I’m a numbers girl, it’s true. Data tells such a rich story when used appropriately, and can really be a guide to so many decisions we make daily. As influencers in our organizations, it’s crucial we have the data in our back pocket to justify spending allocations, strategies and execution.
Community Brands recently sponsored a report published by Tagoras which takes a deep dive into how associations are using technology for learning and how use may evolve in the coming years. Here are my top five takeaways from the report:
1. Technology is present. With more than 200 professionals surveyed, it’s comforting to know that nearly 93 percent answered “yes” to using technology-enabled or technology-enhanced learning. Association professionals realize the importance and effectiveness of technology when it comes to their learning programs.
2. Microlearning is emerging. More than 36 percent of respondents are planning to launch microlearning formats within their organization during the next 12 months. As a Millennial, I can’t help but think the two are connected. Millennials want microlearning—quick, applicable content, and associations are needing to respond. Check out more on this topic with this infographic.
3. No formal strategy. With learning a crucial element to many associations’ revenue, it’s surprising more than 70 percent of respondents declared they have no formal strategy in place for their learning and education business.
4. Leverage technology. Only 18 percent of respondents surveyed feel they are successful leveraging their learning management systems. Overall, respondents who feel they are successful also reported an increased net revenue because of their use of technology for learning. The key here is: The better you use your data, the better your association can grow and learn.
5. Data. Forty-seven percent of respondents surveyed integrate the data they collect in the technology platforms they use with the data from other technology platforms for membership management. For example, data from their learning management system (LMS) is integrated with data from their association management system(AMS). However, more than half of respondents do not integrate the data, which is a big miss to better understand and engage with members.
Want to learn more about the Association Learning + Technology report? Be sure to download it. In a few weeks, we will post a follow-up article to take an even deeper dive into the findings.