Dive Brief:

• As more and more learning technology companies merge or acquire others, providers are starting to connect content and tech to create product lines that actually align with organizational learning goals, according to Chief Learning Officer.
• These changes reflect just how quickly the learning and development industry has transformed. More than ever, learners are seeking out technology they want to use rather than waiting for their CLOs to deliver something, Kate Everson writes.
• But instead of getting caught up and distracted by the "shiniest new object," CLOs need to examine their current infrastructure for weaknesses. Often, the tools at hand are built for a "we create and employees consume" culture that no longer exists, writes Everson.

Dive Insight:

With consumers now more willing to access the technology themselves, a corporate-based LMS may no longer suit learners' needs. To fill the gap, CLOs may want to look toward smaller, more agile solutions provided by both the larger companies and smaller startups and present several programs that fit together, Everson reports.

By using multiple products, it's harder to measure what works and what doesn't. But by paying attention to what individual employees ask for and tailoring response in kind, rather than presenting a "one size fits all" solution (as has been done in the past), companies have seen large jumps in engagement and alignment with their learning programs, CLO reports.