Learning in the flow of work
Having recently covered microlearning and some of the key benefits it brings to an increasingly digital world within a previous blog post, here we’ll be expanding further upon one of these benefits - learning in the flow of work.
Learning in the flow of work is a relatively recent concept. In brief, the idea is that learning content must be conveniently digestible. Enough so that it can fit into existing workflows rather than remaining a separate work activity, or, become an informal method of learning that can take place at home, scheduled around the new and unusual pattern of working hours that many of us are keeping currently. This allows users to immediately address a deficit in their skills at the moment it becomes apparent and then to use these skills in supporting projects that are already underway - a stark contrast to the traditional methods of corporate learning.
*Data from the Linkedin 2020 Workplace Learning Report
Traditional corporate learning
For many, the expression ‘corporate learning’ strongly evokes a particular image – boredom. Many might think of text-heavy courses full of dry content, often in a classroom and involving a lot of research and self-study, or even extensive online courses where too much information is divulged to realistically be taken on board in a short space of time. It wasn’t until 2004 that the phrase ‘eLearning’ gained real traction though it has taken much longer for many businesses to begin implementing new and improved learning practices.
However, new learning theories are supporting the development of modern corporate learning tools which make “learning in the flow of work” a realistic proposition for companies to support.
How technology can help
Thankfully, as technology and our understanding of how learners engage with and retain information has improved, so have the methods in which we deliver workplace learning; Computer based learning the ability to track progress through Learning Management Systems, lower barriers to video content production, an increasing focus on employee experience and the growing use of eLearning delivered on mobile devices have all played a big part.
With the technical building blocks now in place, organisations have the ability to do away with the long, classroom-based courses and focus on empowering employees to self-direct their learning around skills that they know they need, right now, in the flow of their working week.
Whether this means fixing a deficit in workplace skills through a library of bite-sized microlearning videos, or strengthening team bonds with gamified learning quizzes, it’s easier than ever before to provide fun and engaging content, deliver it in the format people want it and make it accessible, whenever and wherever learners find most convenient.
The world of work has changed, so should the way you deliver learning content.
The Access learning library includes 1000+ courses, with topics ranging from; highly-specialist governance, risk and compliance, health and safety, cyber awareness, legal compliance and professional development (as well as the capacity to produce custom eLearning content). Many of our courses can be accessed online and through a variety of devices.
