Issue #4: The times they are a changing!
What are the evolving L&D roles we're seeing emerge and why are they growing in demand
Editors Foreword
Here’s a little welcome message to the fourth issue of LD MENA.
Featured Article - The Evolution of L&D Roles
Learning and Development (L&D) has seen some exciting changes in recent years. Gone are the days when L&D teams were primarily focused on instructional design and managing learning systems. Today, as organisations adapt to new technologies and evolving workforce needs, we’re witnessing the emergence of diverse roles that enhance learning initiatives in ways we never imagined. Let’s explore these new roles and how they’re making L&D more effective and engaging.
The Transformation of L&D Roles
Traditionally, L&D teams consisted of familiar roles like instructional designers, e-learning developers, LMS administrators, and L&D managers. These professionals were primarily focused on creating training content and overseeing learning systems. However, as the digital landscape has expanded, so has the scope of what L&D can achieve.
Exciting New Roles in L&D
Organisations now recognise the value of a diverse skill set within their L&D teams. Here are some of the emerging roles that are reshaping how learning happens:
Learning Business Partners: Think of these professionals as strategic allies who work closely with different business units. They help align learning initiatives with organisational goals, ensuring that training programs meet specific needs.
Learning Experience Designers: These creative minds focus on crafting engaging and user-centered learning experiences. By applying design thinking principles, they enhance learner engagement and retention in ways that resonate with today’s workforce.
Data Analysts: In our data-driven world, data analysts have become essential to evaluating the effectiveness of training programs. They dive into learner data to spot trends, measure outcomes, and provide insights that shape future strategies.
Content Curators: Instead of just producing content, modern L&D professionals are curating high-quality learning resources from various sources. This role emphasizes providing learners with relevant materials tailored to their needs.
Media Editors: As multimedia content becomes more popular in training, media editors are crucial for creating polished videos, podcasts, and interactive materials that elevate the learning experience.
Responsive E-Learning Developers: These developers create adaptive e-learning experiences that adjust to the device that the individual prefers, by utilising responsive authoring tools like Articulate Rise and IsEazy. This flexibility allows learners to engage with content in ways that suit their time and location of learning, meaning they can effectively interact with the learning on a desktop or mobile device at any time.
AI Practitioners: With artificial intelligence making its way into learning solutions, AI practitioners focus on implementing tools that personalize learning experiences, produce engaging media quicker and improve training outcomes through adaptive technologies.
Internal Marketers: This role involves promoting learning initiatives within the organisation to boost engagement. Internal marketers develop strategies to communicate the value of L&D offerings and encourage participation among employees, whilst keeping L&D front of mind.
Quality Checkers: Quality is key when it comes to effective training content. Quality checkers evaluate materials for accuracy, relevance, and engagement before they reach learners.
Learning Platform Specialists: These experts manage and optimize Learning Management Systems (LMS) or other digital platforms used for delivering training. They ensure these systems are user-friendly, optimised in terms of their available functionality and effectively support learners' needs.
IT Partners: Collaboration with IT is essential for integrating technology into L&D initiatives. IT partners help implement new tools and ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place for successful digital learning experiences.
Community Managers: Community managers create spaces where employees can share knowledge and collaborate on projects. They help build a culture of continuous learning within organisations.
Why This Shift Matters
The shift from traditional to modern digital L&D teams has been driven by several exciting factors:
Technological Advancements: With mobile devices, high-speed internet, and advanced learning technologies becoming commonplace, it’s easier than ever for organisations to deliver training content online. This shift has opened up opportunities for remote work and flexible learning options.
Changing Workforce Dynamics: Today’s workforce craves personalized and engaging learning experiences over one-size-fits-all training programs. Employees want self-directed learning opportunities that align with their career aspirations and which can be accessed wherever and whenever they want them.
Data-Driven Decision-Making: Organisations increasingly rely on data analytics to assess the effectiveness of their training initiatives. This approach allows for continuous improvement based on measurable outcomes rather than just anecdotal evidence.
Final thoughts
As organisations adapt to the complexities of modern work environments, the evolution of L&D roles reflects a broader trend toward strategic alignment with business objectives and a focus on learner-centric approaches. The emergence of new roles like Content Curators, Internal Marketers, Data Analysts, and others signifies a shift from traditional training methods to innovative practices that enhance employee engagement and performance.
- John Hinchliffe
Editor & Founder, LD MENA
Event Recap - Dubai LD MENA Meetup
On Thursday 12th September, we had over 130 L&D professionals coming together, all eager to share their passion for this incredible field. The energy was contagious, and it’s truly inspiring to see our community thriving here in the UAE. I feel so grateful to be part of this journey and to contribute positively to so many lives in the region.
I’ll share more details soon of our next event, but I want to extend a big thank you to everyone who attended, my wonderful co-host Sarah Quirke and our amazing supporters: Dr. Corrie Jonn Block, PhD, DBA, saystory and inrehearsal. Massive thanks to Katja Schipperheijn and Pragnya Venigalla for donating their books for our raffle. You all played a key role in making this event special!
Make sure you are subscribed to be kept in the loop with all future events!
L&D Insights, Tools and Resources
What’s wrong with Learning Culture?
In this recent interview I did with HR Observer, we tackled the tricky questions about why Learning Cultures fail and how to develop them within an organisation. This is one of the most challenging interviews I’ve done in my career, but I’ve tried to make it as practical as possible for others to implement the answers provided.
Six AI Use Case Families for Instructional Design
Most instructional designers use AI for content creation and admin tasks, missing out on AI's full potential. Here, you can find out more about the AI ecosystem as it currently stands and explore Six AI Use Case Families for instructional design. By applying these use cases, instructional designers can unlock unprecedented levels of efficiency and effectiveness.
AI Image Assistant now in Articulate
Finding or creating visually consistent images for course content can be time-consuming and costly. What if you could generate the perfect image for your course—custom, on-theme, and cohesive—in just minutes, all within your Authoring Tool?
The Periodic Table of L&D KPIs
As L&D professionals, we always try to show how valuable our programs are. This cool and helpful chart from Sean McPheat shows some main KPIs worth focusing on when checking our work. From Behavioral Change (Bec) to Retention of New Skills & Knowledge (RnSK), these numbers really show how our actions help.
How to build teams and leaders through learning
In this insightful interview, Mark Sclaire chats with the ever-so-knowledgeable
Andrew Stotter-Brooks about the impact learning can genuinely make on organisations. Andrew has held Head and VP of Learning positions at some of the biggest brands in the region and is an immensely prominent figure in the world of learning.
FREE EBOOK - Everything L&D Leaders need to know about Marketing
OK, we get it. You want to implement marketing for learning into your L&D function, but you’ve got no idea where to start. But have no fear, like your favourite superhero, MAAS Marketing are here to save the day. This FREE ebook will walk you through every single thing you need to know about marketing as an L&D leader.
LD MENA Exclusive Offers
SayStory – The first Voice to AI content solution. Capture insights and craft standout stories, briefs, and reports in minutes. Special offer for LD MENA readers, with 50% off your first month with Code: RY4YLIRM at https://saystory.co/ or if you would like a demo, visit below and the team will be happy to help!
inrehearsal - An ever-growing library of powerful, standalone video content, translated into 20 languages, showcasing industry-leading experts and real learning in action. Are you an org looking to expand your learning content library? Get free trial access to inrehearsal here to check it out:
M.E. and L&D
In each issue, we delve into the inspiring journeys of trailblazers in the L&D sector across the MENA region, uncovering their unique insights, their origin stories and innovative approaches that have helped them in their careers to hopefully inspire your own journey.
We are blessed to have the incredible educational leader Solveig Nicklos for this issue.
In this interview, we have the privilege of learning more about Solveig and her remarkable journey. Over the past 25+ years, she has made significant contributions to the fields of education and organizational development whilst holding an array of incredibly senior positions around the world.
For me, what makes Solveig so incredibly interesting is her ability to perform at such a high level and provide huge benefits no matter where she is, whilst also maintaining wonderful professionalism and kindness throughout.
Fuel this newsletter
Hey there, wonderful reader! We're brewing up something special for the next issue of our newsletter, and we could use a little boost. Would you consider buying us a cup of coffee to keep the ideas percolating? Your support helps us bring you the freshest content, and every sip fuels our creativity. Thanks-a-latte for your generosity! ☕😊
Thanks for joining us for this issue of LD MENA!
- John Hinchliffe