Do you feel caught between instructional designers trying to use best practices and corporate executives demanding better and better ROIs?

The evolution of digital technology has created a new world of learning and, as a result, the expectations and needs of today's learners has changed. Only by understanding the needs of modern learners will you be able to help them succeed. Here are five things you need to know about the modern learner:

Management and leadership in online learning require a careful balance to project manage three variables to achieve a successful outcome: time, scope, and cost. But is that enough? Absolutely not, and history is the best teacher. Famous brands like Kodak, Nokia, and Blockbuster allow you to easily be the armchair quarterback and point out that they all failed in evolving with changing market trends.

Technology has drastically changed the way we learn and how we receive information, yet many learning programs have not adapted. By aligning with the needs of the modern learner and adjusting your approach, you will be better suited to offer courses that facilitate lifelong learning, drive higher user engagement, and yield better results for both your learners AND your organization.

With so many ads offering to make you an online millionaire in 60 days (no experience required, of course), it’s no wonder certifications get a bad rap. You can almost hear skeptics’ thoughts: what does a test prove anyways? But they’re wrong.

While modernized learning strategies are frequently discussed, they fall by the wayside too often and are all for nothing if we fail to properly integrate them into our learning programs. Tools like social learning, push notifications, and digital badging are top of mind for effective learning engagement, but are they being applied effectively?