Learning & Development for SMEs - Part 5 - Resources

 Making sure it is learner-centric

The learner should be at the heart of all activities. Every individual should know what path their training is taking, where they are now and where they need to be to achieve their personal and corporate goals. The learning should not have a fixed path, it should be “Branched”; as learners progress at different paces there should be the option of accelerating past sections if the learner can display the required knowledge level.

What is content?

Content is basically anything that your employees can access to improve their performance.

This is not always formal learning, Google searches for a piece of information could be considered content, as could reading a relevant article.

The modern L&Der, not only manages formal learning but can curate much in the way of informal learning.

Content should engage the learner

Remember the aim is engaging the individual learner, as much as fulfilling the organisational needs. Choose learning modalities and environments that are appropriate for the subject and the audience.

The environment must be stimulating, for e-learning modules, for example, they should be designed to actively engaging the senses.

The content, regardless of delivery model, must be relevant and customised to the learner’s own work realities and challenges.

Understanding that technology is an enabler, not the driver

With so many technologies to choose from, practitioners must decide which of these are most effective to support their learning strategies.’

The uptake of learning technology in SME’s is likely to be influenced by a number of factors, including organisational context (support, cost restrictions), external market (market trends, evidence, remaining competitive, offering similar to peers), and learner acceptance.

In a review of practitioners’ expectations of technology in learning by the CIPD in 2016, reveals that the majority are looking to facilitate responsive, reflective learning opportunities, as well as supporting employees at the point of need in a flexible, scalable manner. Technology will be just one tool to deliver on these strategies, but given that organisations are spending up to a third of their L&D budget on technology, it is fair to say this will play a significant part in fulfilling these practical and strategic aims.

Finally, do not forget that technology must be user friendly and appropriate to the target audience in terms of its functionality, interactivity and ease-of-use.

Although technology can help in the delivery of personalised content and it can create as close to a live interactive, senses-focused environment as possible, do not use technology just because it is there! Make sure the learning is about the people rather than available technology.

Coming up; Part 6 - Business Impact

If you would like to read the eBook on which these blogs are based please go to  An SMEs Guide to L&D for your free copy.

Les Heath

Senior L&D Strategy Implementation Specialist

07847 540 536