by Alison Marshall
One of the greatest challenges I’ve faced in L&D is designing and developing learning that’s sustainable after the first cohort has completed the programme. After the initial wave of attendees, when you have a much smaller intake and even individuals, delivery can become resource/cost prohibitive and this can result in delays while you wait for a big enough group. This means that learners don’t get access to the development opportunities that they need, when they need it. On top of this, today’s learner is an ‘on-demand’ consumer who wants to learn where, when and how it suits them.
Challenge or opportunity? I see this as an opportunity for L&D to stretch and test our thinking around what constitutes learning. I am a great advocate of utilising a variety of methodologies and delivery formats in programme development so that learners get access to what suits them, when they need it —in a format that they can engage with. Too often the reach of L&D stops after the learning event, whether it’s a workshop, e-learning package, coaching session or any other mode. It does not support learners to pick up, try and apply new skills, after the event.
To solve this problem, I am working on a virtual-based solution that has been designed to deliver ‘just in time’ content, no matter where learners are based or how large the cohort is. E-learning, video, peer-based learning and guidance for the learner to apply new skills in the real world have been included in the series. The learner is exposed to multi-sensory learning, has a safe place to test their thinking and an opportunity to apply learning during and, more importantly, after the programme. Often the quality of what we deliver can be impacted by the number of participants. This programme is designed to run as effectively with one as it does with 100.
If you’re interested in finding out more about Alison’s virtual-based learning, drop her an email to organise a coffee and conversation at alison@beyondperformance.co.nz or call 021 404 037.