why this well-placed prevention helps us define the problem and the symptoms up front—and sets us up for easy evaluation of the cure.
In the market for a new LMS or LXP with powerful data analytics and reporting features? This comprehensive list of frequently asked questions will help you pinpoint the best LMS for your needs.
If your needs analysis points you toward an immersive solution–for example, super-scalable, browser-based WebXR content–you may be wondering about the care, feeding, and collection of learner metrics in these data-rich experiences. Learn how the metrics of your choice can live and thrive within your LMS or LXP.
Wondering how to get the best data at the assessment level? Discover how a psychometrician ensures that every question is valid, reliable, free from bias, and absolutely airtight.
We hope you enjoyed unpacking this collection of top L&D articles much as we enjoyed curating it!
We hope you’ll share the wealth with other superfans…and reach out and talk shop with us about anything that’s captured your curiosity.
