New technologies are all around us. Less than fifteen years ago we didn’t have the iPhone. Only ten years ago, the iPad was a brand-new revelation. And just three years ago, the Remarkable was just an idea seeking funding – and now I can’t get through my working day without mine.
With our lives being transformed by new technologies, we’d be foolish to believe the same wasn’t happening in the digital learning industry. With market leaders, such as Docebo, calling for organisations to “expand their eLearning offerings beyond the traditional methods and approaches, and take a broader look at how to best engage learners and the technology available to help do that,” it’s safe to say we’re in the midst of a learning technology renaissance. So, what new technologies will soon be the norm in the world of L&D?
Artificial intelligence
I don’t know about you – but my Outlook emails fall into two categories, ‘focused’ and ‘other’, without me doing a thing. If you’re a Gmail user you’ll notice your inbox does this too, with more filters, including promotions and social.
That’s AI in action. In our everyday lives. So why wouldn’t we adopt this time-saving technology in the world of learning?
Learning management systems can integrate AI to elevate the administrative pressures on your learning team, with features such as auto-tagging. But AI truly transforms your learning platform with features such as deep-search, which analyses your learning content, understands it, and improves and increases discoverability.
Augmented realities
Augmented reality is in the pockets of the 210 million Snapchat users, and the most of those users will not realise they’re interacting with augmented reality at all. A few months ago, social media platforms were full of users posting pictures of what they may look like as an elderly person, or as a toddler – thanks to Snapchat’s aging AR lens.
So, with AR being used in such a jovial way on social media, how can we use this fantastic technology seriously in our digital learning?
One example is for retail outlets, training their shop floor staff. Employees can use their smartphones to find information on specific products, quickly and easily with the help of AR. Likewise, manufacturing companies have been known to use AR to enable field engineers to seek expert help, in their moment of need. This use of AR not only acts as a knowledge check for learners but ensures that the right information is being conveyed and/or the right action is being taken – directly impacting the bottom line of your company.
Virtual realities
Since the launch of the Oculus quest, you can now buy your very own virtual reality headset for less than £500. At an equal cost to the iPad, that so many of us can’t live without, VR just became a whole lot more affordable.
Coupling this affordability with the unrivaled benefits of virtual reality – it’s become a feasible learning resource for organisations worldwide. These VR headsets are enabling learning developers to create truly immersive experiences, where learners can be taken anywhere in the world (or universe!) and away from life’s distractions.
New tech is only part of the story
So, there you have it, the three new technologies that will be shaping the future of learning. But it’s not just new technologies that will scope how we teach our learners in the coming years. Integrating social learning into your digital strategy is set to become the norm. Learn why social should be part of your learning strategy now.
