By: Michelle Lange
In both traditional education and business training, success comes in sorting different types of learners and mapping them to the right learning experience. In the old teaching model, everyone got the same book and took the same test. The future looks different. Technology is improving the way businesses train, educate and attract talent.
Targeted Learning
“The future of learning involves using technology enablers to create a foundation for all types of learners to get the content that they're required to be successful, that really meets their needs and is targeted at that specific learner,” said Catherine Curtis, member of the CompTIA Future of Learning Think Tank and most recently, director, training programs, Microsoft.
Asking strategic questions using artificial intelligence (AI) you can sort the novices from the experts and find what they know, according to Curtis.
“That gives us a recommendation engine that says, ‘Based upon your answer, here is your recommended learning path,’” Curtis said.
Using the tech right allows you to automatically shuttle competent users into more advanced modules.
Similar AI models are working in education, using simple chatbots to get people started. These usually begin with a questionnaire that starts collecting information from the get-go and builds out information about each potential learner.
Learners can answer questions like:
On the back end, this information in funneled into an adaptive platform that gets users started right away. Curtis recommends asking learners questions to narrow down why they are engaging and determine their goals and timelines.
“Look for ways they demonstrate that they're going to complete that content,” she said.
While learners are sorted to match their needs, you also must match them with the type of content that works best for them.
We know that people learn in different ways. The same goes for how learners prefer to have their questions answered. For example, those who like chatbots will respond best to prepopulated answers and AI to assist with on-the-spot questions. You’ll also have learners who will have questions while going through the courseware and need to hear answers from a live person. Ideally, the platform builds in a place to connect to live experts, as well cognitive knowledge-based articles for those who prefer to search information on their own.
In today’s blockchain reality, there’s no more fake it until you make it — people want verified transcripts and legitimate certifications. The future of resumes likely includes using the transparency of blockchain. Companies can leverage this momentum to encourage learners to share visibility around your training.
According to Curtis, when you’re building learning content, an effortless user experience includes three important pieces:
The career application piece often gets lost and can be improved by using technology to match learners with people who need their skills. That includes helping people with visibility around your training. Using blockchain for portfolio management, people will be able to verify and promote their certifications and track knowledge experiences and practical assignments.
“If somebody asks them about what their experience is, they could potentially send them a link to a certificate with your verified credential that says, ‘Here's all of my experience,’” said Curtis.
Members of the CompTIA Future of Learning Think Tank have heard from many experts on the ways emerging technology is changing the landscape of training, education and hiring. For more on how emerging technology is being used in learning, read more from CompTIA’s Future of Learning Think Tank member, Carlos Ewing.
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