3 Learning Technologies you must have in your 2019 Education Arsenal

By Kim Howard, CAE

Technological advancements have radically change how we live our lives. With unprecedented advancements, we face continued rapid change in how we work and play. Organizations who look at outdated ideas and modes of learning are falling behind. The days where organizations can solely rely on a few large, lengthy (and often expensive) in-person training events as their professional development program are rapidly disappearing.  According to the Center for Association Leadership, associations would be best served by focusing on learning that is specific, competency-based, and interactive. Technology allows for a wide range of possibilities in these focus areas and can offer education paths that are tailored to the learners individual needs.

Back in 2017 (oh so long ago), Tagoras completed a technology in education survey of membership organizations.  Base on the survey responses, Tagoras published the Association Learning & Technology Report, which covered trends and insight on technology to enhance education.  Topics included the proliferation of webinars as well as LMS offerings.  Tagoras also identified several emerging types of learning, including:  gamified learning, microcredentials, and microlearning.  According to the Tagoras study, many organizations incorporated these new learning paths into their 2018 programs, and we are expecting far more to adopt such new learning paths for 2019! 

If you don’t have any of these learning concepts incorporated into your 2019 program, it’s not too late!   Here’s what you need to know:

  1. Microlearning (66.2% of those surveyed planned for microlearning options in last year’s education program). By far the most adopted path on this list, microlearning is very broad in definition and technologies encompassed.  Microlearning can come in a variety of formats but is a time-efficient way for people to gain knowledge that they need quickly. Instead of a full day of professional development, microlearning provides opportunities to learn relevant yet brief information that can be applied immediately at the time of need by the participant. Mobile learning is a widely used platform for microlearning opportunities, such as watching videos or accessing quizzes or flashcards from your mobile phone.
  2. Microcredentials (40.1% in 2018). Digital credentials or badges are today’s equivalent of yesterday’s framed certificates for completion of professional development opportunities, training, or certification. Participants can display digital badges anywhere that might be relevant…for example on a LinkedIn page, within an e-mail signature, or on a resume.  As an organization you can include the badges on member directories on your website or member app, etc.
  3. Gamified Learning (30.3% in 2018). To be clear, learning through games is obviously not a new idea. Kindergarteners play games in order to learn basic concepts. Gamification of online learning for adults, however, is a fairly modern phenomenon that initially didn’t receive much credit. However, when respected institutions such as The University of Michigan began to incorporate gamified learning into their classrooms, things began to change and the potential began to grow. Associations can use games as a way to engage the shorter attention span of busy members, promote healthy competition, and make learning fun. Learning games are a plethora in the app store and online.
The above learning concepts can be easily implemented and a great start to a more diversified and engaging education program for 2019!
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