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This week on the podcast we’re joined by Vanessa Alzate, founder and CEO of Anchored Training and President and Owner of Kirkpatrick Partners to discuss how TikTok and social media in general has changed the way learners embrace content and how to make your training programs more easily digestible and accessible for the new way folks are taking in information.

The Changing Landscape of L&D

The rise of social media platforms like TikTok has completely transformed how we consume and engage with content. Attention spans are shorter than ever, and learners want bite-sized, visually appealing, and super engaging content. This shift has shaken up the world of learning and development, challenging traditional training methods and making us rethink how we deliver knowledge and skills.

Endless PowerPoint presentations and hour-long lectures don’t really hit the mark these days. Today’s learners crave concise, valuable, and entertaining content that respects their time and grabs their interest right away. Short-form videos, interactive quizzes, and gamified learning experiences are now the norm, thanks to the influence of platforms like TikTok where content is quick and engaging.

Social media’s success has also shown us the power of creating content that resonates emotionally and builds a sense of community. Learners don’t want to just sit back and absorb information; they want to actively engage, share their views, and connect with like-minded people. Training programs that don’t tap into this desire for connection and collaboration risk becoming outdated compared to more engaging alternatives.

Understanding Gen Z Learners

One thing about Gen Z learners is their need for purpose and meaning in their work. They want to know the “why” behind what they’re doing and how it contributes to a bigger goal. Training programs that don’t provide this context might struggle to keep them engaged.

To tailor training for Gen Z, it’s crucial to break down complex topics into manageable chunks and use multimedia elements like videos, animations, and interactive activities. Gamification and scenario-based learning can also capture their attention and make the learning experience more engaging.

Gen Z values authenticity and transparency too. They appreciate open communication and opportunities for feedback and collaboration. Including social learning elements, like discussion forums or peer-to-peer learning activities, can create a sense of community and encourage knowledge sharing among this group.

By understanding what makes Gen Z tick, L&D professionals can create training programs that really resonate with this emerging workforce, helping them gain the skills and knowledge they need while keeping them engaged and motivated throughout the learning process.

Developing Bite-Sized Training Content

In our fast-paced world, attention spans are shorter than ever, and learners want content that’s concise, engaging, and easy to digest. Vanessa emphasizes the importance of developing bite-sized training content that delivers value in a condensed format. This approach, known as microlearning, involves breaking down complex topics into smaller, manageable chunks.

Here are some best practices for creating short, valuable content:

1. Focus on Key Concepts: Identify the essential concepts or skills learners need to master and distill the content to its core elements. Skip the unnecessary details or tangents.
2. Use Multimedia: Incorporate various multimedia elements, like short videos, animations, infographics, and interactive quizzes, to enhance the learning experience and cater to different learning styles.
3. Embrace Storytelling: Craft compelling narratives or scenarios that resonate with learners and help them see the practical applications of the content. Storytelling makes abstract concepts more relatable and memorable.
4. Encourage Microlearning Moments: Design content that can be consumed in short bursts, like during commutes, breaks, or waiting times. This fits learning into busy schedules and reinforces material through spaced repetition.

Examples of effective microlearning include:

• Bite-Sized Video Tutorials: Short, focused videos (2-5 minutes) that demonstrate a specific task or concept, often paired with interactive elements or quizzes.
• Infographic Lessons: Visually appealing infographics that break down complex topics into easily digestible chunks, leveraging the power of visual learning.
• Gamified Quizzes: Interactive quizzes or games that test learners’ knowledge and provide immediate feedback, reinforcing the material through engaging challenges.
• Mobile Learning Apps: Apps that deliver bite-sized content directly to learners’ smartphones or tablets, allowing for on-the-go learning.

By embracing microlearning and developing bite-sized training content, Vanessa and Anchored Training are giving learners the tools they need to gain knowledge and skills in a way that suits their preferences and lifestyles.

Using Mobile Devices for Training

In the age of TikTok and social media, mobile devices are essential for creating engaging and accessible training content. With their advanced cameras and user-friendly interfaces, smartphones and tablets offer a convenient and cost-effective way to produce high-quality video content on the go.

Benefits of Using Cell Phones for Filming:

1. Accessibility: Almost everyone has a smartphone, making it easy to capture training moments or create instructional videos without expensive equipment.
2. Portability: Mobile devices are lightweight and compact, allowing you to film in various locations and settings for a more immersive and authentic learning experience.
3. Cost-effective: Using a smartphone for filming and basic editing can significantly reduce production costs, making it a budget-friendly option for small businesses or individual trainers.
4. Familiarity: Most people are already comfortable using their smartphones for videos, making the process of creating training content less intimidating and more approachable.

By harnessing the power of mobile devices and following these tips, you can create professional-looking training videos that connect with your audience and deliver valuable content in a format that suits their preferences and habits.

Integrating Marketing Principles

Successful training initiatives often borrow marketing strategies to boost engagement, promotion, and overall impact. By using tactics from the marketing world, L&D professionals can create a more compelling and memorable experience for their audience.

Applying branding principles to training programs can also help establish a consistent and recognizable identity. This not only enhances memorability but also fosters a sense of community and belonging among participants. Consistent branding across course materials, virtual environments, and communication channels can reinforce key messages and create a cohesive learning experience.

Successful marketing campaigns often use storytelling to capture the audience’s attention and create an emotional connection. L&D professionals can do the same by weaving narratives into their training content, making it more relatable and engaging for learners. Real-life examples, case studies, and interactive scenarios can bring concepts to life and make them easier to remember and apply.

Finally, marketing strategies stress the importance of understanding the target audience’s needs, preferences, and behaviors. By conducting thorough learner analysis and gathering feedback, L&D pros can tailor their training offerings to resonate with their audience, boosting the chances of successful knowledge transfer and skill development.

Future Trends in L&D

One of the biggest trends in L&D is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. These technologies can personalize learning experiences, provide real-time feedback, and adapt content based on individual learners’ needs. AI-powered virtual assistants and chatbots can also offer on-demand support and guidance, enhancing the overall learning experience.

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are also making waves in the L&D space. These immersive technologies can create engaging and interactive training scenarios, simulating real-world situations in a safe and controlled environment. From practicing soft skills to experiencing hazardous environments, AR and VR offer endless possibilities for experiential learning.

Another trend is the use of learning analytics and data-driven insights. By leveraging data from learning management systems, performance data, and user interactions, organizations can gain valuable insights into learner behavior, content effectiveness, and skill gaps. This data-driven approach can inform decision-making, optimize training programs, and demonstrate the impact of L&D initiatives on business outcomes.

Finally, the shift towards social and collaborative learning continues to gain momentum. Peer-to-peer learning platforms, online communities, and user-generated content enable learners to share knowledge, collaborate, and learn from one another. This collaborative approach not only enhances engagement but also promotes a culture of continuous learning and development within organizations.

By staying ahead of these trends and incorporating new technologies and approaches, L&D professionals can create training programs that meet the evolving needs of today’s workforce and drive meaningful business results.