In honor of Training’s TechLearn 2022 Conference taking place September 20-22 in Austin, TX, here the top 5 trends in training tech I’m seeing for 2022-2023:
1. Virtual reality training will become more realistic. This includes:
- The use of Haptic gloves, which allow the operator to work in virtual reality in the same way as in the real world. This builds muscle memory.
- Innovations in hardware such as 3D scanning and photogrammetry. 3D scanning allows precise data to be collected to develop accurate simulations and reconstruction. Photogrammetry is a precise method using photography to help create map models and other models in 3D that can be rotated for examination purposes.
2. Artificial intelligence use will grow. If a machine can analyze information, consider real-world—and often real-time—data, reason, and provide a timely response to a query, it is using artificial intelligence (AI). Google, Facebook, and others long have used AI to help determine what they will show you, both in content and in ads. The more relevant they are to you, the longer you will stay engaged.
One use of AI in training I am familiar with is in the UMU app (UMU.com). Part of the app is a video AI module. A participant is asked to create within or upload a video to the app. The app analyzes content and presentation style and provides suggestions for both—all without instructor intervention. It also can allow for instructor and peer feedback.
3. Organizations will continue to expand access options to reach remote learners. Blended and hybrid learning existed before the pandemic, but the pandemic forced it to the forefront. However, bad classroom training dumped online only makes worse training. Zoom suddenly became the super platform. It was upgraded and improved weekly, and sometimes daily. The trainers who cared were more and more closely able to mimic what I call “results-based creative learning strategies” online.
4. Retrofitting existing programs will grow. Learning and Development (L&D) may argue that there is no time to design new training. But most instructor-led, participant-centered methods can be built into existing classes—many even as trainers deliver the class. It just takes preparation.
One engagement strategy is to put participants in breakout rooms and give them two minutes to generate a question they’d like to ask the instructor. Then the first to volunteer asks their group’s question. The instructor answers it. Then the group chooses the next group to ask a question. This continues until time is up or every group has asked a question.
5. Increased demand for interactive learning elements. When I first started more than 53 years ago, I had 17 alternatives to lecture. Today, I have close to 70, and more than 60 can be applied to blended and hybrid learning. L&D departments are realizing more and more the importance of involvement in learning. A prodigy of Confucius said, “What I hear, I forget. What I see, I remember. But what I do, I understand.” The more involved participants are, the greater the retention and application.
Some trainers argue that involvement takes too long and they have too much to cover. In working with more than 80 of the Fortune 1000 during my career and working in more than 25 countries, I have helped organizations see that instructor-led, participant-centered methods can cut development time by 30 to 50 percent, reduce training time by 30-plus percent, and increase on-the-job transfer by 80 percent.
WHERE TO LEARN MORE
Many of these trends are covered in specific sessions at Training’s TechLearn 2022 Conference (www.techlearnconference.com/2022/). I proposed sessions for the last three of them at the Training 2023 Conference (www.trainingconference.com/2023/) February 13-15 in Orlando. I encourage you to take advantage of these events to grow your skills and knowledge.
To receive an infographic on AI and blended learning, send an e-mail to Bob@CTTNewsletters.com with “AI infographic” in the subject line and briefly tell me how you’ve benefitted from my column. Until next time—continue to add value and make a difference.
