Growth of eLearning Platforms Highlight AI’s Transformational Potential

There will be a shift towards smartphones and tablets, enabling learning on-the-go

Artificial intelligence (AI) and enterprise learning are increasingly becoming an incredibly important component of a company’s overall strategic plans – and for good reason.  Thanks to its ability to streamline the process of both developing and delivering L&D activities, while making them more effective, more and more companies are acknowledging the necessity of embracing AI and its transformational potential.

From a human resource (HR) perspective, AI has the potential to help enterprises retain top talent by adding deeper personalized learning experiences, bridging skills gaps and supporting employees who choose to work from home, thanks to flexible e-learning platforms that enable learning no matter their location.
 
Online learning and the demand for educational content made headlines with YouTube’s recent announcement that the company will be investing USD $20 million in YouTube Learning. The goal of the company’s investment is to support education-focused creators and organizations by providing the necessary funding to help video creators produce and post educational content to its site.
 
YouTube has shifted its business model to support the growing demand for online learning given that many of its viewers come to the platform on the hunt for learning content. With the growing number of videos on topics such as DIY crafts, science, homework, and learning a new language (among many others).
 
Large enterprise employees are increasingly choosing online platforms as their preferred method for education and training, likely a symptom of an inadequate approach to workplace training by their employer. Computer Generated Solutions’ (CGS) annual Computer Learning Trends, Observations, & Predictions report found that 74% of respondents identified YouTube as the most effective channel for self-guided learning.
 
This trend has significant implications for human resource departments and business leaders looking for ways to keep their staff trained and engaged. With many organizations struggling to find and retain top talent (alongside a need to equip employees with the necessary training to do their jobs properly), it is absolutely critical that organizations embrace the benefits that enterprise learning can provide their organization.
 
Meanwhile, as Millennials (and soon, Gen Z) establish more influence over the direction company’s take to deliver effective learning activities, there will be a shift towards the increased use of smartphones and tablets, enabling learning on-the-go, satisfying this new generation’s appetite for 24/7, flexible learning opportunities.
 
There is also a growing trend among employers to provide flexible work arrangements, as many employees (particularly Millennials), choose to work for companies that allow them to work at home a few, if not all, days of the week. A recent report by Kleiner Perkins finds that 51% of workers say a flexible schedule as the most desired non-monetary benefit a company could offer. Employers who provide the opportunity to train remotely on digital platforms help meet that demand for flexibility, while increasing loyalty and retention rates.
 
Additionally, Millennials aren’t interested in a one-size-fits-all approach. They expect customized learning solutions tailored to their unique roles, responsibilities and learning styles.
 
Cineplex is a company that has embraced this learning style. Docebo collaborated with Cineplex to create an e-learning solution focused on empowering young employees realize their career potential within the organization. As Cineplex hires a large number of young employees each year and given the ‘two-year churn’ common within the Millennial workforce, the organization needed to find new and exciting ways to engage its workforce by investing in the professional development of its employees.
 
The solution to this problem was the Cineplex Academy, which uses bite-sized learning content that is accessible across multiple platforms. The learning platform hosts learning content available to all employees via desktop and mobile, targeting that content specifically to Millennial and younger employees. The training platform also helps promoted employees and their managers make easier transitions into new roles via unique and tailored learning modules.

Clearly, the demand for and potential of impactful online learning is growing, and YouTube’s announcement provides human resource professionals with a much-needed reminder that embracing innovative learning platforms is the way of the future.