In a world where flexible working has become the norm, it’s no surprise that learning is following suit. Yet, despite the promise of digital learning, recent research shows that 66% of employees find on-the-job learning to be more effective than formal online courses. This opens the question on whether traditional digital training is still hitting the engagement mark?
Overlooking this can result in an uninspiring training experience, turning it into a passive activity. Without meaningful engagement employees are left to navigate training with minimal activity which fails to capture learner’s attention effectively.
The Passive Pitfall
The shift towards digital learning has been nothing short of revolutionary, with learning at the click of a button away and access to countless learning experiences, it’s no surprise that it’s been embraced as a powerful tool in the workforce. However, digital learning often lacks interactivity that is so vital in creating meaningful and memorable experiences, especially when it comes to developing human skills. While it excels at teaching hard or technical skills, it can struggle to engage learners in the same way when it comes to more intangible skills, making it much harder to retain and apply these lessons in real-world situations.
For some context, without interactive elements employees tend to forget what they have remembered or apply what they have learned in digital training, especially without the interactive elements or feedback. This can leave employees frustrated and disengaged, as the training can feel like a waste of time. For companies, this means less return on investment and missed opportunities for growth. Without meaningful learning experiences, both employees and organisations fall short of their potential.
Personalised Learning, Perfected by Technology
A more effective way forward is a blended approach that combines technology with a human touch. For example, AI-powered platforms do more than just track progress. They actively adapt each learner’s needs that offer tailored resources and learning paths that are vital for personalised approach. This helps reinforce knowledge without overwhelming, creating a more engaging and meaningful learning experience that truly sticks.
Today’s technology can bring learning to life. With features like timed-quizzes, instant feedback, and realistic digital simulations. The real-time feedback keeps learners engaged and helps track progress, reinforcing lessons on the spot. Simulations on the other hand, create safe spaces for employees to practice new skills in realistic scenarios. For instance, customer service teams can role-play challenging conversations, building confidence and improving performance without the risk of real-world mistakes.
This kind of hands-on interactive training is more important than ever, especially as workplaces adapt to the rise of AI tools. Shockingly, one in five (19%) UK employees report receiving no training from their organisation on how to work or collaborate effectively with AI tools. Bridging this gap with practical learning experience isn’t just an investment in skills, it’s an investment in the future of work.
The Future of Learning: Bite-Sized and Tailored
The future of learning lies in personalisation. Adaptive learning paths and microlearning are revolutionising the way we approach training by tailoring content to each learner’s unique progress. With AI-driven adaptative learning, employees focus on areas where they need the most support, skipping over the redundant information ensures training is efficient, relevant, and highly personalised.
Microlearning takes this approach to the next level by transforming complex topics into bite-sized, focused modules. Instead of lengthy training sessions employees can quickly grasp key concepts in short bursts, making it easier to fit learning into their busy schedules.
When combined with personalised learning, this method is a gamechanger. Employees stay motivated with targeted content that feels relevant and actionable, boosting retention and making training more effective. For businesses, it means a stronger return on investment as employees are empowered to apply their new skills with confidence, driving real results.
For learning to truly succeed it must evolve into an engaging, interactive, and human centred experience. Emerging technologies like AI simulations and real-time feedback are transforming digital training into something more practical and impactful. By crafting immersive and tailored learning environments employees can master both technical skills and essential human capabilities. This doesn’t just support individual growth – it drives measurable value for businesses, equipping employees to apply their knowledge confidently and effectively in the real world.
Chris Chen, Chief Technology Officer at GoodHabitz
Chris Chen is an accomplished technology leader with over 22 years of expertise in AI, cloud transformation, and educational technology. As the Chief Technology Officer at GoodHabitz, oversees the company’s technological and AI strategies, supporting its mission to advance human skills development.
Before joining GoodHabitz, Chris held leadership roles at CoslAI Ltd. and EF Education First, where he spearheaded AI architecture transformations and expanded services globally. As a founder of multiple tech startups, he has a proven ability to build high-performing teams and transform innovative ideas into impactful, scalable solutions that drive business growth.
At GoodHabitz, Chris leads the development of cutting-edge learning platforms that empower both businesses and employees. Known for reducing time-to-market and cultivating exceptional talent, he combines his technical expertise with a passion for education and technology, consistently turning visions into reality and positioning companies for long-term success.
