Blog Series Part 3: How to get the most out of the 2018 Learning Technologies Conference
As we countdown to the biggest and best show in the learning sector, we are running a series of articles explaining how to get the most out of this year’s conference.
With more than 8,000 people, 150 seminars, and over 200 exhibitors expected at Olympia in London, events like this can be overwhelming. We have taken the time to break down the companies you need to watch out for, the speakers you need to attend, and key topics likely to feature at the event.
In the first part of our series, we highlighted three speakers we are eagerly anticipating at next week’s event and yesterday, we showcased some of the companies that will be in attendance. Today, we will wrap up our series by predicting some of the key topics at this year’s event.
Microlearning
Many will argue that this is not a new trend, but microlearning has become an essential aspect of 21st century workplace learning and has emerged as the most effective way to deliver practical training while keeping learners engaged.
With continuous learning now a staple in the modern workplace, companies need to find a way ensure learning keeps up with demand. Microlearning offers short, agile learning assets, so it’s easy to create flexible, role based learning paths for your learners and deliver it through any device.
In traditional learning approaches, generic content is ‘pushed’ to the learner in for form of instructor led training, e-learning, and other event-led education. Because micro/modular content is far more relevant, dynamic, and convenient, it increases the chance the learner will ‘pull’ material, empowering them to take control of their own workplace learning.
Expect microlearning to play a significant role at this year’s event; check out the microlearning session on Thursday in Conference Room 3, hosted by Hitachi Vantara’s Andy Wooler.
Virtual and Augmented Reality
Originally, virtual and augmented reality was thought to have its home primarily in the gaming world, but there is a growing space being carved out in the learning and development industry. This is certainly still an emerging field, but it is exciting to think about the possibilities for VR and AR in the workplace training.
Up until now, budget and space limitations have proved challenging, perhaps the reason less than a third of organizations are currently using this technology. However, it seems only a matter of time before these barriers are overcome and VR/AR training becomes more widespread. As the digital transformation continues apace, this technology certainly has the attention of the learning and development industry.
Andrew Jacobs hosts tech evangelists Peter Daukintis and Ron Edwards on Wednesday in Conference Room 1 at 13:50 in what is sure to be a captivating talk. They will discuss subjects like the benefits and business case for using VR/AR, enterprise applications for the technology, and design tips for using VR/AR in the classroom.
Gamification
We now know just how powerful games are when it comes to learning. Games offer learners an engaging environment to work on their skills, learn by doing, and feel comfortable failing in an attempt to master certain skills and knowledge.
Scenario-based simulations help to prepare learners in advance of new product launches, while games-based approaches to training drives participation ensures that learners adapt to new technologies more quickly. Perhaps most importantly, games encourage learners to invest in their own professional development and can lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction.
For these reasons, gamification will certainly feature in London next week. Discussions will include how to use games to build stronger teams, increase collaboration across countries and cultures, and how to boost the interactivity of the learning experience.
Tickets for the event are still on sale here.
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