F03 Panel Discussion: Learning Platforms in the Performance Ecosystem
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM Wednesday, March 28
Salon 7
For decades, there was only one dominant learning platform that most training departments used: the learning management system (LMS). However, in recent years the learning platforms landscape has expanded. Not only have LMSs evolved over time, but additional platforms—such as ESNs, LRSs, intranet portals, and EPSSs—are also growing in functionality and popularity for learning and performance. This makes an organization’s decision on learning platforms much more complex, as it’s no longer a discussion of which platform, but which suite of platforms will meet an organization’s needs.
This panel discussion will explore how these platforms compete, coexist, and work to serve the diverse needs of today’s workforce. The panel’s experts will examine technology-driven performance ecosystems, and how workers leverage multiple systems to get their work done and get ahead. Join the conversation as they make sense of current systems, explore what’s coming next, and examine how different platforms complement and compete with one another.
In this session, you will learn:
- What technologies exist in the growing landscape of learning platforms
- What unique functionality is available from different systems
- What questions you’ll want to answer when evaluating which learning platforms are best for your organization
- Tips on how to build a suite of platforms to suit your needs
- What functionality is emerging in future learning platforms
Audience:
Novice to advanced designers, developers, project managers, managers, directors, and senior leaders (VP, CLO, executive, etc.).
Technology discussed in this session:
LMS, ESN, LRS, intranet portal, and EPSS.
Mark Britz (Host)
Sr. Manager, Programming
The eLearning Guild
Mark is the senior manager of onsite learning events at The eLearning Guild. Prior to joining The eLearning Guild, he had worked over 15 years designing and managing learning solutions with organizations such as Smartforce, Pearson Digital Learning, the SUNY Research Foundation, and Aspen Dental Management. His work and writing have been highlighted in the books Revolutionize Learning and Development: Performance and Innovation Strategy for the Information Age and The Social Learning Handbook. Additionally he is a Service Partner for the 702010 Institute where he works to advance organizational learning strategies. Mark regularly presents and writes on his blog, The Simple Shift about the use of social media for learning, collaborative networks, and organizational design.
Steve Foreman
President
InfoMedia Designs
Steve Foreman is the president of InfoMedia Designs, a provider of eLearning infrastructure consulting services and technology solutions to Fortune 500 companies, academic institutions, and government agencies. Since establishing his consulting practice in 1983, Steve has worked with forward-looking companies to find new and effective ways to apply computer technology to support human performance. His work includes enterprise learning strategy, LMS selection and implementation, learning-technology architecture and integration, expert-knowledge harvesting, knowledge management, and innovative performance-support solutions that blend working and learning. Steve is the author of The LMS Guidebook.
Megan Torrance
CEO
TorranceLearning
Megan Torrance is the CEO and founder of TorranceLearning, which helps organizations connect learning strategy to design, development, data, and ultimately performance. She has over 25 years of experience in learning design, deployment, and consulting. TorranceLearning projects have won IELA and Brandon Hall (2012, 2014, 2016) awards, the 2014 xAPI Hyperdrive contest at DevLearn, and back-to-back eLearning Guild DemoFest Best in Show awards (2016, 2017). Megan is the author of The Quick Guide to LLAMA, Agile and LLAMA for ISD Project Management, and Making Sense of xAPI. She is a graduate of Cornell University with a degree in communication and an MBA.
Stan Jeffress
Sr. Learning Consultant
Pokeshot
Stan Jeffress is a senior learning consultant at Pokeshot. With more than 15 years’ experience in the learning and development field, Stan has worked in various roles such as LMS administrator, project manager, consultant, and instructor. He also used this experience to work as a freelancer before joining Pokeshot. Stan’s role includes assisting clients with social learning strategy development, managing SmarterPath integrations, providing sales support, and contributing to product innovation.
