ATD, association for talent development

TD Magazine Article

Member Benefit

How to Build a Learning Ecosystem

Content

Pair talent, technology, content, and data for continuous learning and growth.

Pair talent, technology, content, and data for continuous learning and growth.

By

Tue Nov 30 2021

Loading...

Content

As turnover continues, more and more employers are left without the talent they need to be successful. One way they can stem the tide is to provide the development opportunities that employees crave. A learning ecosystem—which combines technology, content, data, people, and governance—can help.

As turnover continues, more and more employers are left without the talent they need to be successful. One way they can stem the tide is to provide the development opportunities that employees crave. A learning ecosystem—which combines technology, content, data, people, and governance—can help.

Content

In "A Tech Guide to Learning Ecosystems," Becky Willis outlines the four primary technology components of a learning ecosystem—management, platform, content, and point solution—and offers guidance on how to select and evaluate the ecosystem components.

In "A Tech Guide to Learning Ecosystems," Becky Willis outlines the four primary technology components of a learning ecosystem—management, platform, content, and point solution—and offers guidance on how to select and evaluate the ecosystem components.

Content

A learning management system is the most familiar management component of a learning ecosystem. As to the platform component, Willis writes: "Learning ecosystem platforms enable easy discovery, collaboration, management, and measurement of learning that is geared to a blend of digital, synchronous, internal, and external content."

A learning management system is the most familiar management component of a learning ecosystem. As to the platform component, Willis writes: "Learning ecosystem platforms enable easy discovery, collaboration, management, and measurement of learning that is geared to a blend of digital, synchronous, internal, and external content."

Content

When it comes to content, companies can obtain that from content aggregators and content libraries or through curation. And point solutions are tools such as learning record stores, digital adoption platforms, and modality-specific tools.

When it comes to content, companies can obtain that from content aggregators and content libraries or through curation. And point solutions are tools such as learning record stores, digital adoption platforms, and modality-specific tools.

Content

After selecting the appropriate technology solution for the organization, it's time to implement a digital learning strategy, which requires collaboration with IT, HR, and other business team members. The strategy features a project plan, pilot, marketing and communication of the new change in L&D opportunities, and measurement and evaluation. Willis emphasizes that a successful strategy to drive engagement for the digital learning platform includes recruiting champions, creating groups, and actively curating relevant content.

After selecting the appropriate technology solution for the organization, it's time to implement a digital learning strategy, which requires collaboration with IT, HR, and other business team members. The strategy features a project plan, pilot, marketing and communication of the new change in L&D opportunities, and measurement and evaluation. Willis emphasizes that a successful strategy to drive engagement for the digital learning platform includes recruiting champions, creating groups, and actively curating relevant content.

Content

These tips were adapted from the December 2021 issue of TD at Work. Learn more at td.org/TDatWork .

These tips were adapted from the December 2021 issue of TD at Work. Learn more at td.org/TDatWork.

You've Reached ATD Member-only Content

Become an ATD member to continue

Already a member?Sign In

issue

ISSUE

December 2021 - TD Magazine

View Articles

Copyright © 2026 ATD

ASTD changed its name to ATD to meet the growing needs of a dynamic, global profession.

Terms of UsePrivacy NoticeCookie Policy