The State of Online Learning with Alice Thompson and Ross Stevenson

The Learning & Development Podcast

A new report, published by 360Learning, illustrates how far online has come in recent years: from poor relation to classroom training to expected and respected and recognised for helping learners bridge their skills gaps. But is that enough? In this episode, Alice and Ross join David to explore the findings and what this tells us about our ability to scale L&D today.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Both employers and employees have finally become more comfortable with digital learning.
• Employees now honestly believe that online learning is going to help them to do a better job while upskilling.
• Online learning works well in both big and small organizations. But it is smaller firms that are more receptive and are adopting AI and digital learning faster.
• For large organizations scalability is still a big challenge.
• Learning from their peers and colleagues, followed by their line managers is still preferred by most employees.
• A combination of face-to-face and digital learning works well.
• Tech is making it easier for people to share their knowledge, L&D can better tap into and benefit from this.
• Demonstrating to employees how the training can benefit them greatly improves the level of engagement.
• Clearly identify the skills people need to progress and share that knowledge with them.

BEST MOMENTS

'People now expect some respect, online learning,'

'In a smaller company, it is just a bit more dynamic.'

'You can capture SME knowledge that's valuable to the entire organization.'

'Capitalize on people's primary reasons for wanting to engage and develop their skills.'

EPISODE RESOURCES

Link to 2024 State of Online Learning Report: https://360learning.com/guide/2024-state-of-online-learning-report/2024-report-introduction/

Alice Thompson Bio

Alice is a Development Partner for Marks & Spencer and is passionate about designing performance training, data-driven decision-making, measuring impact and creating a continuous learning culture. Prior to M&S, Alice played key roles in the L&D teams at ASOS, Monzo and Butternut Box.

You can follow and connect with Alice via:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alice-thompson-849154b8/

Ross Stevenson Bio

Ross is Chief Learning Strategist and founder of Steal These Thoughts, an independent L&D think tank. He’s spent 16 years leading L&D teams, strategies, and tools within global organisations. Ross is also at the forefront of exploring the potential of generative AI in L&D.

You can follow and connect with Ross via:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rstevensonuk/

Twitter: @_Rsvenson

Website: www.stealthesethoughts.com

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Learning And Development Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-learning-development-podcast/id1466927523

L&D Master Class Series: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-masterclass-home/

ABOUT THE HOST

David James

David has been a People Development professional for more than 20 years, most notably as Director of Talent, Learning & OD for The Walt Disney Company across Europe, the Middle East & Africa.

As well as being the Chief Learning Officer at 360Learning, David is a prominent writer and speaker on topics around modern and digital L&D.

CONTACT METHOD

• Twitter:  https://twitter.com/davidinlearning/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjameslinkedin/
• L&D Collective: https://360learning.com/the-l-and-d-collective/
• Blog: https://360learning.com/blog/
• L&D Master Class Series: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-masterclass-home/