Learning in the Workplace

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Most of us are exposed to the following reality: we have a strong need to update our skill set at least yearly to work effectively in a constantly evolving workplace. Unfortunately, when it gets to Learning in the Workplace we all have disappointments from our own learning experience in Enterprise: empty classrooms, powerpoint training based material, bad user experience with LMS disconnected from the Workplace's ecosystem... I think we have all been through these kind of moments in our careers.

           

From my own experience, the most efficient Learning moments were those informal, social through discussions with peers and experimentation using a learn by doing approach. However, having structured and organized moments dedicated to learning specific topics remain a must. The main pain I had were those "imposed" classrooms trainings where most of the learners did not have the same level, the learning objectives were too vague, and the training material was basically a powerpoint slide deck with an instructor sadly reading the bullet points...

Therefore, rethinking the learning experience in the workplace by implementing a rich approach that focuses on the learner's need and availability becomes a most! 

Blended Learning is a  hybrid approach to corporate learning and development
(L&D) that combines the traditional idea of the classroom environment with an online or
Learning Management environment. The several proven benefits to Blended Learning include flexibility, cost efficiency, reach and engagement, personalization and the ability to track and report progress. The management of a Blended Learning approach to L&D by a Learning Management System, or LMS, greatly
augments the value of each component approach and enhances the experience and
therefore the progression of skills development in the workplace.

Having a balance between unstructured learning moments where you grab information from peers, an online MOOC on your own pace, prototyping in a "test and learn" lab, exploring a real situation using Gamification techniques and learner designed training class would be the best mix to ramp up your learning curve. 

         

Successful implementation of a Blended Learning approach via LMS depends first on the
cultivation of a community or workplace culture that supports it - employee participation is key to maximizing the benefits of the approach so it’s worth involving the workforce from the start. A new training program designed to meet the needs and wishes of employees is far more likely to get off to a strong start. Building an LMS designed around the structure and requirements of your business will meet these needs and allow for their development and expansion over time with the ability to build out a program module by module. 

Did you know that you can kick start an amazing Learning adventure in your Workplace using Confluence thanks to the LearnUp app ? 

 With LearnUp for Confluence : 

1. Assign a dean to Manage your Learning Program 
2. Build user-friendly learning content by pulling confluence pages, online videos, web pages, and more
3. Provide a "Learn on your pace" experience to your colleagues
4. Monitor Learning progress thanks to a complete metrics module
5. Put your Enterprise on the learning organization roadmap!

I hope this article has triggered some of your curiosity to share your personal experience about learning in the workplace! 

[Rob Horan]

Can you build multiple learning paths based on departments and roles within those departments?

Can you manage training from external sources?  Atlassian accreditations, certs, etc?