Now that we have started a new year I would like to give you a list of topics I think we will be discussing in training and learning in 2011.

Some of the areas we have discussed earlier will still be just as important in 2011:

• Time-to-knowledge
  Still one of the most important issues for the training department.
• Internal content production
  Related to time-to-knowledge. How do we convert internal knowledge to a format that can be used for teaching others?
• LMS integration
  How do we get our existing LMS fully integrated with our other ERP modules like HCM, Order Management, Finance, Payroll etc.

Some areas have been discussed before, but we’ll focus more on these in 2011:

• Combining internal and external training
  A majority of training departments use a combination of external and internal training. Having the right mix is vital for the quality and efficiency for most training organizations.
• Certification
  More rules and regulations means managing all employee certifications is more important than ever.

Evolving trends in 2011:

• Social Learning
  We have been talking about this for a long time, but 2011 will be the year where we will start using it for real (OK, I also said so last year – but this year I’m right…).
• Real-life use of SCORM 2004
  Again a topic we have talked about for a long time, but we are now actually starting to use it to give learners a better e-learning experience.
• How do we engage and delight the learner?
  e-learning makes economical sense, it can be easy to understand, it is convenient – but how do we make it more engaging and delight our learners?
• How to include more types of training in LMS
  One of the main focus area of 2011 will be how to manage and measure mobile learning , on-the-job-training and other forms of training in the LMS.
• Mobile Learning
  With the ever growing use of smart phones mobile learning will be THE hot topic of 2011 in the training world.

New topics we will begin discussing in 2011:

• What is beyond web 2.0 and social learning?
  - could it be content verification and personal accreditation?
• Why gaming will not be the silver bullet for all types of e-learning
  Many people believe gaming can be used for any kind of training, but the creation is too expensive and time consuming for most applications.

Do you agree with these predictions? What are your own predictions? Let me see your comments!

(photo: © Marti, photoxpress.com)