Elearning trends 2016: Why You Need Social and Mobile Training Tools

• 3 min read

Brandon Hall Group’s Learning Technology Study Reveals Critical Lack of Social and Mobile Tools

Brandon Hall Group’s 2016 Learning Technology study shows organizations are hungry for a well rounded Learning Management System with mobile capabilities, social tools and an emphasis on relevant and engaging content.

The learning technology analyst at Brandon Hall Group conducted months of research and found organizations are unsatisfied with the current options for informal learning and social learning tools. In light of the effect a blended learning strategy can have on KPI’s, it’s no surprise organizations are increasing their learning technology budgets to try and strengthen the link between learning and performance.Here are five key insights provided in the study that show how and why organizations are embracing learning technologies.

1. Social and Mobile Technologies are the Biggest Priorities

With the positive link between social learning and performance becoming more obvious, it’s no surprise better social and collaborative tools top the list of technology priorities for 2016. Mobile delivery was the second top priority showing an increased desire to distribute knowledge at the point of need. Other priorities include stronger analytics, better virtual classrooms and cleaner content management.

2. User Experience is Critical

Organizations want a LMS that’s clean and easy to employ for both users and administrators alike. Even the best knowledge will fail to be embraced if the delivery system is hindered by poor UX. Organizations want the tools to deliver relevant knowledge simply with robust data reports and integrations with current systems.

3. Integration is Becoming More Important

Just how important are these integrations? Well, 77% of respondents said integration capabilities are either essential or critical components of their LMS choice. Your LMS should talk with your human resources, content management and talent management systems. Integrations make the task of adopting a new LMS much easier. Considering only 3% of companies are happy with their current LMS integrations, this represents a clear weakness in the market.

4. Learning Technology Satisfaction Lags

Continuing the trend of dissatisfaction, organizations are displeased with the way their LMS handles informal and experiential learning. Research proves how powerful these learning tools can be, yet they can’t seem to find the tools to provide these opportunities. Only formal learning modalities received a passing satisfaction score. As organizations realize the benefits of a blended learning strategy, they are left grappling with tools that cannot deliver what they need.

5. KPIs Improve Significantly after Technology Implementation

With so much dissatisfaction, why are companies expanding their learning technology budgets? The investment pays off big. BHG research implies that if you implement a well-rounded learning strategy with an emphasis on engaging, relevant content, you’ll see real business results.Profits, productivity and engagement rose as cost and turnover rates dropped. The obvious explanation is that well trained employees perform better and are happier in their jobs.

Organizations see the impact of implementing a blended learning strategy and are willing to invest in the technologies to develop a learning plan. Those who don’t find the learning tools capable of expanding with the organization’s needs are willing to spend to find solutions because the investment will pay off.

To learn more about how these key points can help your organization choose the right learning management system, download the full study here.