How to build a learning technology stack

The explosion of learning tools and rapid changes in learning technology

Over the years, the business education market has seen remarkable changes. In addition to the expansion, a number of new learning management technologies, learning platforms, content creation tools and integrated HR platforms for skills development and performance management have emerged, flooding organizations with many options. Identifying the right technology package that can help meet their goals of upskilling and upskilling their workforce has become essential.

What is the learning technology stack?

An effective learning technology stack consists of a number of components such as content management systems, learning management systems, authoring tools, and analytics platforms. These components are used to create, deliver and manage learning content. The challenge is to find the right mix of technology to develop and manage skills and to provide learning experiences that assist in skill acquisition and application. From a core learning perspective, the technology suite should empower students to build their own learning and career paths and help L&D track progress through analytics. Finding the right mix and technology integrations is key in this mandate.

Why should organizations build and invest in an effective learning technology stack?

Effective learning technology is important because it provides a number of benefits to organizations, including:

Building capability and competence frameworks with learning strategies that can meet business goals.
Designing an integrated and inclusive employee experience (EX) which integrates content from available learning platforms and portals within the organization and manages content from external sources without compromising the learning experience.
Use of technological frameworks to offer a seamless, flexible, highly available, mobile environment and assistance in learning in the flow.
Application of immersive learning technology enabling the creation of training zones to help bridge the gap between training and performance in the workplace.
Tracking and Analysis. The learning technology stack also provides a platform for tracking and analyzing student performance. This data can be used to identify areas for improvement and ensure the effectiveness of training programs.
Enabling scalability. In addition, the learning technology suite enables organizations to extend their learning programs. It can be used to create and deliver content to a large number of students, ensuring that everyone receives the same quality of instruction.
Personalization of learning. Finally, a suite of learning technologies can be used to create personalized learning experiences. It can be used to create content that is tailored to the needs of individual learners, ensuring that everyone receives the content that is most relevant to them. This also helps increase employee retention and reduce turnover.

A framework for choosing the right learning technology package

There are 6 key questions L&D leaders should consider when choosing a learning technology suite.

1. Functionality

It is important to consider the functionality of the learning technology stack. It should include learning strategies that support business goals. Make sure the platform provides the features and tools you need to create and deliver effective educational content. This can include immersive learning, content curation and personalized learning paths.

2. Costs

While some platforms may offer more features and benefits, it’s important to consider the cost of the platform and make sure it’s within your budget.

3. Scalability

It is important to consider the scalability of the learning technology stack. The platform should handle a large number of students and scale as needed. The learning technology stack should have practice zones to help bridge the gap between training and on-the-job performance.

4. Integration

It is important to consider the ease of integration the platform offers with other systems, which helps create an integrated learning experience. A suite of learning technologies provides a seamless, flexible, highly available and mobile environment that facilitates workflow learning for employees.

5. Technology-Enabled Collaboration

Collaborative learning cannot be the same for all learning needs. Having a discussion forum with threads on the learning platform will not be enough. L&D must look to state-of-the-art applications that can interface with tools such as MS Teams and Zoom, providing opportunities for near-real-time and focused sessions at the most convenient time in a student’s journey.

6. Support

It is important to consider the level of support provided by the learning technology stack. Make sure the platform has a reliable support team available to provide assistance when needed.

What are the types of platforms and technologies in learning technology stacks?

There can be a number of components within an instructional technology suite, including the following.

Tools and technologies for data analysis

With products like LRS that track and record xAPI statements, we can analyze user behavior in detail to identify who is doing what, how well they are learning, and the impact of that activity on their engagement, growth and overall business performance. As new technologies such as VR, AR and real-time video learning become more prevalent, you will have a huge data set to analyze.

LMS

All your curricula, programs, courses and learning objects can be planned, managed, tracked and managed using Learning Management Systems (LMS).

Content delivery and program management

This includes a set of tools and technologies that determine how learning programs are structured, the role of instructors, how collaboration occurs, and what types of interactions, assignments, assignments, labs, exercises, or simulations are required. PST, VR, microlearning, quizzes, platforms that enable coaching and mentoring, social learning, etc. are a few examples of technologies found in this phase.

LXP

This is where the talent intelligence (or taxonomy of skills) system fits in. Employees need a method to find, search, and discover the right learning program for them—that is, the courses, programs, and resources they need. LXP offers intelligence that organizes learning information into pathways and curricula and makes recommendations for them. You can use LXP to design and oversee learning paths and pathways.

Learning portals

Students can use learning portals to search, discover or access learning directly as they work. You can allow users to log in directly to LXP, organize programs into a portal to build an online university or operational academy, or even make content available through your employee portal or talent marketplace.

How do you successfully implement a learning technology suite?

Once you’ve chosen the right learning technology set for your organization, it’s important to ensure that it’s successfully implemented. Here are some tips to ensure a successful implementation.

Set clear goals. It’s important to set clear goals for your learning technology stack. Setting clear goals will help ensure maximum use of the stack’s potential.
Create a plan. It is important to create a phased plan for implementing the learning technology stack. Evaluate the existing frameworks that are available and what more is needed based on the objectives set.
Establish processes. It is important to establish processes for using the learning technology stack. Having clear processes in place will help ensure that the stack is used effectively and efficiently.
Train users. It is important to train users on how to use the learning technology suite. Providing training will help ensure users are comfortable with the platform and understand how to use it effectively.
Monitor performance. It is important to monitor the performance of the learning technology stack. Performance monitoring will help identify areas for improvement and ensure that the stack is being used to achieve the relevant goals.
Measure engagement and effectiveness. Learning technology suite administrators should see a significant increase in engagement and motivation and create a collaborative environment where employees gather virtually to share, discuss, coach, and experiment.

What are the challenges associated with the learning technology stack?

While the learning technology stack can be an invaluable tool for organizations, it is not without challenges. Here are some of the common problems associated with it.

Implementing a learning technology suite requires an organizational-level mandate. This should be a decision taken at the top management level and may take some time to implement.
The learning technology stack can be complex. It is important to ensure that users are adequately trained and that processes are in place for using the stack.
Integration with other systems can be challenging. It is important to ensure that the stack can be integrated with other systems and that data can be shared between systems. The learning technology suite must integrate with other HR platforms to create a more connected workplace.
Security is an important consideration when implementing a learning technology stack. It is important to ensure that the storage is secure and the data is protected.
Maintenance can be time consuming. It is important to ensure that the stack is regularly maintained and updated to ensure that it remains secure and effective.

Parting thoughts

The learning technology stack is a comprehensive system designed to facilitate employee learning, engagement and the connected workplace. Allows:

Building capability and competency frameworks using learning strategies that can meet business objectives.
Designing an integrated and inclusive employee experience that integrates people and systems.
Using technology frameworks to deliver a seamless, flexible and highly available experience.
Immersive learning technology that bridges the gap between training and workplace performance.

I hope this article provides the necessary insights to successfully build and invest in an effective learning technology stack by choosing the right types of platforms and technologies to deliver learning experiences and assist in skill acquisition and application.