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Self Directed Learning Powered by Bookboon

Our Self-directed learning (SDL) solution is a dynamic tool for personal and professional growth which embodies individuals' self-guided approach to personal development without the guidance of a traditional instructor. With usage rates four times higher than any other digital learning solution, our self directed learning solution offers your employees a variety of ways to learn and grow through an array of self-development eBooks, audio learning, virtual classrooms, and online eLearning courses.

What is self directed learning?

Imagine having the freedom to drive your own learning journey, just like navigating your favourite streaming service.

Through an extensive collection of eBooks, videos, audio learning, virtual classrooms and online eLearning courses, Self Directed Learning (SDL) allows you to cultivate a culture of self-driven learning within your organisation which nurtures inspiration and empowers employees to unleash their true potential.

Read on to discover the benefits of self directed learning, the self directed learning process and how to get started with SDL in the workplace with our dedicated solution, powered by Bookboon.

Keep your L&D team ahead of the curve

Empower your Learning and & Development teams with Self Directed Learning

Self Directed Learning customers Capita had a small L&D team who struggled to stay ahead of the curve due to the demands of producing technical training. This meant they weren't able to focus on on the professional and soft skills development of their employees.

"Even if we had 10 times the internal resource that we currently have, we still wouldn’t be able to offer the breadth and depth of the content that Self Directed Learning has available. It has great learning content in specialist areas too, such as HR, marketing, and sales, which would have taken us too long to develop in-house. The eLibrary is fantastic".

Find out how Self Directed Learning, powered by Bookboon, saved Capita nearly £1 million and contributed to 89% of their development needs as well as boosting learning engagement and their NPS score. 

The benefits of self directed learning

Self directed learning means the learner takes the initiative to identify their own learning needs, set their own goals, and choose their own learning methods.

A complete blended learning experience

An extensive range of formats includes audio learning, eBooks, online courses, and live virtual classrooms helps your employees learn what they want, how they want.

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The freedom to learn and develop

Self-directed learning gives individuals the freedom to learn from anywhere at anytime, usually with an accessible offline and online solution

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Increased problem-solving skills

Learners are required to think critically about their learning needs and how to best meet them, leading to a greater ability to adapt to change and self-serve.

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Extensive development opportunities

Whether it’s personal development, mental health, remote working, or leadership, self-directed learning gives your team access to thousands of different topics that you need the solution for.

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Improved motivation & engagement

Learners who are self-directed are more motivated because they’re in control, and they have the ability to choose their own learning outcomes that are relevant to their work.

Enhanced creativity

With SDL, learners aren’t limited to traditional learning methods. They can explore new ways of learning and experiment with features such as audio learning and virtual classrooms, giving them a new way to innovate at work.

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Greater flexibility

Self-directed learners can learn at their own pace, and in their own unique way. With access from anywhere at any time from a self directed learning platform, they can find a way to fit their learning into busy work schedules.

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Reduced costs

SDL eliminates the need for expensive training programs, such as instructor-led training. Instead, learners can use free or low-cost resources such as online eBooks and tutorials to find the solution to their problem.

Find your complete self-directed learning experience

Many organisations choose to use a self-directed learning platform, such as Bookboon, to find the perfect blended learning mix for their unique team. Bookboon self-directed learning software gives you access to:

  • Audio learning - Learn on the go with over 2,000 bite sized audio learning resources. 
  • Self development eBooks - We offer over 3,000 eBooks packed with knowledge, all digestible in one single sitting.
  • Online courses - Develop new skills, test knowledge and document your success.
  • Live virtual classrooms - Learn directly from the industry's top experts in daily, interactive virtual classrooms. 

Why choose self-directed learning?

With self-directed learning, you can learn anywhere, at any time with the best online platform for learning

With a self learning solution, employees finally have the freedom to learn on their own schedule, making it more effective than managed learning, as individuals are more likely to retain information and apply it to their work when they’re motivating themselves.

Not only that, SDL improves career progression and helps individuals become more well-rounded, as they have access to new topics and the option to expand their knowledge base. In business, your team will become more effective, efficient, and motivated, helping the entire company become more successful.

Find out how Access's Bookboon Self Directed Learning compares to LinkedIn Learning and Blinkest.

Invest in a self-directed learning platform today

Investing in a self-directed learning platform is a wise decision for any individual or business that is serious about learning and development. Access Learning’s self-directed learning software gives your employees the freedom to learn anywhere they want, anyway they want. 

With usage rates four times higher than any other digital learning solution, the platform provides access to a huge library of audio learning and self development eBooks, audiobooks and virtual classrooms. Users can also access the platform on their mobile devices, making their experience more accessible and flexible.

Finding time for self-development has never been easier.

How virtual classrooms and SDL work together

Utilising a new interactive virtual classroom experience alongside self-directed learning lets your employees engage directly with the world’s top experts in a classroom setting.

With our self-directed learning platform, new virtual classrooms are scheduled daily covering a wide range of important topics such as leadership skills, mental health & wellbeing, communication skills, stress management, sales & marketing, IT skills, and many more.

Join any class you want. Simple one-click registration. Automatically syncs with your calendar.

What topics does self-directed learning cover?

Our self-directed learning platform gives your team access to thousands of bite size learning items such as eBooks and audio books, available in 7 languages, with new titles being added daily. We cover a variety of skills your employees are looking for to strengthen skills and increase knowledge in such as.

  • Personal development
  • Mental health & wellbeing
  • Remote working
  • Leadership & strategy
  • Business skills
  • ... and many more

Get started with self-directed learning by downloading your free eBooks

Are you ready to take your self directed learning to the next level? We've got you covered - download one of our free self development eBooks below.

Corporate L&D
Modern L&D Strategy

Download a free copy of our best-selling eBook with the newest trends in L&D strategy by the former Global Chief Learning Officer at McKinsey & Co.

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The Learning 70-20-10 model

This self development eBook provides guidance on how individuals can implement the popular 70-20-10 model as part of an effective professional development plan.

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A Blended Learning experience

Explore the advantages of choosing an online blended learning approach to training and how to introduce it for the maximum benefit of both your organisation and your learners.

Content Strategy
Learning Content Strategy

Learning content strategy should be seen as an integrated part of the comprehensive ADDIE training model. ADDIE stands for analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation.

What our customers say

Self-directed learning FAQs

What are the advantages of self-directed learning?

A blended learning experience offers numerous advantages for organisations of all sizes. By integrating eLearning into instructor-led programs, you can optimise your return on investment while boosting both engagement and staff retention rates.

SDL reduces instructor fees and training material costs, making it a cost-effective solution. Additionally, it enables access from across the globe, allowing employees access from anywhere, at any time. As such, the flexible and scalable nature of a blended learning experience means it minimises disruptions to daily operations, ensuring a smoother training process.

What are the benefits of a live virtual classroom?

Virtual classrooms offer flexibility and convenience, allowing learners to access L&D materials from anywhere with an internet connection. This format encourages better self learning engagement through interactive tools, live discussions, and real-time feedback.

Additionally, virtual classrooms promote inclusivity by accommodating diverse learning styles and providing access to education for remote or differently-abled students. By reducing the need for physical infrastructure, virtual classrooms also contribute to cost savings and a greener environment.

Are there any challenges of self directed learning

While self-directed learning (SDL) brings a unique set of challenges, these challenges can provide opportunities for personal growth and development: 

1. Time Management: Students must master time management skills to balance self-paced learning with other commitments effectively.

2. Lack of Guidance: Without constant guidance, learners may struggle to find the right resources and direction for their studies.

3. Self-Motivation: Staying motivated without external pressure can be difficult, leading to potential procrastination.

4. Information Overload: Finding and evaluating relevant resources in the vast sea of information can be overwhelming.

5. Effective Collaboration: Engaging in meaningful collaboration with peers in a self-directed environment may pose communication and coordination challenges.

6. Tracking Progress: Monitoring and assessing their own progress requires self-awareness and objective evaluation.

By recognising these challenges and implementing strategies to overcome them, learners can unlock the true potential of self directed learning.

Speak to us about Self Directed Learning

Adding self directed learning to your L&D strategy helps develop the wider skills and knowledge of the people in your organisation. Get in touch to find out why self directed learning in the workplace has a usage rate four time higher than other digital learning solutions.
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