PODCAST: The LT24 special: back to the future of learning.

The Learning Technologies 2024 Special takes the pulse of the L&D world, reflecting on the massive changes of the past 20 years and looking ahead to the transformations on the horizon.

In this unique episode, Josh and Kate discuss insights recorded on the Learning Technologies exhibition floor, featuring experts such as Julie Dirksen, Tom Kuhlmann, Nigel Paine, and other leading voices across the learning industry. They reflect on L&D's evolution from the pre-digital era through early technical hurdles with video, cloud distribution, and LMS logistics into today's focus on user-centric design, curation, and simplified access.

Looking back, the discussion explores how the last 20 years saw digital learning shift from non-existent, to bad, and finally to good. They discuss L&D's maturing relationship with LXPs and LMSs, the impact of social learning, and an increasing awareness of what makes great learning experiences.

Looking ahead, the conversation digs into AI's rapidly expanding role - from automating content production to potentially redefining work itself. Speculation abounds whether AI could solve L&D's "tactical" challenges, freeing it to focus on strategic impact. Amidst this uncertainty, a guiding ethos emerges: connect learning to true business impact; prioritise human-centered design; embrace new technologies to craft autonomous, compelling experiences.

As Sponge celebrates 20 years as learning innovators, this episode pays homage to the past while positioning L&D for the leap into a rapidly changing world of work.