Ok, it’s already been a while ago, but we’d still like to share some of the insights we gained at the latest Learning Technologies Conference, last February in London.
Over 150 seminars, 70 speakers, 250 exhibitors … So much to see and hear that it was definitely necessary to plan our visit beforehand.
We started LT2017 the night before, with a well-organised networking dinner with over 40 Dutch and Belgian delegates. It was a great way to meet and greet new and known actors in L&D from both sides of the border. Some joined for a general update (once every two years seems to be a good average to stay tuned), others were exhibiting, and some were looking for specific input from world class speakers.
Most of the delegates were joining the Conference the next day. We decided to head for the Exhibition, where we met several LMS providers, from the Strategic Leaders pointed out by Fosway and Gartner (Saba, Cornerstone, SuccessFactors), to the Core Challengers and Core Leaders such as Totara, Talentsoft, Docebo, and Kallidus. More info can be found here.
It’s obvious that all of those leaders and challengers are responding to the current trends and challenges in L&D, such as social learning and content curation by ‘suggesting’ learning content. Sometimes suggestions are simply based on ‘what’s new’, but the more performing systems anticipate interest based on the learner’s profile: you are part of a team or enterprise network, you have a role, you have defined a career path or are following leaders within your company: all those elements determine which trainings could be interesting for you as a learner. This bottom-up approach allows a learner-centered training approach. It’s no longer the company, L&D department or line manager who is setting the standard for the learner’s training path.
Another trend was clearly confirmed: the convergence of talent and learning management. Core Challengers are also offering Talent Management components today, or at least aim to do so, whereas the strategic leaders have already been doing just that for a while now.
Last but not least: we detected an increase in combined LCMS and off-the-shelf content offering on platforms such as CrossKnowledge. Another interesting evolution we observed is the combined authoring and learning management facilities offered by Adobe through Adobe Captivate Prime. Another new LCMS is born!
Besides those LMS, LCMS and off-the-shelf providers, there were some interesting new technologies exhibited, such as the Oculus Rift. Those new technologies offer new possibilities and challenges for L&D.
Can’t wait to get more? Visit this page!
