Here’s the truth: a single training session is not enough to create an impactful learning experience for your learners. Instead, creating a holistic environment with learning ecosystem design will help them stay engaged and supplement their lessons in the long term. Let’s explore how learning ecosystem design can help and how you can implement it effectively for your learners. 

What is Learning Ecosystem Design? 

According to Kolb, learning is not a one-time event but rather an ongoing process (Kolb, 1984). This idea is at the heart of learning ecosystem design. Instead of focusing on individual sessions, this approach integrates diverse resources, tools, and experiences into a cohesive framework to support continuous learning. 

A well-designed ecosystem offers: 

• Continuous Support: Learners can access resources as needed, not only during scheduled training. 

• Customisation: Tailored content ensures relevance and enhances motivation. 

• Scalability: As your organisation evolves, your learning ecosystem adapts and scales with it.

Building Your Learning Ecosystem 

Don’t let the term ‘ecosystem’ intimidate you. Building one is like putting together a puzzle – you just need the right pieces and a clear picture of what you’re creating.  

Here’s your roadmap: 

1. Understand Your Learners
    Dive deep into your learners’ world through surveys, interviews, and focus groups. What makes them tick? What tools do they love? What learning styles light them up? Determine the tools they currently use and the formats that resonate with them. 
2. Map the Journey
   Identify key stages in your learners’ journey, such as onboarding, skill development, or advanced mastery. Tailor resources to these stages to create a seamless experience. 
3. Leverage Technology
   Use platforms like an Learning Management Systems (LMS) to deliver and track learning. Integrate collaborative tools, such as Microsoft Teams or Slack, and curate microlearning content for just-in-time learning. 
4. Blend Formal and Informal Learning
   Strike the perfect balance between structured courses and organic learning opportunities. Think peer coaching sessions, lively discussion forums, and a treasure trove of self-serve resources – from podcasts to video tutorials. 
5. Track and Tweak
   Let the data be your guide. Monitor engagement metrics, track skill applications, and use these insights to continuously evolve your ecosystem. Remember: the best learning environments are never truly finished—they’re always improving.

Insider Tips: Making Your Learning Ecosystem Thrive 

1. Start Small
   Don’t try to boil the ocean on day one. Pick a specific audience or need, nail it, then expand. It’s not just easier – it’s smarter. 
2. Prioritise Accessibility
   Make WCAG-compliance your baseline, so that all learners can benefit, regardless of their abilities. 
3. Spark the Power of Community
   Foster communities of practice where learners can share insights, ask questions, and solve problems together. 
4. Stay Sharp, Stay Relevant
   Keep content fresh by regularly updating your resources to reflect any changes to work processes, as well as the latest trends and tools in your industry. 
5. Promote Self-Directed Learning
   Equip learners with the skills to identify their own development needs and explore resources independently. Give your learners the tools and confidence to chart their learning journey. The best ecosystems don’t just provide resources – they cultivate self-reliant learners. 

Conclusion 

Ready to leave one-and-done training in the dust? Building a learning ecosystem isn’t just about creating a better training program – it’s about fostering an environment where growth becomes second nature. The beauty of this approach? You can start small, learn as you go, and watch your ecosystem bloom into something remarkable. Your learners are ready for this evolution. Are you?  

References 

• Kolb, D. A. (1984). Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development. Prentice Hall. 

• “2019 Instructional Design Trends and Learning Trends: The Ecosystem Evolves.” (2019). eLearning Industry.