Speexx Exchange Podcast – Episode 14:
Experimenting with Data in L&D; Behavioral Data in Training Functions with Derek Mitchell
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Episode 14
Welcome to the Speexx Exchange podcast on “Experimenting with Data in L&D, and Behavioral Data in Training Functions”! In this episode, host Donald Taylor interviews analytics consultant Derek Mitchell, who has a serious passion for measuring the impact of training and development activity. They talk about learning data and analytics from the past few months, with workforces adapting to a global pandemic, and also make projections about the skills needed in a post-COVID future. Derek explains why people in the field of L&D and training are historically wary of data and demonstrates the benefits of “experimenting” with data in the field of L&D (providing his own professional experiences as examples). He and Donald urge training managers to use the data they already have in a more effective way, and insist that the data is already “in the room”; among the many valuable suggestions that Derek gives listeners during this podcast is: “Have high-quality biscuits in the room.” Intrigued by this piece of advice? Then listen in (and be prepared to start craving cookies!).
About Donald Taylor
Chairman of the Learning and Performance Institute since 2010, his background ranges from training delivery to managing director and vice-president positions in software companies. Donald took his own internet-based training business from concept to trade sale in 2001 and has been a company director during several other acquisitions. Now based in London, he has lived and traveled extensively outside the UK and now travels regularly internationally to consult and speak about workplace learning.
About Derek Mitchell
Derek Mitchell is the Head of Analytics at The Learning Measurement Company. He is a results-focused Analytics and Insight Manager who is passionate about using data to reduce cost and increase revenue whilst championing Employee and Customer focus. His background in measuring Marketing Campaign effectiveness and L&D impact gives him the ability to distill large amounts of complex information into succinct and actionable insight, allowing opportunities to be recognized and wasted effort to be removed, simply.
More Speexx Resources
Learning Experience Design
While access to revolutionary technology in learning is at an all-time high, many organizations still choose to implement archaic and ineffective tools for training and development. One way to close this gap for the modern learner is to focus on the entire learning experience using learning experience design principles.
Boosting the Business Impact of Learning
A strategic approach to employee experience must combine data with human, soft skills. Only when people are able to communicate effectively with other people across teams and borders, will HR and L&D be able to demonstrate a measurable business impact of learning.