Corporate Learning is changing fast: What you need to know, and what you can expect

A seismic shift is happening in the corporate learning industry. Almost weekly, companies within the market are announcing platform updates and major product releases. It’s becoming hard to differentiate a Learning Management System (LMS) from a Learning Experience Platform (LXP). So, what’s really going on? And what will this mean for professionals and their on-the-job training moving forward?

Looking back for context

Let’s begin with context. The corporate learning industry is valued at over $340 billion annually. Today, it is on the cusp of change – driven by AI (Artificial Intelligence) – but also driven by evolving expectations and needs by learners and leaders alike.

A Timeline of Corporate Learning Evolution

Late 1990s: Birth of eLearning

• Emergence of eLearning: The late 1990s marked the beginning of the transition from traditional classroom training to online courses.

• Learning Management Systems (LMS): This period saw the initial development of Learning Management Systems, paving the way for organized and accessible online learning.

Early 2000s: Integration with Talent Management

• LMS Integration: In the early 2000s, LMS platforms began integrating with talent management systems.

• Focus Shift: The focus shifted to aligning learning with job roles, incorporating features like performance management to better align training with business objectives.

2010s: Rise of Learning Experience Platforms (LXP)

• Influence of social media: The 2010s saw the advent of Learning Experience Platforms (LXP), inspired by social media and online content platforms like Google and YouTube.

• User-Driven Learning: LXPs emphasized user-driven, interactive, and personalized learning experiences.

2010s-2020s: The Microlearning Era

• Emergence of Microlearning: The last decade has been characterized by a growing interest in microlearning.

• Short, Engaging Content: Influenced by social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, there’s been a shift towards short, engaging content that meets the evolving expectations of modern learners.

This brings us to where we are today

In the last 18 months, AI has moved innovation – and expectations – forward faster than ever before. What has developed slowly over decades is now expected to leap within a year, or those vendors will be left behind by learners whose expectations are not being met. Modern AI platforms are revolutionizing how training material is created and delivered, offering features like auto-generated content and interactive training that adapt in real-time to learners' profiles and requirements. This integration of learning with talent intelligence systems is fostering seamless and more effective learning environments.

Corporate learning today: A Swiss Army knife of features and functions

As the corporate learning landscape evolves, platforms are morphing into versatile Swiss army knives, offering solutions for diverse training needs. Whether you're an HR professional, employee, or lifelong learner, here's what to expect in corporate learning this year:

AI Takes Center Stage

In 2023, AI made a significant impact on corporate training, and its influence will only grow in 2024. Here’s how AI is reshaping corporate learning:

• Accelerated Content Creation: AI authoring tools are streamlining training development, transforming time-consuming tasks into quick, efficient processes. While AI shouldn't create entire training programs, it provides a solid starting point for generating scalable content.

• Smart Content Transformation: AI converts existing materials into optimized digital formats using search marketing strategies and CRM data, enhancing training appeal.

• 24/7 Virtual Assistance: AI-powered bots and tutors offer round-the-clock support, guiding learners and handling repetitive inquiries, thus reducing the burden on trainers.

• Automated Assessment: AI speeds up assessment processes, allowing trainers to focus on areas needing more attention identified through evaluations.

• Enhanced Plagiarism Detection: AI tools combined with plagiarism detectors ensure integrity by comparing current submissions with past work.

Gamification Revolution

Gamification in corporate training continues to advance, now incorporating AI and personalized learning paths. These innovations adapt content and challenges based on individual progress, making training engaging and effective. Additionally, immersive technologies like VR and AR offer interactive simulations, enhancing learner engagement and retention. These elements provide valuable data for trainers to refine and optimize the training experience continually.

Personalized Learning

Personalization in corporate learning is evolving with the help of data analytics, adaptive platforms, and AI-driven content recommendations. These technologies tailor learning experiences to individual preferences and performance. By analyzing learner data, systems automatically adjust content difficulty, pacing, and format to meet unique needs. AI suggests additional resources based on strengths and weaknesses, creating a more efficient and engaging training journey. This trend is making corporate learning more adaptive, responsive, and user centric.

Continuous Skill Development

The shift towards skills-based hiring and development, recognized for its efficiency over traditional resumes, is gaining momentum. With rapid technological advancements, ongoing skill acquisition is crucial for staying competitive. Organizations investing in continuous learning and upskilling see increased employee retention, job satisfaction, and productivity. Demonstrating a commitment to skill development is also becoming a strategic imperative for attracting and retaining top talent in a global economy.

Outsourcing Corporate Learning Content

The trend of outsourcing corporate learning content development is set to grow in 2024. Creating content in-house can be costly and time-consuming, prompting organizations to seek external expertise. Outsourcing provides access to specialized skills in instructional design and multimedia production, ensuring high-quality content while saving time and money. It allows for scalability and rapid adjustments to training needs, keeping organizations current with industry trends.

Learning Experience Platforms (LXP)

Learning Experience Platforms (LXPs) will continue to be a focal point in 2024. LXPs offer personalized, engaging learning experiences through AI-driven personalization, gamification, and data analytics. They support collaboration and adaptability, allowing learners to connect with peers and progress at their own pace. LXPs are expected to enhance integration capabilities with various systems, prioritize content curation, and empower users to contribute knowledge. This evolution will make LXPs more versatile and user-centric, fostering dynamic and engaging training environments.

Conclusion:

The corporate learning industry is set for significant disruption as AI redefines content creation, personalization, and integration. This evolution presents opportunities for companies to leverage AI for more effective and dynamic learning experiences, but also poses challenges for traditional LMS and LXP providers to remain relevant.

Further reading and related sources

"The $340 Billion Corporate Learning Industry Is Poised For Disruption" by Josh Bersin

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