Agile means to move quickly and effortlessly. In today’s fast-paced world, this is precisely what one needs to do to stay at the top of your game, especially in the corporate world. Agile and flexible approaches are needed in almost everything you engage in, including learning and development in your organization. Agile learning has become paramount to success. 

 

What is agile learning? 

Agile learning comes from the idea of approaching software development iteratively. Corporations no longer have the time to finalize and approve each stage of development before moving on to the next. Agile learning implements content that is created quickly and easily digestible as the need arises.

 

So, agile learning means that you are “iterative” in the sense that you process a limited number of steps simultaneously, with continual feedback throughout. This process ultimately brings you closer to your end goal. This philosophy, originally used in software technology, is now applied to various industries. 

 

Agile learning, therefore, involves taking a continuous approach to learning. The project management processes of speed, flexibility, and collaboration have essentially been transferred to the world of learning. So agile learning also focuses on speed, flexibility, and collaboration.

 

And how does one achieve speed, flexibility, and collaboration in learning? In short, an approach that breaks the complex into smaller steps is required – thus, an iterative process. This approach involves continuous testing, refining, and improvement to get the desired outcome in your final result.

 

Tips for implementing agile learning:

 

1. Micro-learning

 

Agile learning embraces micro-learning. Micro-learning has short and achievable goals, which attract those living in the fast lane. Agile learning goes hand in hand with these short bursts of learning. Units can be completed quickly and feel less demanding, making them more attractive. Micro-learning sessions result in greater engagement too. And naturally, micro-learning sessions are also less time-consuming, not only for the learners but also for those who facilitate the learning and produce the micro-learning sessions. So, to implement agile learning, focus on short micro-learning units that set goals that can be achieved in the short run. Consult experts in the field to create these micro-learning units or make use of re-cycled learning material, provided that it is still relevant – in agile learning, content is often updated, repurposed, and reused in order to save time. 

 

2. Mobile agile learning

 

With the use of technology, agile learning is now easier than ever! With mobile devices like tablets and mobile phones, learning can take place anytime and anywhere. This enables learners to access their materials easily and to learn when they have a few moments that they want to use optimally. Through social streaming, your employees can also discuss content they’ve learned and support each other. So, make use of learning apps in the implementation of agile learning in your enterprise so that your workers can engage in convenient mobile learning.

 

3. Open Communication

 

For agile learning to take place, two-way communication is essential. The learning and development professionals must be in dialogue with both internal experts as well as with ordinary workers. In this way, employers can keep the learning and development team in the loop regarding changes in your company or industry, who in turn can make the necessary changes in the support and training they provide employees with.

 

Listen to your workforce and value what they have to say. Workers who are being listened to have a greater sense of appreciation. Moreover, your workforce will have valuable input about their day-to-day struggles, giving you clues as to their training and support needs. So, make sure that you keep communication channels open and accessible on all levels.

 

4. In-house Experts

 

Use experts in the field to facilitate agile learning in your enterprise. You may not have to look far – connecting with your colleagues can prove valuable in discovering a vast knowledge base and practical expertise on the specific issue that you want others in the department to be trained in. Again, open communication lines are vital: if you ensure that your enterprise has platforms where junior colleagues can consult seniors or experts in their field can share tips and give advice, you are opening the door to agile learning without incurring any costs. Moreover, through the help of subject matter experts, time that would have been spent on research is also saved.

 

In addition, those responsible for learning and development in your enterprise can consult with subject matter experts to create learning content based on the needs of your organization. Frequently asked questions can become micro-learning units. Apart from learning needs you may identify, remember to listen to your workforce to ascertain those needs! 

 

5. Continuous Learning 

 

Finally, foster continuous curiosity in your workforce. Thereby, learning can become continuous, which is precisely what is needed for agile learning. Agile learning is about continually learning new things in order to keep up with developments in your field. It allows for quick adaptations to market changes. This implies that you will have to keep up with the market and watch your competitors so that you can continually update learning content and stay at the top of your game.