The experience of modern professionals underscores this change. Consider the L&D specialist who transitions to a sales role, or the classroom teacher moving to instructional design. They quickly realize that while some abilities are directly transferable (like presentation skills), success depends on rapidly acquiring new ones. They need to upskill in areas like performance consulting, business acumen, and even contract negotiation, skills rarely listed as requirements in their previous jobs.

The Skills Ontology: Seeing the Workforce Differently

This is where the concept of skills matching takes center stage. It’s the process of aligning an individual’s specific, measurable abilities with the requirements of a task or project, irrespective of their formal job title. AI-powered tools are now assisting this by creating skills ontologies: dynamic maps that show the relationships between seemingly unrelated skills. This allows companies to look beyond keywords and realize that a web designer’s problem-solving and project management skills might make them a perfect fit for a short-term, high-impact marketing initiative.

For the organization, the advantages are profound:

1. Workers can move freely to meet shifting business demands (think of the rapid reskilling that occurred during the pandemic).
2. When employees feel their full range of skills are utilized and see continuous pathways for growth, engagement and retention naturally improve.
3. Training shifts from generic, annual compliance to granular, practice-focused initiatives that close specific skill gaps.

L&D’s Essential Strategic Pivot

For L&D practitioners, this shift is a mandate for transformation. The focus must move from knowledge transfer to performance consulting, helping the business define what skills are critical, where they exist, and how to develop them.

Here are the immediate strategic priorities:

Define and Audit: L&D must lead the effort to precisely define both hard and soft skills (like clarifying what “collaboration” actually entails for a given role) and conduct internal skills audits to get an accurate view of in-house talent.

Support Self-Directed Growth: Instead of pushing pre-packaged courses, L&D needs to empower employees to identify their own durable skills (like creativity and critical thinking) and navigate internal talent marketplaces to find projects that facilitate learning by doing.

Harness AI with Caution: AI is indispensable for data analysis, identifying skill deficits, and creating personalized learning paths. However, L&D must remember that high-value “soft” skills still require human interaction, coaching, and social learning to develop.

The future of work is not about filling nine-to-five slots; it’s about orchestrating flexible, highly skilled teams to tackle evolving business challenges. Embracing this skills-first mindset is the difference between organizational stagnation and sustained, adaptable success.

To explore the practical steps L&D must take to lead this skills revolution, read the new eBook: Skills Matching: What Is L&D’s Role?

The post Beyond the Job Description: Why Skills, Not Roles, Define the Future of Work appeared first on Learning Guild.

Even the most highly motivated learners begin to lose focus within a mere 10 to 15 minutes of a virtual session. This isn’t a sign of disinterest from the learner; rather, it’s a critical indicator that attention must be sustained with a deliberate, intentional strategy. We’ve all witnessed sessions where a clever meme or a lighthearted contest consumes valuable time, sparking momentary amusement but ultimately failing to align with deeper learning goals. Learners might laugh and participate briefly, but without a clear purpose behind the interaction, they quickly drift, and the core message of the lesson fails to resonate.

Why This Problem Matters: Beyond the Surface

The consequences of this superficial approach to engagement are far-reaching and detrimental to both learners and organizations.

When engagement remains at the surface, true cognitive effort isn’t triggered. Learners may be present, but they aren’t deeply processing, analyzing, or applying the information. This means knowledge retention suffers, and the ability to transfer new skills into real-world application is severely limited.

Organizations invest significant time, effort, and financial resources into designing and delivering learning programs. If these programs fail to genuinely engage learners, the return on this investment diminishes, leading to inefficiency and unfulfilled potential.

Learners who repeatedly experience disengaging sessions can become frustrated and disillusioned with the learning process itself. This can impact their motivation for future development, hindering continuous growth and skill acquisition within the workforce.

True engagement fosters a sense of psychological safety and connection among learners and with the facilitator. When sessions rely solely on basic activities, opportunities for meaningful interaction, peer collaboration, and a sense of belonging are lost.

Real engagement requires more than just keeping people busy or amused. It demands thoughtful design, purposeful facilitation, and the creation of an environment where learners genuinely feel seen, challenged, and supported. When learners are emotionally invested, intellectually stimulated, and connected to their learning environment, they engage more deeply, learn more effectively, and are far more likely to retain and apply what they’ve learned.

This overlooked problem underscores a critical need in modern L&D: to move beyond gimmicks and embrace a holistic, research-backed understanding of what truly drives connection and lasting learning in virtual spaces. Addressing this is not just about improving satisfaction; it’s about unlocking the full potential of every learner and every learning program.

Ready to solve the engagement puzzle? Learn how to implement these strategies and transform your learning programs with Karen Vieth’s new eBook, Proven Practices for Engaging Learners in Virtual Environments.

The post The Illusion of Engagement: Why Some Virtual Classrooms Fall Short appeared first on Learning Guild.

We often fall into the trap of believing that technology alone will solve our challenges in training and development. But emerging technologies, including AI, machine learning, gamification, and even 3D printing, are just tools. Like any tool, their effectiveness depends entirely on how we wield them.

In this report, Jane Bozarth’s research highlights the crucial role of human designers, facilitators, and educators in shaping the future of learning. We are the ones who:

Identify the learning needs: Technology should serve pedagogy, not the other way around. Understanding the specific needs of learners is paramount before selecting and implementing any technological solution.

Design meaningful experiences: AI can personalize learning pathways, but humans must design the content, activities, and interactions that make those pathways engaging and effective.

Foster inclusive environments: Technology can amplify existing inequalities if not implemented thoughtfully. L&D professionals are essential for ensuring equitable access and support for all learners.

Guide and mentor: Even with the most sophisticated AI, learners still need human connection, feedback, and guidance. We provide the social and emotional support that technology can’t replicate.

Teach the machines: Ironically, we even play a role in shaping the AI itself. The data we provide, the algorithms we develop, and the way we interact with these systems all influence how they learn and evolve.

This report explores how various emerging technologies can be leveraged for inclusive learning, but it consistently emphasizes the human element. It delves into the potential of AI, machine learning, gamification, 3D printing, cloud computing, mobile learning apps, and the Internet of Things (IoT), always through the lens of human-centered design.

The future of learning is not about replacing humans with machines. It’s about empowering humans with the right tools and strategies to create more engaging, effective, and inclusive learning experiences. It’s about the human touch in a digital world.

You can access the full report here.

The post The Human Touch: Why AI-Powered Learning Still Needs Us appeared first on Learning Guild.

Getting back in the groove with new ideas is challenging and can feel overwhelming. That being said, we want to offer you some of our favorite tips we’ve seen help attendees over the years turn their post-conference blues into productive action plans.

Write down your next steps

Take some time to review all your notes while your ideas are still fresh in your brain. Write down your next steps, detailing the things you can do to make sure your new ideas and energy aren’t left behind. Choose which idea or takeaway you want to focus on first and brainstorm what you can do next week to help get it moving. A great way to break down your plans is using a 30-60-90 day model, using your goals as benchmarks for the next three months. 

Pick what to practice

One big goal we all have when attending a conference like Learning Solutions is building a new skill that can improve our work. Since Learning Solutions just ended, now is the ideal time to practice your new skills regularly. But how and where should you start?

Schedule some time for yourself to zero in on the topic or skill of interest. An awesome way to keep your momentum is by signing up for a webinar, downloading an eBook or research report, or even connecting with a colleague to discuss or create some experimental challenges. (The Learning Guild has a wide variety of resources for you to dig through. Plus, membership is free.) Anything that provides dedicated time to practicing your learning will help you really hone in on your skill set.

Use your sessions resources & handouts

These resources include links to session descriptions, speaker bios, and any other session materials provided to the Learning Guild by the speakers. They’re something we’re thankful to have access to, but they’re also so easily forgotten. Add some time to your calendar now so you remember to watch that recorded session you missed live or download and review that insightful slide deck. Set aside regular time intervals to dig through these resources so you can benefit from the additional value these resources provide.

Keep sharing what works

The premise of Learning Solutions Conference & Expo is to share what works in learning and development, so it makes sense to keep rolling with that theme when returning to work. Schedule some time with your colleagues or team to share all you’ve learned this past week. This can help you gain support that could bring your plans to fruition while generating enthusiasm and spreading awareness. Plus, demonstrating how you benefited from Learning Solutions can help you get approval to attend again in 2024!

Keep in touch!

Attending Learning Solutions brings more than just new ideas. Chances are you’ve made several new connections! Follow up with those you met this week and start a habit of staying in touch. Connect on LinkedIn, follow them on Twitter (Twitter’s a great place to find your favorite speakers!), or use any business cards you exchanged and block some time off to send a quick email!

Save the date

Last—but not least—we’d love to see you again at Learning Solutions 2024. Mark your calendars for April 23 – 25 and meet us in Orlando, FL, for another year of exploring, learning, and sharing what works!

The post Learning Solutions 2023 Just Ended—Now What? appeared first on Learning Guild.

To help prepare for the event, we want to share some steps you could take to get more out of your Learning Solutions experience.

STEP 1: Find Your Purpose, Set Your Goals

Ask yourself:

Why are you attending Learning Solutions? 

Are you looking for new design inspiration for training courses? 

Or maybe you’re looking for ways to better grip the attention of your learners? 

No matter your purpose, coming up with a clear objective can make organizing your conference agenda much, much easier.

Once you’ve identified your purpose, start thinking of your main goal. What do you hope to take away from the sessions you attend? What strategies, skills, or tools are you hoping to bring back to work?

STEP 2: Start Planning Your Schedule

Which sessions are you attending? There are over 120+ sessions on the main conference program, 25 in the Instructional Design Summit, plus an additional 20 taking place in the Expo. That’s a lot of sessions to choose from. Here are a few pointers to help you narrow your search for the sessions you need:

• Session times may overlap. When looking through each session block, think about the topics, activities, and discussions that you find the most relevant to your purpose and goals.
• Share your schedule with your peers. This is especially useful when attending with a group. That way, you and your team can divide, conquer, and really get the most information possible to support your work moving forward.

STEP 3: Plan a Retrospective Meeting

The conference has ended, and your brain is fueled with fresh, new ideas. What now?

Meet with your team and continue #SharingWhatWorks! Plan a retrospective meeting with your colleagues and demonstrate your new strategies, tools, and any other notable takeaways. You might even have some session materials or Expo swag that you can pass around, too!

Still need to secure your spot? There is still time to either register for the full conference or sign up for a free Expo+ Pass! Act fast—online registration closes Friday, April 7!

The post 3 Steps to Get Ready for Learning Solutions 2023 appeared first on Learning Guild.

WHAT’S DEMOFEST?

DemoFest is just like the science fair you might remember from middle school but replace the science projects with modern-day eLearning projects and the middle schoolers with fellow conference attendees! DemoFest is arranged with a table for each project that is being shown. This event offers an amazing opportunity to see a wide variety of projects and talk to the designers and developers about the tools, technologies, and processes they used to build them.

At Learning Solutions Conference & Expo, DemoFest embodies what the conference is all about: sharing what works. You will not only see these projects in action but also learn about the benefits and results these projects provided to their organizations.

WHAT TYPES OF PROJECTS CAN I EXPECT AT LEARNING SOLUTIONS 2023?

This year’s DemoFest will feature projects like…

“Scenario-based De-Escalation Education” by Ed Wilson

“Tree of Knowledge: A Mixed Reality Accounting Journey” by Bryan Morgan & Jennifer Hackim

“Revamping Medical eLearning Modules” by Laura Fothergill

“Tic-Tac-Toe Knowledge Check” by Chris Loyd

“eLearning Scavenger Hunt” by Pamela Gutman

“Interactive Mindmaps for Medical Microbiology Learning” by Jane Harrington

“Cognitive Training in VR: Empathy Building for Dementia Caregivers” by Dan Krolczyk

“Resilience Resource Portal for Educators” by Michael Nagy

“E-Learning for Fine Art Underwriting” by Rachel Snyder

“Diversity & Inclusion Digital Hub” by Nick Floro

“Blending Learning for Interactive Education” by Dr. Vikas Joshi

“Interactive Leadership Competencies Self-Assessment” by Tracy Parish

“Product Nomenclature Game” by Jennifer Yaros

“From Physical to Virtual: Team-Based Learning Game” by Kai Dean

“Fire Extinguisher Basics: PASS Training In VR” by Destery Hildenbrand

“Enhancing Safety Training with Interactive VR” by Heath Shatouhy

“The Stewart House: An Interactive VR Museum” by Ryan Gannon

“Breaking the Scheduling Barrier: VR Training for Chemical Operators” by Travis Mosier

“Metaverse Onboarding Campus for Engagement and Applied Learning” by Lisa Goldstein

“A Digital Coach for Manual Workers” by Bill Crose

“AI Chatbot Improves Training Efficiency for Multilingual QSR Staff” by Poonam J

“xAPI Data-Driven Performance Support for DocuSign Processes” by Sarah Charles

“Interactive Sales Onboarding Video” by Eduardo Leopold

“Immersive Drone Video Teaches Soccer Skills” by Diane Elkins

“Virtual Systems Training with Interactive Video” by Tim Crowe

Learn more about DemoFest.

HOW CAN I ATTEND?

Join us on April 13 at 5:00 PM ET in Orlando at Learning Solutions 2023! Either:

1. Register for a full conference pass
2. Sign up for a free Expo+ Pass

The last day to register online is April 7 so don’t wait!

A flash from the past…

The post What to Expect at DemoFest appeared first on Learning Guild.

The scope of instructional design (ID) is always growing and changing in the learning and development field. With a strong ID foundation, you can create high-quality learning materials that are customized to address the strengths and weaknesses of your learners. Instructional designers are key to systematically collecting data and determining if employees received the proper training on new topics and skills. If a course falls flat, it’s the instructional designer who can identify what went wrong and fix it to ensure learners are able to understand the lesson next time.

You can now become a master of ID at Learning Solutions 2023 Conference & Expo! Introducing the Instructional Design Summit: a series of 25 unique sessions carefully curated for those who are either new to ID or are looking to examine common trends and topics within the field to boost their current skill set. As part of your Learning Solutions 2023 registration, you’re able to mix and match with sessions on the general conference program and craft a unique experience to fit your professional development goals.

Here’s a sample of sessions you can expect to see this spring:

1. The Basics of Design eLearning That Gets Results
2. “Too Much Text!” But Is It? Research and Tips on Making Text-based Modules
3. Upskilling Your Design Skills, Tools & Techniques
4. Transforming What Your SMEs Know to What Your Learners Need
5. Inclusive Learning Design: Diversity, Racial Equity, and Inclusion

View all 25 sessions.

Register for Learning Solutions 2023 to unlock all 25 sessions, in addition to 120+ world-class sessions, four empowering keynotes, a high-energy Expo, fun networking activities, and more! 

Plus, save $100 with a free Learning Guild membership.

(Your ID skill-building doesn’t stop there. You can enhance your ID experience even further when you register for The Learning Guild’s eLearning Instructional Design Certificate Program, happening on April 10 & 11 prior to the main conference.)

The post New for 2023: Announcing the Instructional Design Summit! appeared first on Learning Guild.

This is why DemoFest was created. This attendee-favorite event is the place to be for those looking to both share and explore peer-made demos, projects, and more. It allows full conference and Expo attendees the chance to mix and mingle while browsing the work of others in an interactive, science fair-like environment. To further spotlight the amazing projects that have been created within the eLearning community, attendees vote for their favorite projects, and Best of DemoFest awards are given out to the winners of each category.

We are thrilled to bring DemoFest to Orlando on April 13 at Learning Solutions 2023. And we’re even more thrilled to announce that the call for DemoFest proposals is officially open now through February 3! 

Returning presenters and newcomers are all welcome to submit their work to be showcased at DemoFest. If you’re new to DemoFest and are interested in learning more, see below for some key details.

1. WHAT IS DEMOFEST?

DemoFest is a place to view actual learning solutions demonstrated by the people who designed and built them. Much like a science fair, DemoFest is arranged with a table for each project. Unlike cardboard displays at other conferences that highlight a course’s features, DemoFest allows you to see the actual projects themselves. The creators of each project will be right there to answer questions about the challenge they were trying to solve, the design they chose, the processes they used, and the results they found.

2. WHEN AND WHERE IS DEMOFEST?

DemoFest will be held at Learning Solutions 2023 Conference & Expo on April 13 from 5:00 to 6:30 PM. Every DemoFest participant must be a registered Expo+ or full-conference attendee.

3. WHY SHARE A PROJECT AT DEMOFEST?

DemoFest is an opportunity to show your work and get recognition, insights, and feedback from like-minded peers. It’s a fun and collaborative experience that can help expand your network while helping others approach problems in new ways.                                      

4. WHAT TYPES OF PROJECTS ARE BEING SUBMITTED?

We’re looking for a wide variety of cutting-edge projects that show innovative solutions to the challenges we face now and in the future of learning and development. We are also looking for projects that achieved their objectives and positively impacted their organizations.

Click here to see an example of a solid proposal (as well as some examples of proposals that need more work).

5. IS THIS A COMPETITION?

While DemoFest is first and foremost an opportunity for people in our field to learn from one another, there is also an award component to give recognition to people willing to show their work. The winners are voted on by the attendees themselves rather than by a panel or a single judge.

One winner will be selected from each DemoFest category. In addition, there will be vendor and non-vendor Best of Show winners selected. 

6. HOW CAN I SUBMIT MY OWN PROJECT?

Click here to start your submission! Remember, submissions are due February 3, 2023.

The post DemoFest Comes to Orlando on April 13 appeared first on Learning Guild.

The call for speakers has officially opened for Learning Solutions 2023 Conference & Expo, happening on April 12 – 14 in sunny Orlando, FL!

Speaking at Learning Solutions is a fantastic way to step out of your comfort zone, meet new people, and gain industry recognition. Primary speakers attend free (with a major discount for co-speakers)! Submitting a proposal is easy so we encourage you to get your submission in before the deadline on Friday, August 12.

Learning Solutions conference

For a little more context on Learning Solutions, this is the event that provides practical solutions, case studies, creative strategies, development tools, and tips and techniques that people can use right away. Consider submitting session ideas on topics like:

• Unique case studies sharing replicable, proven practices
• Executive and senior-management strategies
• Innovative approaches in instructional design
• Targeted development tips and techniques
• Emerging technologies and tools
• Practical, hands-on learning experiences that go beyond theory into practice

Why speak at Learning Solutions 2023?

You’ll find that attending Learning Solutions as a speaker comes with many built-in opportunities. You can:

Build credibility. Speaking at Learning Solutions allows you to gain more exposure than a regular attendee, as your badge will say SPEAKER on it

Further your professional development. Planning and presenting your session is a great way to polish your public speaking and communication skills

Widen your network. You’ll find that people approach you after your session to engage in conversation and ask questions. Also, you’ll also have the opportunity to share your contact information on session materials

Be a part of something bigger. Take pride in your role as a Learning Solutions speaker knowing that the exchange of ideas that you’re helping facilitate can help to move companies and industries forward

Attend Learning Solutions for FREE. Primary speakers receive a complimentary full conference registration and a discounted fee for one co-speaker

For more details, see the submission instructions and submit your proposal today.

Not sure where to start? We’ve got you! See below for some resources from The Learning Guild that will simplify your drafting process.

Your proposal-writing toolkit

1. Download this PDF to see tips from the experts for getting your proposal noticed. 
2. Download and use this Word doc to draft your speaking proposal responses. When you’re done, you’ll be able to copy and paste your answers into the form.
3. Fuel your inspiration by exploring 2022 session descriptions.
4. Looking for feedback? Email Programs@LearningGuild.com to speak with the team directly! Note, the earlier you ask, the sooner you’ll hear back, and the more time you’ll have to perfect your submission!

Don’t miss our upcoming Q&A!

Members of our program team, Mark Britz and Sierra Marquardt, are going live via Zoom on August 2 at 9:30 AM PT to answer any questions you may have about your speaking proposal. Save this link and use it to join the chat when the time comes: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89866853545

See what past speakers have to say

“As a speaker, the excitement of the attendees was infectious. Everyone who attended my session or connected with me after were interested in doing more with learning and development, and wanted to offer their feedback and advice to get there. The Guild was great at making sure I was comfortable, had all the information I needed for my presentation and was set up beforehand. I was well taken care of and as a first time in person speaker I REALLY appreciated that!”
—Vanessa A.

“It was so great to be back in person in 2022 at Learning Solutions and connect, share and learn from the community. I love how The Learning Guild helps to inspire, introduce, and keep us up to date on what is and what’s not working in what we do every day, helping our audiences learn.”
—Nick F.

“The Learning Solutions Conference has been a consistently great experience for me, year after year, both as a speaker and as an attendee. As a speaker, I have had really engaged audiences who ask thoughtful questions and actively participate. The Guild staff and volunteers are friendly and supportive, which helps create a positive speaking environment.”
—Christy T.

The post Call for Proposals Now Open for Learning Solutions 2023 appeared first on Learning Guild.

If you’re looking for ways to share your innovative ideas, unique strategies, or a new perspective within the realm of learning and development, we welcome you to submit a speaking proposal for a future Learning Guild conference! The Learning Guild will open calls for proposals months before the event, so be sure to follow along via social media or keep a close eye on your inbox so you don’t miss when open and close dates are announced!

In honor of the call for proposals for Learning Solutions 2023 opening next week on July 12 (through August 12), we want to share an in-depth look at the programming team’s selection process for their in-person conferences, as well as a few resources and tips from the experts themselves. We hope this article helps you in drafting your own speaking proposal!

The programming process

The overall session selection process typically takes about three weeks and begins right after the submission deadline. Each member of the team begins on their own by reading each and every session proposal. It’s a lengthy process, but this way each session gets viewed from multiple different perspectives. Then the question is asked: Can this session fit thematically for the event it is being proposed for? Yes? No? Possibly?

Then the ‘compare & contrast’ review begins. A spreadsheet with all the sessions is created and shared among the whole programming team. Discussion, debate, and additional context around the reviews is shared. The sessions that are not initially accepted are set aside as possible alternatives. Each session that is selected is put into a timeslot, filling the program. This can be a tad tricky when the number of sessions goes over the number of slots available.

Note: The status of each session is not final at this point! Life happens, and unfortunately, speakers can cancel their sessions at any time for a multitude of reasons. Sessions that had been previously set aside may be revisited in the future. With that in mind, even if you’re session is not initially chosen, the team may end up reaching out about getting your session on the program.

Then, the categorizing begins. Sessions are put into the tracks that fit them best. Typical tracks include:

• Instructional Design
• AR & VR
• Virtual Classrooms
• Learning Platforms
• Data & Measurement
• Management & Strategy
• Emerging Tech
• Games & Gamification
• Micro & Workflow Learning
• Tools & Development
• Video & Media

Once we have the sessions categorized and slotted, we then look at balancing out each block. The key here is variety: we want each block to be rich with diversity. That being said, sessions are carefully placed into separate time blocks based on the track they fall under, speaker gender, technology-use, etc. Once set, the program is announced on the conference website!

Still not sure you’re ready to speak?

Don’t forget—all speakers had to start somewhere, and there’s no better place to start than at a Learning Guild event. Our community is supportive of newcomers, and our programming team is always looking for a breadth of different voices. Each event program is crafted with the intent of including at least 20% new speakers.

The call for speaking proposals for Learning Solutions 2023 will open next week on July 12 through August 12. If you’re even a little bit interested, we encourage you to try your hand in speaking!

Learn more about speaking at a future Guild event.

The post Interested in Speaking at a Future Guild Conference? appeared first on Learning Guild.