Adaptive challenges in the online learning environment

Even before the pandemic, the learning industry was in a period of rapid, technology-led change. This is even more evident as we settle into the post-lockdown period, but improved learning outcomes cannot be achieved by new technology alone.

What we know for sure is that not all business problems can be solved by a technical solution. For example, simply replacing face-to-face courses with online resources is not enough to ensure the engagement is there and the learning outcomes are the same, let alone better.

As learning professionals, now more than ever, we need to walk alongside our clients to address not only the technical challenges of introducing new technology, but also consider what else needs to change in the organisation. This is the adaptive challenge. It requires people to develop new ways of doing things, rather than simply coordinating behaviour and organising people to apply a known fix or solution. And it requires leadership that understands how to bring the people along with the change.

The pandemic has forced us to challenge previous approaches to work, but it is critical that we identify which challenges require adaptation, and distinguish them from those that are purely technical. Success in what, for some, has been a rapid move to learning online will only be realised if together we also value the changes required by individuals and groups around their behaviours, and how they interact and form new relationships.