logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2023
21m 30s

What is wrong with digital learning with...

Sprout Labs, Robin Petterd
About this episode

In this episode of the Learning While Working Podcast, Marco de Rossi discusses the current issues with digital learning in workplaces, such as the misalignment between how we naturally learn as lifelong learners and how organisations push out content-driven learning. Tune in as we delve into social learning, synchronous vs. asynchronous activities, and how Generative AI is proving to be a valuable tool for L&D experts.

About  Marco de Rossi

Marco de Rossi is the CEO of WeSchool, a learning platform that helps teams launch effective training in a user-friendly environment no matter their technical skills.

Key takeaways:

  • The challenges in digital learning in workplaces: there is a misalignment between how people learn in workplaces and how they naturally learn as lifelong learners. Learning is often seen as a buzzword, but not integrated into daily behaviours, so there needs to be a shift where learning becomes the responsibility of every team, not just HR.
  • The people-centric approach: learning should be woven into everyday tasks and the focus should be on building communities and fostering social learning. 
  • Balancing cost-effectiveness and effectiveness: on-demand, self-paced learning may be cheaper, but it is not always effective. Cohort-based models and synchronous structures are important for critical learning experiences, like onboarding. Think about how a mix of cost-effective and quality-focused solutions can coexist.
  • The role of AI can be a valuable tool for supporting learning design skills. E.g. conversational generative AI makes it easier for everyone to design engaging  learning experiences. 

Segmented time stamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:50) What is wrong with digital learning?

(03:21) Marco’s vision of what great digital learning looks like

(06:27) Why self-paced learning is not always the best solution

(08:19) Conversational generative AI

(11:16) The importance of instructional design skills

(15:13) Adaptive learning

(18:00) AI make it easier for more people to access learning experiences

(19:23) Overcoming the current problems of digital learning

Links from the podcast 

 

Up next
May 2025
Think Like a Marketer with Bianca Baumann and Mike Taylor
In this episode of the Learning While Working Podcast, Bianca Baumann and Mike Taylor share insights from their latest book, ‘Think Like a Marketer, Train Like an L&D Pro: Strategies to Ignite Learning’, and dive into actionable strategies that L&D professionals can borrow from t ... Show More
32m 28s
Jan 2025
Measuring success in L&D with Alaina Szlachta
In this episode of the Learning While Working Podcast, Dr. Alaina Szlachta, founder of Design by Development Solution, explores measuring success in learning and development. She guides us in thinking like researchers to effectively gather data from stakeholders and align trainin ... Show More
31 m
Jan 2025
Transforming education through AI experiments with Dwayne Wood
In this episode of the Learning While Working Podcast, we are joined by Dwayne Wood, an associate professor at National University and an expert in instructional design for workplaces. As the landscape of AI, especially generative AI like ChatGPT, rapidly evolves in higher educat ... Show More
26m 38s
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2024
The Most Effective Communication Skills For Managers with Glenn Pasch
In the dynamic world of management, effective communication is not just a skill, but a cornerstone of successful leadership. Whether you're leading a small team or an entire organization, your ability to communicate clearly, confidently, and empathetically can make all the d ... Show More
20m 30s
Oct 2024
#254 Career Skills for Data Professionals with Wes Kao, Co-Founder of Maven
Mastering the technical side of data and AI is one thing, but communicating those insights effectively is a whole different challenge. How do you make sure your data is understood, acted upon, and influences decisions? It’s not just about presenting the right numbers—it’s about f ... Show More
46m 22s
Aug 4
Making Sense of the Learning Technology Market with Becky Willis
In this episode, Becky Willis joins David to explore the increasingly crowded world of learning platforms—from the evolution of LXPs to the challenge of aligning stakeholders with vastly different needs. Together, they tackle what’s hot (and what’s not) in the market right now, w ... Show More
49m 47s
Sep 21
From managing people to managing AI: The leadership skills everyone needs now | Julie Zhuo (Facebook VP, Sundial CEO, The Making of a Manager author)
Julie Zhuo is the former VP and Head of Design at Facebook (now Meta), author of the bestselling book The Making of a Manager, and co-founder of Sundial, an AI-powered data analysis company. Also, my first-ever podcast guest over 3 years ago!In our conversation, we discuss:1. The ... Show More
1h 36m
Nov 13
A Practical Path from Roles to Skills for AI-Ready Teams - with Trish Vassar of Coca-Cola
Today's guest is Trish Vassar, Vice President of Global Learning & Development, who brings over 20 years of experience in talent management, learning, and leadership development. She joins Emerj Editorial Director Matthew DeMello to explore how enterprise leaders can shift from t ... Show More
22m 7s
Mar 2025
Designing Learning for Impact with Julie Dirksen
Too often, L&D delivers learning solutions that fail to drive real behaviour change. But why does this happen, and how can we design interventions that truly make an impact? In this episode, learning design expert Julie Dirksen unpacks the science behind effective learning and wh ... Show More
58m 31s
Apr 2025
Become a better communicator: Specific frameworks to improve your clarity, influence, and impact | Wes Kao (coach, entrepreneur, advisor)
Wes Kao is an entrepreneur, coach, and advisor. She co-founded the live learning platform Maven, backed by First Round and a16z. Before Maven, Wes co-created the altMBA with best-selling author Seth Godin. Today, Wes teaches a popular course on executive communication and influen ... Show More
1h 33m
Sep 2024
Mastering Emotional Intelligence
Welcome to another enlightening episode of "Accelerate Your Business Growth"! I'm your host, Diane Helbig, and today, we have a special guest, Laura Watson, founder and lead business coach at Venture Coaching International in Calgary, Alberta. With over 25 years of counseling and ... Show More
28m 32s
Aug 2024
Improve strategy, influence, and decision-making by understanding your brain | Evan LaPointe (founder of CORE Sciences)
<p><strong>Evan LaPointe</strong> is the founder of CORE Sciences, which teaches companies and individuals how our brains work and how that translates to improved collaboration, better products, faster decision-making, and more growth. Previously, Evan was the co-founder of Satel ... Show More
2h 14m
Sep 29
#324 Using Behavioral Science to Hack Your Customers Minds with Richard Shotton, Founder at Astroten
Behavioral science is revolutionizing how businesses connect with customers and influence decisions. By understanding the psychological principles that drive human behavior, companies can create more effective marketing strategies and product experiences. But how can you apply th ... Show More
58m 36s