Recently, we hosted an international Global eLearning conference. We had the privilege to have, as our afternoon keynote speaker, David Kelly, Executive Vice-President, and Executive Director of The Learning Guild. His presentation was focused on How 2020 Forever Changed Virtual Learning and what we need to consider when defining eLearning going forward. You can view the replay from the conference here.

David’s five highlights, or “spotlights,” as he calls them, help us to see what matters most as we travel this new learning landscape. Here’s what he shared with us.

Expectations Have Changed

In the minds of many, virtual learning is a simple shift from the board room to the computer screen. So much more is available to us when we embrace digital learning’s full scope and explore the possibilities and potential that exist in this space.

We need to realize our opportunity to change the dynamic and adopt a new context around existing technology. Learning to look at digital platforms differently will help to advance eLearning.

The Emergence of Virtual Producers

These are the heroes behind the scenes in eLearning. They make a real difference in the quality of the presentation. While you’re engaged with the speaker or presenter, the Virtual Producers manage chat and facilitate eLearning’s technological aspect. They will soon be elevated from “nice to have” personnel to a “must-have” level of importance.

The Importance of Communication

Communication became more crucial than ever in 2020. Yes, we have Zoom and other virtual platforms that have become critical. However, these can lead to fatigue and leave us wondering how to keep learners engaged. With so many modalities with which to communicate with others, choosing delivery methods may require some creativity.

The Definition of Collaboration

For so many years, collaboration has referred to teamwork, working together, and combining talents. With face-to-face meetings off the list of possibilities, we face the prospect of redefining collaboration through the use of technology.

VR (Virtual Reality) software and hardware can help create the feeling of being in the same room as others. The use of breakout rooms in Zoom or other formats can take teams out of the general meeting to collaborate separately and then return to the larger group to share results. Being able to leverage whiteboards and screen sharing technology will help to adapt collaboration to available technology.

The Challenges of Assumptions

So much of learning and development, and corporate life as a whole, has been based on certain assumptions. These assumptions are now challenged in the “new normal.” Out of necessity, we are pushed out of our comfort zones and forced to try new things. Instead of saying, “That’s not the way we do things,” a new attitude of “We’re going to have to try it” emerges.

We must capitalize on this enormous opportunity to support and expand the definition of online learning.

The Support of Social Causes

During 2020 we saw the positive trend of social causes taking the spotlight and receiving unprecedented support. Looking ahead, we must pay attention and not miss this tremendous opportunity. There’s a lot of potential here in the world of eLearning.

In Summary, Three Questions

Here are three questions you can ask yourself as you look for silver linings in the world of today’s virtual learning:

What’s the Opportunity? Remember to look for it!
What Have We Learned Through This? Take time to evaluate the lessons learned!
How Can I Help? Where does your contribution fit in?

Global eLearning was the host and exclusive sponsor for this event. Global eLearning provides translation and localization services to meet the unique needs of the Learning & Development industry. Our next event is scheduled for September 21, 2021. We hope you’ll take the opportunity to join us. For more information contact the team at Global eLearning.