Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2024 - 28

learners and administrators, integrates
seamlessly with existing systems and
data sources, is scalable and futurefocused
and has the potential to produce
a strong return on investment. Keep in
mind that the most costly or popular
solution isn't always the best.
■ Research and evaluate technology
options: Don't rely solely on vendorprovided
information. Conduct thorough
research, compare different platforms and
consult independent reviews. Look for
objective data on features, functionalities,
implementation
costs
and
support
options. Industry reports, research papers
and user forums can offer valuable
insights to help avoid common pitfalls.
■ Prioritize value over features: Feature
checklists can be enticing, but features
don't equal value. Focus on solutions
that offer a clear connection between
features and the defined goals identified
in the needs assessment. Request data
and case studies: Ask vendors for
evidence of their technology's impact
on similar organizations.
■ Focus on the user experience: Make
learning effortless, the best learning
technology is useless if it's clunky, confusing
or unintuitive. Look for technology
with user-friendly interfaces, intuitive
navigation and easy-to-access content.
Choose technology that seamlessly
integrates into the employee workflows
and doesn't add complexity.
■ Consider scalability and integration:
Think beyond immediate needs and
choose a technology that can grow with
the organization and seamlessly integrate
with existing talent platforms and learning
systems and tools. Avoid siloed solutions
that create data islands and impede datadriven
decision making.
Beyond Implementation:
Charting a Course for
Long-Term Success
Technology acquisition is just the first
step. To ensure lasting value, focus on
successful implementation and longterm
utilization through these key
considerations:
■ Change management: Prepare
learners and stakeholders for the
new technology through proper
training and communication. Address
concerns early on and enable early
adopters and champions to foster a
culture of adoption.
■ Data utilization: Leverage data
generated through the platform to
measure learning outcomes, identify
trends and make data-driven decisions
about content, program effectiveness
and broader organizational impact.
■ Continuous improvement: Regularly
evaluate the effectiveness of learning
technology
solutions.
Don't
be
afraid to adapt the solutions, try new
technologies and continuously seek
improvements based on data and
feedback. Technology is constantly
evolving, so embrace a growth mindset
and be open to experimentation.
Final Word
Cutting through the learning technology
clutter and finding the value-added
technology solution requires a strategic
approach. Focus on clear requirements,
conduct thorough research, prioritize
value over features, and embrace a
data-driven, human-centered approach.
By investing time and effort in cutting
through the clutter, L&D professionals can
ensure that technology investments truly
add value and pave the way for a future
of learning that is effective, engaging and
delivers measurable results.
Elizabeth Greene is the senior director
of global learning and development
at Lam Research, with over 20 years
of experience in reinventing corporate
learning strategies. Email Elizabeth.
The Vendor Assessment Worksheet: A Tool for Informed Decisions
Not all learning technologies are created equal! To streamline the evaluation process, consider using a vendor assessment
worksheet to systematically compare different solutions based on a specific set of criteria.
Criteria
Vendor 1
Alignment with L&D need/goal
Features and functionality
Integration and compatibility
User interface and experience
Implementation and support
Pricing and licensing model
Data and reporting capabilities
Case studies and references
Scalability and future-proofness
Overall value proposition
28
Vendor 2
Vendor 3
Ratings:
* Use a scoring system (e.g., 1-5)
to rate each vendor's
performance on each item.
* Weight the criteria based on their
importance to specific needs.
* Include additional rows for
features and services relevant to
organizational context.
* Strong fit (5 stars):
This solution directly addresses
needs and offers excellent value.
* Consider further (3 stars):
This solution has potential but
needs further evaluation.
* Not a good fit (1 star):
This solution does not meet the need.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethkgreene/

Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2024