Talent Development Professionals Urged to Enhance Learning Tech Selection Skills

What's Happening?

A report by the Association for Talent Development emphasizes the need for talent development professionals to improve their skills in selecting appropriate learning technologies for their organizations. The report, released on October 2, highlights that while many organizations have not yet implemented AI-enabled learning technologies, there is a growing intention to do so for content development. Of the 362 professionals surveyed, about 60% feel confident in assessing their organizations' learning tech needs, yet nearly half find it challenging. Johann Laville, Merck's chief learning officer, stresses the importance of evolving IT skills among learning professionals to ensure they can make informed decisions about technology adoption.

Why It's Important?

The ability to effectively select learning technologies is becoming increasingly crucial as organizations look to integrate AI and other advanced tools into their training programs. This shift could significantly impact the role of learning and development (L&D) professionals, who may face the risk of being sidelined if they lack the necessary skills. The report suggests that as L&D budgets grow, the demand for tech-savvy professionals will rise, potentially reshaping the industry. Organizations that successfully adopt these technologies could see improved training outcomes and employee performance, giving them a competitive advantage.

What's Next?

As organizations plan to implement AI-enabled learning technologies, L&D professionals will need to prioritize developing their IT skills. This may involve additional training or collaboration with IT departments to ensure they can effectively contribute to technology decisions. The industry may also see an increase in partnerships with tech companies to provide tailored solutions that meet specific organizational needs.