Learning architecture

Learning architecture means stepping back from learning objectives, single programmes and individual learners, and working out how to align learning and development activities to your business goals. We consider the relationship between technological, cultural and organisational factors to devise systems that will deliver for your business in the long term.

What do we do?

Often learning and development activities operate in isolation, with no way of knowing how learning impacts the bottom line. To see this cause and effect, we map organisations’ learning assets to their desired skills outcomes and corporate goals. We also figure out how to use existing systems and processes to better support learning in an organisation, how to balance formal and informal learning opportunities, and how to deliver the best possible solution within corporate constraints.

We never design a solution with a limited shelf life – we look to where our clients want to be in five or ten years. Every one of our clients has come back to us time and again, to partner up on new adventures as they grow.

Examples of projects

• We worked with the London Business School to devise an instructional design strategy to underpin the development of an online presence for academic programmes. The architecture linked individual learning outcomes to business impact and individual modules to allow for flexible use of assets (video, papers, e-learning, case studies) across programmes, and allowed LBS to begin the process of specifying an LMS.
• We are working with the RYA to devise a web-based resource to link to existing e-learning and intranet resources, providing a one-stop shop for key training documentation. The interface between this resource and existing training platforms is complex and requires in-depth knowledge of the organisation and audience.
• Working with Santander, we reviewed all business skills curricula and devised a system using the existing Sharepoint platform. We devised protocols for the commissioning and development (in-house and externally) of e-learning content, and templates for rapid e-learning development. We also supported in-house teams in creating quality assurance guidelines for all learning assets.
• Jones Bartlett Learning use Moodle to deliver their learning resources as part of an adaptive learning pathway. We worked with JBL to devise processes, templates and protocols for the sustainable development of its learning platform, and its expansion to support new areas of the business, including mobile and tablet devices.

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