astra domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/studyfoxx/public_html/proactivetraining.com.au/news/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6131\n\tI am always curious to learn how companies are using technology to engage, inform, and upskill their employees. The tools and technologies that support workforce digitization are evolving at a rapid pace, with a focus on learning and development (L&D) staples, such as:<\/p>\n
\n\tThe applications that most interest me in this space are those that enable guided learning, immersive situations, and employee engagement strategies.<\/p>\n
\n\tPROVIDING A LAYER OF GUIDANCE<\/strong><\/p>\n \n\tDigital Adoption Platforms (DAP) are essentially guided learning technologies that provide in-application step-by-step guidance. They guide users through the functionality of an application, and provide immediate help if something is done wrong. Imagine having to navigate a new online client engagement system you’ve never seen before. With a DAP or guided learning technology layered on top of that new system, step-by-step directions are provided just-in-time. There is no need to leave the system and watch a tutorial, or try to find directions on page 36 of the user manual. This is all about “learning by doing.”<\/p>\n \n\tIridize was my favorite player in this space. “Was” is the key word here, as it was acquired by Oracle University in 2018. Now a service of Oracle University, Oracle Guided Learning provides step-by-step guides for Oracle Cloud applications. You can access a library of existing guides or have personalized guides created to fit your specific organization.<\/p>\n \n\tWalkMe and Applearn are two of the top players in this space, with impressive client lists and product suites. If you have never experienced a guided learning solution, I recommend that you reach out to these folks for a demo.<\/p>\n \n\tThe greatest benefit of these guided learning technologies is the ability to instantly help employees find their way around the systems they’ll be using every day, and point them in the right direction if they do something wrong.<\/p>\n \n\tPRACTICING REAL-LIFE SITUATIONS<\/strong><\/p>\n \n\tThe realm of immersive learning is expanding quickly with the advent of 3D, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) technologies. As the cost of developing scenario-based learning in this space drops, we see more simulation-based onboarding and service-centered learning technologies on the playing field. The purpose of these applications is to enable practice—more specifically, to upskill and build self-confidence.<\/p>\n \n\tBefore diving into the VR side of things, consider the basic elements we would need to create a practice arena for hands-on, scaffolded learning in the performance improvement space. Audio? Video? Interaction? Feedback that can inform our interactions going forward? How about that safety net?<\/p>\n \n\tSymTrain takes an interesting approach to performance improvement. The technology enables learners to interact with video or audio characters, and provides instant feedback on learner attitude, connections made, and assistance provided.<\/p>\n \n\tIn my book, SymTrain gets top marks on the development side based on the customization capabilities that are available. Yes, there is artificial intelligence (AI) driving in the background, but there are so many opportunities for human input to easily shape the design, development, and delivery of these immersive learning activities.<\/p>\n \n\tHeading over to the VR side, I am impressed by the way Pitchboy has integrated VR and AI to offer personalized sales and customer service learning. Compatible with every headset and available via Web VR, Pitchboy uses natural language processing to guide interactions between learners and characters within a 360° video scenario.<\/p>\n \n\tYour office or retail environment becomes the virtual setting for the learning experience. Learners talk and ask questions, and the AI in the background analyzes the input. Then algorithms determine the response that will come from other individuals programmed into the scenario. If learners go off-track, text and audio inputs guide them back to the focus of the scenario. Feedback can include personalization to help learners take a more pragmatic approach the next time they practice.<\/p>\n \n\tIn these applications, we see learners gaining a sense of autonomy and realizing the potential of practice. And there is that safety net—the opportunity to fail, go back, and try again without penalty.<\/p>\n \n\tKEEPING AN EYE ON ENGAGEMENT<\/strong><\/p>\n \n\tEmployee engagement plays a key role in performance improvement. With hundreds or more tools and technologies out there that support digitizing the workforce, two catch my attention.<\/p>\n \n\tBeekeeper is a simple app that enables enterprise-wide communication and interaction, with a focus on connecting managers with front-line workers— specifically to bridge the chasm that typically exists between desk and non-desk workers. I like the simplicity and ease of use on the mobile app, and am impressed by the resource library and support team.<\/p>\n \n\tIf employee engagement is what you’re after, look at 15Five. What caught my eye from the beginning was the simple question, “How are you feeling?” sitting up front on the dashboard.<\/p>\n \n\tFocused on providing continuous employee feedback, 15Five takes an appreciative inquiry approach to performance improvement. By communicating collaborative objectives and facilitating regular check-ins, 15Five enables individuals to work together to meet (and even challenge) set objectives. One of my favorite quotes from the 15Five team:<\/p>\n \n\t“What’s standing in the way of success is not a savvy competitor, it’s antiquated practices.”<\/em><\/p>\n \n\t <\/p>\n \n\tSITES TO EXPLORE<\/p>\n \n\tOracle Guided Learning<\/strong> \n\tWalkMe<\/strong> \n\tApplearn<\/strong> \n\tSimTrain<\/strong> \n\tPitchBoy<\/strong> \n\tBeekeper<\/strong>
\n\thttps:\/\/education.oracle.com\/oracle-cloud-guided-learning-HCM<\/a><\/p>\n
\n\thttps:\/\/www.walkme.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n
\n\thttps:\/\/www.applearn.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n
\n\thttp:\/\/www.symtrain.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n
\n\thttps:\/\/www.pitchboy.sc\/<\/a><\/p>\n
\n\thttps:\/\/www.beekeeper.io<\/a><\/p>\n