L&D departments not users are barrier to innovation say corporates
Skills issues among those delivering learning and development within organisations are a bigger block to adoption of new learning technologies than either board-level management or learner acceptance. This finding emerged from a roundtable discussion event organised by LINE, a leading provider of learning and communications solutions, on the theme of 'Transforming learning with technology in a new era'.
Attendees to the Zurich discussion, one of a series of Forum events held by LINE across Europe, were from multi-national corporates including Swiss re, Credit Suisse, Phonak, Lexmark, Syngenta and Nestle. The delegates reported that learners are generally open to new technology-enabled learning approaches, and top team executives now appreciate and understand the advantages they offer; however, traditional learning and development teams, particularly those focused on face-to-face training, are more resistant, and training and change management are required in these areas. The change is a big one for learning professionals, who face a complete upheaval in the way they do their jobs.
One example of the changes involved is presented by the increased use of virtual classrooms and webinars to tackle a variety of learning and communications challenges, driven by corporate travel bans, CSR agendas and a willingness among organisations to take advantage of efficiencies offered by this now-maturing technology. There is a particular pain point for learning and development departments around the skills necessary for online facilitation of such events, which are not necessarily in the traditional trainer skillset.
Ian Leader, MD Central Europe said, "In the last 18 months, external pressures have forced European companies to innovate in the way they deliver learning and communicate internally. We have been helping a number of organisations transform the way they deliver learning and communications, and have seen that change management and training of L&D professionals presents a greater challenge than implementing new tools and technologies - a point that was recognised by the participants at the event."
A further roundtable event will be held in Zurich in March 2010. Those interested in attending should contact Ian Leader (ian.leader@line.co.uk / +41 (0)44 278 2991.