How learning is changing

Learning in its traditional sense has been delivered at a time, in a method and manner prescribed by the organisation. Schools and colleges still largely deliver in this way. Learning is ‘pushed’ at the learner. This model has been true of a number of other social networks. TV in its early days (well there were only three channels up until 1964, Sat TV in 1989, Ch 5 in 1997, interactive TV 2001…….!!), radio, going to theatre or cinema; even the opening hours of shops all pushed at the customer. This was OK. It was the accepted norm. Until…technology came along.

Now a fundamental change has occurred

Customers, users and clients can ‘pull’ the services they require. We can shop, surf the net, look at what we want to, gain access to learning, talk to our friends, (social networking) watch TV and films, listen to the ‘radio’ and music at a time and a place that suits us. As of this week the BBC iPlayer (even this word is not in this PC’s dictionary!) will be trailed direct to the living rooms of its testers. But the key change is not only the content and timing but the location. Mobile technology, laptops and ‘phones will mean content can be grabbed on the go (along with a Latte and donut), in the street, bus or home. (or on holiday for the really dedicated….) This is not only becoming the accepted norm it is becoming what the customers wants. A new generation of learners is emerging with the technological ‘pull’ engraved on their hearts.

Learning and business Benefits

Learning is a cognitive (thought process) and affective (feelings process) function. Learning cannot happen in isolation of one or the other. Many web based products are difficult to deliver because in simple terms they are difficult to access at an affective level. Sites are difficult to navigate, log on to and if the e-learning is provided by an outside agency then the content can feel mis-aligned to the clients needs i.e. one size does not fit all. Above all the learning needs to fit the organisation and be accessible to those who need it at a time that suits them.

Having established that the way people interact with their surroundings has changed fundamentally there is a real benefit in providing learning in a way that is familiar.

The Portkey Learning Platform™ offers bespoke learning

The content, style and feel of the product is produced by in house experts that tailor make the learning journey to suit the clients needs. The Platform is flexible enough to cater for a range of experiences, from the academic to the practical. Crucially the platform is designed around the ’pull’ factors that many users will recognise. Learning can be accessed at a time, place and location that suits the user. This could mean increasing work based time as opposed to the traditional ‘push’ feel of classroom based training where organisation, travel, admin, pay and expenses are at a premium.