Is Just-in-Time Learning a Temporary Phenomenon? | Omni HR Consulting

Is Just-in-Time Learning a Temporary Phenomenon?

One could argue that Just-in-Time Learning is what is needed in our country (and the world) right now [...] due to COVID-19 and social-distancing norms.

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Having to learn new things can often be a daunting task. In the workplace, employees often do not have the time to get to grips with new concepts and ideas in training sessions in addition to meeting deadlines and working effectively. The added pressure on employees could create negative environments in which to work.

Just-in-Time Learning addresses this problem by making information easily accessible in bite-size chunks that can be disseminated and interacted with minimal effort, and as such, it's convenience cannot be denied. The application of this approach is done most often through the internet and by the use of computers and mobile devices. It is for this reason, that the rise to this approach is more evident as we experience the unprecedented situation that COVID-19 brings – with so many employees working from home.

Dynamic in nature, Just-in-Time Learning, bypasses many of the restrictions in which we currently find ourselves. We have no concrete idea as to when the pandemic will be over, or restrictions lifted. Societal action and interaction have increased the possibility for new epidemics (and pandemics) and therefore it is of great necessity that we have options that bypass the need for physical interaction in the business world, but not simply as a temporary measure. It needs to be a permanent fixture.

We have outlined the benefits to Just-in-Time learning, and in many ways, this approach exhibits success greater than systems before the COVID-19 crisis. We have learned that business can, contrary to popular belief, operate despite not having its employees in-office. It is likely that Just-in-Time Learning will continue long into the future.

Will Just-in-Time Learning be a sustainable learning practice?  One could argue that Just-in-Time Learning is what is needed in our country (and the world) right now and due to COVID-19 and social-distancing norms; regular face-to-face classroom interventions are unable to occur. One could further argue that due to the pandemic, individuals and organisations have needed to find ‘creative’ ways to ensure that skills are enhanced when and where it is needed. The reality though: COVID-19 and the pandemic have undoubtedly impacted all of us, especially learning practitioners. In saying so, Practitioners need to adapt to a new way of doing things, as returning to regular classroom (face-to-face) delivery may not be enough! Our world, society and communities have changed. Learners have changed. Organisations have changed. Our need for information and learning consumption too has changed.

Just-in-Time Learning will be sustainable as one has to consider who is sitting in the driving seat of the learning intervention. If a learner (or end-user) takes charge of their own learning, decides where, when and how they want to learn; acquiring skills on-demand meets the need and in part defines the concept of Just-in-Time Learning.

Omni HR Consulting has developed a full-service e-Learning platform called OmniStack, which is specifically designed to meet the changing environment and evolving development needs of individuals who are wanting to enhance their careers through a development pathway.

Not only does Omni Stack allow for on-demand learning but encourages individuals to “stack” their development, leading to progression linked to a specific career or industry.  The need for exponential transformation within the learning space is now! We need to evaluate and rethink our approach to learning and skills acquisition.

Get in touch with Omni HR Consulting, should you wish to discuss opportunities to help you or your organisation move to a digital way of learning.

Contributor: Greg Beyer
Researcher at Omni Academy for Education, Training and Development


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