How can you design scalable digital learning that accommodates future growth?

Start by thinking about the goals of your program, define these and build out a learner journey from here. Try and keep the content that facilitates the learner journey modular (bite-sized and easy to consume). Create an evaluation piece that looks at changes in behaviour after learning and utilize the feedback to influence future direction of the program created. If this is added to an agile review/development cycle, than this allows for the content that is working to be retained for use, and the content that is in need of improvement to be evolved over time.

One thing I have found very helpul is the ease of creating the right content after defining smart learning outcomes based on learner's needs and gaps. I ensure to scaffold so as not to overwhelm the learners.

Definitely a great starting point. Defining your objectives is key to gaining buy-in from stakeholders and leadership. Think " What will the participant be able to accomplish after completing this learning activity" and develop your LO's from there.

The first step is to align the objectives with user needs, in addition to considering expectations and having a clear understanding of the user's profile, culture, and resources. It is also important to establish that each piece of content should currently be sustainable, flexible, and measurable, as changes are constant, and their update times should be very short. Something important to consider is that these will be part of a program or plan, not just isolated content. They should add value to the comprehensive learning strategy.

While speaking to one of my clients recenytly, I had to emphasize the need for the right content format. The need to jump of trends should be carefully considered so as not to end up with the wrong choice. It is absolutely crucial to focus on several factors such as learner's outcome, preferences, needs & digital confidence.

In my opinion, it is important to consider that at some point, we may have a single platform, or at least ensure that it has the capability to integrate or manage all the resources, as well as the information generated within each of them. Let's remember that our users are at the center, meaning we should strive to be clear and simple when communicating where and when they should carry out their enablement, as well as its purpose.

One of the most effective steps we've used in the assessment process is allowing opportunities for learner reflection. Often, early in the training or course, we create microlearning opportunities to model growth mindset and how to use meta cognition to reflect and improve. Then, we provide scaffolded opportunities for learners to reflect and evaluate their own learning successes. Learners of all levels really love the process once they get comfortable with it.

Absolutely! Be mindful not to leave out any of the stakeholders. For instance, designing a learning intervention for behavioural change for young people in a school requires engagement with the students, their teachers, pastoral personel, parents, etc for valuable insights.

There is no doubt that once we have connected each of the steps, we can ensure that we have a comprehensive strategy aimed at the same goal, and that each part can be measured and improved within the process.

Future growth also includes staying up to date. Separate evergreen modules from those that can become obsolete (e.g. legal requirements, versioned platforms, best practices that are updated regularly). That way it is easier to stay up-to-date by replacing the time-stamped modules, with minimum effort and no risk of dating evergreen content.

The manner in which you deliver the learning can play an important role here. You could design the learning to be a "choose your own adventure" style where students make decisions in the learning that determines the "path" This type of branching is great for adding new modules and topics as time goes on; they just become additional choices for the learner. So, as the course grows, it can adapt as needed.