A thriving learning ecosystem is essential to fostering the ideal learning experience. Think about how ecosystems in nature all contain elements that build on each other. They thrive under the right conditions and decline when any of those elements falter. The same is true with learning. A learning ecosystem encompasses the tools, resources, people and technology used to support development. For example, it may include formal training, peer and social learning, curated content, video, self-paced learning, external resources and more.

In a learning ecosystem, expertise, assets and technology are combined in support of the enterprise goals. The intent is to ensure that each element (content library, videos, eLearning, manager conversations, etc.) compliments the other in order to fully benefit learners.

Benefits of a Learning Ecosystem

One driving force of a learning ecosystem is that it adds agility and contributes to efficiency. Employees can develop the requisite skills because they are able to access solutions when needed without the constraints of formal training.

Within a well-executed learning ecosystem, essential information is often available in the worker’s moment of need so their workflow is not disrupted by having to search for courses. Furthermore, the learning experience is not dependent on the aptitude of an instructor or other training events.

The learning solutions in a learning ecosystem are varied and often include a blend of informal and formal elements and may extend to mentoring relationships, the internet, subject matter experts, friends and other factors outside the company. Ideally, the learning ecosystem is set up with the technology to support learning in the flow of work. However, even without this, employees will seek solutions in real-time from peers. With planning from learning and development (L&D), these co-workers will be well-informed and peer learning won’t perpetuate bad habits.

Characteristics That Define a Learning Ecosystem

A healthy learning ecosystem requires all parts in order to thrive. If just one of them is missing or lacking, like the aforementioned peer knowledge, then the system is thrown off balance.  For instance, peer learning can exacerbate quality issues due to shortcuts or “quick fixes” that seasoned employees teach new hires. Despite the fact that robust, quality eLearning exists, these in-the-moment answers can hinder performance down the line.

The learning experience is built on interactivity and codependence. Alone, the tools and technologies used won’t fully suffice, but when you combine them, they thrive, and the entire learning process is improved. For example, an organization could correct the effects of ill-formed habit sharing selecting peer mentors who are vetted as exemplar employees with an aptitude to share best practices. The peer mentors are then paired with new hires and encouraged to reinforce the existing resources, job aids, procedures and videos. As a result, the learning ecosystem is rebalanced.

The goal of each element is to add value to the whole learning system in a symbiotic relationship. Let’s take a closer look at each of these characteristics in more detail to see what defines a learning ecosystem.

Highly Adaptable

We live in a world where entire industries change overnight but L&D can meet this challenge head on. A learning ecosystem can contain core resources to meet the change (e.g., an always up-to-date third-party content aggregator) or it could contain resources that are quickly created to meet this need. For example, through providing virtual training and communities of practice, L&D could create a more flexible learning environment that adapts to changing business requirements.

Formal training in itself is not enough to meet this demand. That’s where considering all the possible assets within the learning ecosystem comes into play. The elements used for learning today could become obsolete in a year. But by leveraging a variety of tools to boost the effectiveness of the entire ecosystem, one can create enough flexibility to evolve with the changing times.

Centered on the Learner

A key aspect of an effective learning ecosystem is that it is learner-centric. This means creating an experience that caters to learners and is easily accessible.  Certain elements may be focused on the content and formal learning while others are social and focused on informal learning, the commonality is that they work to achieve the same goal.

Look at how social media platforms like LinkedIn combine social interactions and knowledge sharing with curated content. This is the template for a thriving learning ecosystem. Organizations can mimic this balance by combining content created by L&D with certain social mechanisms. This allows for users to generate content based on their learning areas.

Reached in their Moment of Need

In the modern learning environment, workers need their learning experiences to align with their job. This ensures that they have access to the right information in their moment of need. The key is to provide a delivery system that does not disrupt their job process.

Single sign-on (SSO) and platform integration become essential. This is an area where many organizations falter. They either don’t focus on the moment of need, or they deliver this information in a highly disruptive manner. Both contribute to lower efficiency. L&D can find unique ways of delivering information seamlessly into the job process. Getting this right reduces costly mistakes and boosts performance.

Includes Technology

Employees have moved beyond formal training or facilitated sessions. They want content that can be accessed on their terms. A thriving learning ecosystem is powered by utilizing technology that allows learners to access a variety of lessons and information from anywhere. Mobile apps, simulations, eLearning, curated learning paths, content aggregators, social enterprise collaboration tools, learning experience platforms (LXPs) and learning management systems (LMSs) are all technologies that foster self-paced learning within an interconnected learning ecosystem. Ideally the platforms support integration with each other.

Uses Data Analytics

While technology is a critical element, an often-overlooked piece of the system is data tracking. Ideally, the platform provides useful insights and data to drive better decision making. For example, smart tracking can reveal how employees are interacting with the content and even basic usage data can be useful to improving the ecosystem.

A learning ecosystem is omnipresent and ever-encompassing, and should be harmonious for an organization to thrive. Like an orchestra, if just one element is slightly out of tune, it can throw off the entire production. Careful planning gets it started, but it’s essential that the system be monitored and adapted to changes in the way people learn. Creating a learning ecosystem isn’t a one-and-done process. It’s a living, breathing system that must be nurtured long term.