Corporate learning and technology: opportunity and risk for the learning professional

Purpose: The article aims to clarify the risks and opportunities available to corporate learning professionals with the advent of a tsunami of EdTech (educational technology) that promises to be the silver bullet of lifelong learning. It acknowledges that the urgency of up/reskilling adults provides learning professionals with a unique moment to make a difference by ensuring the right skills are available as needed. However, learning professionals are simultaneously under threat of irrelevance should we fail to use the avalanche of advances in technology combined with tried and tested...  [+] Show more

Purpose: The article aims to clarify the risks and opportunities available to corporate learning professionals with the advent of a tsunami of EdTech (educational technology) that promises to be the silver bullet of lifelong learning. It acknowledges that the urgency of up/reskilling adults provides learning professionals with a unique moment to make a difference by ensuring the right skills are available as needed. However, learning professionals are simultaneously under threat of irrelevance should we fail to use the avalanche of advances in technology combined with tried and tested pedagogical principles and a multi-channel approach. Design/methodology/approach: The paper offers the author's opinion on the future opportunities for learning professionals, using a summarized analysis of available technology and Educational Technology. In addition, it offers opportunities for further exploration by the reader.

Findings: The Future of Work has arrived and potentially signals the beginning of a golden age for learning professionals - or the beginning of the end, ultimately to be replaced by technology. The need is clear. What is not clear is whether the learning community - en masse - have the technological savvy to step up and maximize the use of technology, and specifically [Artificial Intelligence] AI related services, to meet this need. Practical implications: Learning professionals have a limited moment in time to pivot their existing skill set to a better understanding and use of technology. The paper offers some suggestions for action in this regard. Social implications: Should the learning professional fail to utilize this unique moment in time to optimize the learning experiences of adults, the world faces a skills gap that will harm innovation, employment and social stability. Originality/value: This paper fulfills an identified need for learning professionals to adjust their approach, skill set, and deliverables and offers guidelines for focus and action in a world saturated with information.

Published abstract.