Innovator Interview: What is Missing from eLearning & LMS?

The world of e-learning is rapidly changing as organizations find better ways to deliver online content to their employees.  In today's interview, Jeff Miller of Cornerstone OnDemand shares how e-learning can be brought to the next level.  To hear more from Jeff, please see the first part of this interview.

This article is one of four posts showcasing the speakers of L.A. Learn Tech 2015.  (Here is the first interview on cmi5, and second interview on e-learning trends.)  Check out the conference sessions and register now!  

Q: What drives your passion for Learning and Development?

A: I guess I am a teacher at heart. I think that what gets me up every morning is trying to create this mythical learning culture. People talk about creating this type of culture but it seems hard to wrap your arms around.

We are all natural active learners with different and varying motivations. How can a truly global learning culture be created?

My belief is that without good people, great companies die. It is the responsibility of people in L&D to give people opportunities to learn, and try to make it relevant to who they are, relative to role, geographical need, generational identity, etc.

Q: What is one key element that is missing from most e-learning courses?

A: Most is a tough word. I don’t want to call anyone out but I think what is missing is variability. People go to TED or Kahn Academy because they are different. Both are technically elearning. It seems like many elearning course developers maintain a model of training that can lose its appeal. But honestly, a lot of training doesn’t have to be engaging and fun…it has to result in learning, measured by change in knowledge, attitude or behavior. Call them competencies or whatever…

Q: Some companies feel that e-learning will never deliver the same quality of learning as the instructor-led experience.  What do you think?

A: Quality is a tough word. It really depends on what you are trying to achieve. Elearning is phenomenal for many things but it is changing. I think we are currently unveiling elearning that is collaborative and in a style that will intrigue most people. People could debate the merits of one or the other.

Content that isn’t engaging or interactive - I don’t think it matters if it is elearning or in a classroom. Quality means people are able to function differently as a result of the experience. Usually we can think of this as a knowledge change, attitudinal change or a behavioral change.

Q: What future trends do you anticipate in the e-learning industry?

A: Mobile, mobile, mobile. Shorter chunks and predictive analytics will change organizational learning. As a professor, I used Blackboard and it is a good tool for grading and sending communication. We are introducing social and collaborative learning. This is different. You can run facilitator-led cohorts - drop elearning modules, videos and have live conversations going. Uploading video content to share in learning communities - we are in that space now as well. I know that when I need to do something around the house, I go to YouTube and watch a video on DIY. Why shouldn’t employees have that?

Q: Do you feel the design of a learning management system impacts the user’s ability to learn?  If so, in what ways?

A: Given the company I work for, it could easily sound disingenuous to say yes. But yes, I do feel the design impact the ability to learn. What I like about our system (and we offer much more than just an LMS) is that there are literally tens of thousands of ways to customize the system. Clients build the system (with help) that meets their needs. So I would actually expand that answer. What I like about our system is we promote “unified talent management.” What this means is that clients can purchase different functionality and have it in synch.

We sell recruiting clouds, performance clouds, and onboarding clouds, and connect clouds as a part of the total suite. Each cloud does something different, but when someone’s onboarding is connected with all other areas of their work life, and when performance reviews link to courses people can take…then you are getting to real power of a LMS. It isn’t a standalone thing anymore. Our world of work is deeply interconnected. We acquired a machine learning company last year to leverage the power of predictive analytics.

Imagine when, like Netflix or Amazon, learning courses are recommended to you because the system knows your preferences. I may think I know what I want to read next, but sometimes the computer tells me what I should consider, and a new world of possibility opens.

Q: Let’s say a customer wants to move to a cloud-based enterprise solution, but s/he is concerned about the security of associated data.  What would you say to them?

A: Aren’t we all concerned about data - on Facebook, LinkedIn, what is on our phones? If someone is concerned about their data's safety, check the level of ISO clearance to ensure data is protected. Ask the questions that are keeping you up at night so you feel comfortable. Our certifications indicate we are as secure as a tech company can be and we have resources to ensure it stays that way.

Q: What is one piece of advice you would give to someone selecting an LMS?

A: Think bigger and think broader. We don’t live in a world anymore where we can afford to think myopically. The work experience is interrelated and employees don’t necessarily want just programs, they want experiences. This millennial generation is showing us they want control of their learning. They want to move up in the food chain and they want support. Look at learning through the lens of a broader impact. Learning is the center of the experience but if people can leverage the totality of the work experience to drive that learning… that is power.

Big thanks to Jeff Miller for this week's Q&A!  Check out Jeff's employer, Cornerstone OnDemand.

Jeff will explain how to apply educational psychology to e-learning at L.A. Learn Tech 2015, hosted by ATD-Los Angeles on June 19th.  Check out Jeff's session description and register ASAP to reserve your seat.