Cornerstones of organizational learning

The American Society for Training & Development (ASTD) has outlined what the next decade holds for workplace learning. These are the main findings:

1) Tools
The tools of learning run from LMS and LCMS platforms, to performance assessments and metrics, to direct versus informal learning models, not to mention the latest integrations of Web 2.0 technologies and collaborative activities.

2) Technology
Inside and outside the workplace learning and performance world, organizations are already finding new ways to harness our interconnectedness to make information faster, more current, more accurate, and more customizable for individual workers. This trend will expand with the rise of intelligent tutors and on-demand learning technologies. Formal and classroom-based training will see major shifts as more people work remotely and on-the-go, and find ways to learn independently and at their own pace.

3) Talent Management
Over the summer of 2008, the Talent Management Advisory Committee defined talent management as "an organizational approach to leading people by building culture, engagement, capability, and capacity through integrated talent acquisition, development, and deployment processes that are aligned to business goals."

4) Workforce
New workforce dynamics will affect the way leaders engage their workers and manage their staff. "We may have to come up with new ways to lead because leaders are not going have time to stop and figure out how they lead across a global community and deal with the different languages, cultures, backgrounds, and generations," says Bonnie Hagemann, CEO of Executive Development Associates. "Interpersonal communication, conflict management, and leadership skills will grow in demand."

Many industry experts agree that learning will be a critical part of the future of work and employee development. Workplace learning and performance professionals will still be involved in the skills training portion of the field, but they will become facilitators of learning. "I see learning and work becoming much more integrated. Trainers also will have to help people stay out in front, whatever that may be," says Harold Jarche, principle of Jarche Consulting in New Brunswick.