Episode description

Professionals tasked with developing and implementing learning modules for organizations face many challenges and opportunities. The design of the course and learning experience make all the difference in changing behaviors. Talking about this topic, Voices of eLearning host JW Marshall spoke with Dr. Britt Andreatta, CEO of 7th Mind.

Dr. Andreatta is a thought leader in the space. She began her career in higher ed at the University of California Santa Barbara, working on student success programs. She then moved on to the Chief Learning Officer at Lynda. From those experiences, she authored three books on brain science and how it impacts learning. She then started 7th Mind as a consultant and offers a trainer certification program.

Dr. Andreatta first shared the biggest evolutions in online learning. “Access is one part; there are no more gatekeepers. We’ve democratized learning. There are also lots of platforms and types. For learning professionals, making the right choice on tech to support learning design and the journey for the learner is critical,” she said.

That’s because people are biologically driven to learn, but too much complexity can derail efforts. The pandemic took online learning to a new level. “There has been a breakthrough moment, but just because you do it online, doesn’t mean it makes sense. Blended learning is having the right tools at the right time,” Dr. Andreatta commented.

What eLearning professionals need to start with is how to turn learning moments into memory and drive behavior change. It’s not a one size fits all model. They have to choose the best tools and types of learning for the behavior change. “Learning designers need to be clear about what metric they’re trying to move and what behavior drives it. Those are the two ends of the bridge, and they have to build the stepping stones.”