Just in Time Learning in Enterprises

Talent is an important asset for every enterprise. On the other hand learning have to be more responsive, adaptive to maximize productivity of employees and enable globalized workforce with diverse learning styles.

Just-in-Time Learning

Just in time (JIT) learning delivers employees, targeted learning based on the need of the hour. Learners can tap into readily available resources to meet their learning needs to zero in on just the details they need to unravel problems, execute specific tasks or quickly update their skills rather than sitting through hours of conventional learning.

In a rapidly changing business environment where information can become obsolete, continuous upgrade of skills can be a mountainous task.

Rather than having learners take time away from work, organizations are using technology enabled, self paced learning that allows learners to focus on "nuggets" of information as needed to perform specific tasks and solve problems as they crop up.

The mindset of Just in time learning is: "As soon as I have this little piece (of information), I'm out of here," explains Heinrich Koenen, vice president and dean of The Masie Center, a learning and technology think tank in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

Impact of JIT Learning on Enterprises

Organizations that follow the ‘Just-in-time’ learning process are enabling their talent to upgrade their skills as when needed to perform the required task at their own pace, wherever and whenever they like.

Users can customize their training to fit their needs and engage in collaborative learning, where they can exchange experiences that would allow knowledge sharing easily.

Readily available information to perform the job and cost savings are the factors fueling growth of talent. Cushing Anderson, Framingham, Mass.based International Data Corp. (I DC) analyst, says one day of classroom training typically costs $500 to $1,200, while one day of self paced learning runs from $100 to $500.

Increase in productivity and efficient talent is a major challenge for organizations globally. Just in time learning cuts time by letting users grab only the chunks of information, that would be of need to perform the task at that hour.

Just in time learning also helps technology workforce to keep up with rapid changes in technology. "IT training is essentially perishable," says Anderson. The just in time approach allows technology workers to update their skills continuously as the need arises.

Adding Value

JIT learning isn't just for employee training and support, but a number of organizations are starting to use it as a client service tool as well, to train consumers on product awareness and product usage.

By making information required, readily available for consumers and equip them with power to utilize the products or services in an effective way, JIT learning sharpens performance towards success.

The Future of JIT Learning Better training, Better Impact

Just in time tools, learning on demand, and self paced online learning are just some methods that organizations are utilizing to ensure targeted and relevant learning, with the added bonus of cost savings and flexibility by reducing travel and keeping people on the job.

Yet, the complication is that, more training choices you have, do not necessarily translate into better results. But a blended training approach does the job as it provides the right information at the point of need to enable an employee to perform effectively. For example, learners simply seeking more information on a topic or to recall information may require a different learning experience than those seeking to apply content to specific on the job challenges or organizational changes. The blending of learning is not simply offering a choice of modalities, but also takes into account content, learning styles, teaching techniques, and learning environments and aligns to specific learning objectives.

Therefore, a multi touch, blended learning program is a must:

• Reflect and be tailored to support organizational requirements, culture, and technical readiness in order to assure an engaged and productive workforce.
• Hold up the learner's aptitude to recollect and continually relate content that is more targeted and relevant to their job.
• Follow and complement the individual learning workflow.