Discover our key takeaways from the Skillnet Network Conference on Learning Technlogies, and learn how you can be part of a digital learning revolution that will change your industry sooner than you might think.

Last week’s Skillnet Network Conference in Kilkenny highlighted the numerous, exciting ways that technology is transforming the way we do business across all industries. We’ve broken it down into 3 need-to-know points for you to digest:

Embrace AI

A lot of people think of Artificial Intelligence as a sci-fi concept that may be relevant to the technology sector, but certainly isn’t in their own sector. This couldn’t be more wrong! AI is as relevant to you and your industry right now. Consider these two statements:

“AI is powering through business like a steam train. You can either climb aboard or get run over.” – Skillnet Network Conference guest speaker Gerry Doyle.

“AI is the new electricity. 100 years ago, electricity transformed every major industry. AI has now advanced to the point where it has the power to transform every major sector in the coming years.” – Coursera co-founder and Stanford adjunct professor Andrew Ng.

If that sounds a little intimidating, don’t worry! The key point is that the pace of change is probably quicker than you think. AI is already rapidly transforming healthcare, the trading industry and financial services, and will transform your industry too. So don’t be scared of change – embrace AI and stay informed about the changes in your sector.

VR in eLearning

Virtual Reality is another exciting development that’s set to have a huge impact in the eLearning space. VR offers a range of learning opportunities that simply haven’t been available before, such as the virtual classroom.

Skillnet Network Conference speaker Sandra Whelan from VR Education touched on this topic. In a virtual classroom, students simply don their VR headsets, select their avatar and join the teacher for the lesson. The teacher can bring the lesson to life with engaging visuals and models that couldn’t be produced in reality, introducing a whole new level of engagement. Additionally, real-world scenarios can be replicated in VR which allows for realistic training for learners while teachers can observe behaviours in certain environments and situations. Make sure you keep an eye on VR in the coming years!

Your Learning & Development courses may already be outdated

If your company offers a Learning & Development course of some kind, it may well be outdated. Our Head of Learning Technology, John Kilroy addressed the Skillnet Network Conference on the advances in technology and employee expectations as key factors in the changing role of Learning and Development within organisations. Modern learning is now a learner-centric approach that offers a tailored experience to suit the individual needs of each learner.

What does this mean? Simply that L&D must evolve to focus on experience design, design thinking and employee journey maps. Your employees will increasingly expect an engaging blend of classroom-based, live eLearning and self-managed eLearning. “Employee experience” is the name of the game and understanding and addressing the employee experience using modern technology and a modern way of thinking is critical to driving positive learning and performance.

Master the eLearning Essentials and Spearhead the Digital Learning Revolution

If you want to learn the core fundamentals of effective eLearning design and development, and how to use the latest learning technology applications to create engaging eLearning content, there’s no better time to start!

Harvest’s internationally recognised eLearning Essentials training course is running throughout the summer in July and August, and is delivered by our Head of Learning Technology John Kilroy.

This fast track accreditation eLearning course will help you develop the core skills involved in the design, development, assessment and evaluation of effective eLearning solutions in a range of services and sectors, while gaining a validated professional certificate in eLearning. Join today and be part of the digital learning revolution!

You can find out more about the Essentials Instructional Design Course here.

This article was written by Stefan Pereira – get in touch with him here.