David Kelly’s Curated L&D Content for the Week of 8/26/19

This week’s curated content includes links exploring the following:

• A look at the current state of augmented reality, and the role of today’s applications for the future
• five great book recommendations to add to your reading list
• A study into how A.I. is changing training
• A look at how curation methods can be expanded in organizations
• Why enhancing your L&D skillset is more important than ever
• What “continuous learning” may look like in practice

Quasi-AR baby steps are preparing us for true AR’s digital future by Jeremy Horowitz
This is one of the better summaries of the current state of augmented reality that I have seen. It explores the state of today, the vision of tomorrow, and the important role the small applications of AR today have in the long-term development of an AR-enhanced future. Even though this article isn’t specifically talking about learning, it’s a great read if you’re interested in the long-term potential of AR in L&D.

Five More L&D Books for Learning Professionals by Connie Malamed
Summer is winding down, as is the time for summer reading lists. This post highlights five good books to add to your queue, along with some valuable context on the value each one can provide you.

How Robots and AI Are Changing Job Training via HBR Ideacast
There’s a lot of buzz around how artificial intelligence will change the future of work, and how L&D will evolve to support that future. This interview looks at a study of how robots and A.I. are changing the ways we approach training. (The link includes an audio podcast and a transcript if you prefer to read the details.

Insight Curation Points Corporate Learning in New Direction by Laci Loew
Curation is a buzzword that has been in our industry for many years. There’s great potential in the applications of curation for learning, but most of the industry conversations center on learning professionals as curators. This post touches on that but adds an important new element – the people curating for themselves and their coworkers. 

Standing still is no longer an option by Bob Mosher
There’s a lot of talk about “traditional” forms of learning and development dying out in favor of new methodologies. I don’t appreciate alarmist absolutes like that. The reality is that every organization’s context is unique, and where more traditional approaches may not be useful in one organization, they may be the only option in another. Context matters. However, one absolute I am comfortable with is that professionals who are not keeping their knowledge and skills up-to-date are likely eliminating themselves from contention for their next role. This post explores a few of the changes that shaping the future of learning and development.

Building a culture of continuous learning: what it means by Jane Hart
“Continuous learning” is a phrase that is frequently used and accepted in our industry, but not often defined. Sure, the phrase in itself has meaning. but what does continuous learning look like in action? This post explores that question, sharing a few ideas on what continuous learning looks like for individuals and organizations. 

How to Overcome the Challenges Facing Today’s Senior Learning Leaders

One of the biggest challenges senior learning leaders face today is keeping their organization’s learning strategy ahead of the advancing technology curve. And the reality is, it’s only going to get harder.

Today’s senior learning leaders need to connect with people and resources that can help them stay ahead of changes in technology, and to help build context on what each technology means to their organization.

I recently shared a post that explores 3 specific things all senior leaders should be doing every day:

• Actively Connect with other Senior Learning Leaders
• Become Conversant in Emerging Technologies
• Engage in Discussions that Put Technology into Context

It’s these three tentpoles around which our Executive Forum has been built. You’ll meet senior leaders dealing with the same challenges you are, gain the knowledge needed to engage in emerging technologies, and participate in discussions that will help you and your organization grow.

If you are responsible for driving your organizational learning strategy, consider joining us for the Executive Forum, co-located with the DevLearn Conference and Expo.