The Rise of Personalized Technology in Training and Education: A Look into the Future

In the technology sector, the discussion around machine learning is becoming more integrated into the core of software, and an unmistakable trend is emerging in the educational sector as well. Personalized technology, once seen as a separate category, is becoming the norm. The talk about personalized learning will shift from being a topic of discussion to an assumed feature in the near future. This is especially evident when technology increasingly plays a pivotal role in the learning experience. Therefore, if the future of learning involves technology (and it very well does), then personalization in learning will be at its core.

Emerging Trends in Learning Technology

The market for learning technology is experiencing significant growth, driven by several key factors:

Increased Demand for Online Learning: The global demand for online learning platforms is rising, especially in communities that have moved online, such as regions in the developing world, and industries that are leveraging technology to transform traditional practices. Shift in Industry Attitude: Companies like Flexport are transforming paper-based industries into tech-enabled ones, demonstrating a trend towards leveraging technology to improve operations. Similarly, schools are increasingly recognizing the value that technology can bring to the education sector. Resistance from Holdouts: While some institutions, such as the American Bar Association, remain resistant to online learning, the overall demand for learning technology continues to expand.

This shift is also fueled by companies moving their training budgets towards technology tools, rather than live human instructors or paper-based materials. On average, companies spend around $1000 per employee on training annually, with the majority of that spent on travel and instructor compensation. It is much more efficient to manage and track training efficacy when leveraging software, which can significantly reinforce learning.

Mobile Usage and Personalized Learning

While it may seem that the transition from desktop web to mobile web is complete, the benefits of using mobile devices for learning should not be underestimated. The always-available nature of mobile phones makes them ideal for personalized learning, as the learner can engage with material at the optimal time to prevent forgetting. According to industry research, such as the Annual Reports from Ofcom, consumers strongly prefer using phones for most of their internet-related activities, provided the software is well-designed. This preference aligns with the principles of personalized learning, making mobile explicitly the future of learning technology.

The adoption of mobile-centric learning technology is already advanced in sectors like marketing and sales, where technology plays a crucial role. As this trend continues to spread into the training and education sectors, we can expect to see an even greater investment in software and technology to support personalized learning.

Conclusion

As technology continues to play a central role in education and training, the focus on personalized learning will become a fundamental aspect of effective learning strategies. The benefits of leveraging technology for training and education are clear: better engagement, more efficient tracking of learning efficacy, and the ability to reinforce learning consistently and effectively. As the shift towards technology and personalization in learning becomes more comprehensive, we can anticipate a future where personalized technology is not just a feature but a necessity in the educational and training landscape.