In part one of this two-part article series, we explored the impact of technology on implementing personalized eLearning. Here, we’ll continue the discussion.

Technology plays a critical role in successfully implementing personalized learning. Let’s explore some of the key tech considerations that go into implementing learning technology for personalized training:

1. Determine Your Device and Software Requirements

Before selecting any technology solutions, you need to determine the specific requirements you have for your personalized training program. As such, conduct a needs assessment to identify your specific requirements and goals.

Determine your learning objectives, the target audience and the available resources. In addition, pay attention to factors such as the type of devices required, the operating systems supported and the software applications needed.

Once you understand your needs, it becomes much easier to evaluate the different options you have.

2. Evaluate Your Infrastructure

Once you have determined your device requirements, you need to evaluate your tech infrastructure to ensure that it’s ready for personalized online learning.

First, ensure that your computers and devices are capable of handling the software, and consider upgrading hardware if necessary.

Similarly, evaluate your internet speed and bandwidth to ensure it’s sufficient to support online learning activities without interruptions.

3. Assess Data Security

Data security is a critical consideration when implementing personalized online learning. Regardless of the platform you have decided to implement, personalized learning collects a vast amount of sensitive data.

This data includes, for example, personal information, grades, diplomas and certifications, job performance and progress reports. As such, it’s essential to assess the current state of your data security measures.

Focus on examining the reliability and effectiveness of your firewalls, antivirus software and other security protocols. You may also want to consider conducting regular security audits to identify potential vulnerabilities and address them proactively.

4. Ensure Scalability

When implementing personalized learning, it’s important to consider the scalability of your technology solutions.

As your program grows and evolves over time, you may need to scale up your technology solutions to accommodate an increasing number of learners or expand your learning objectives.

For example, can you easily add new users or devices to your network without disrupting the existing system? Can you easily expand the storage capacity or processing power of your hardware as needed?

By addressing these questions upfront, you can ensure that your infrastructure and technology solutions are scalable and future-proof.

Potential Barriers to Learning Technology and How To Overcome Them

Learning technology enables you to provide personalized learning experiences effectively. However, implementing this technology is not always easy. In fact, there are some barriers to using it to its fullest potential.

Let’s explore some of the common barriers:

1. Lack of Technical Expertise

One of the main barriers to implementing learning technology is a lack of technical expertise among stakeholders, administrators and learners.

Most learning practitioners know what a good learning experience looks like. However, they may not know what an API is, how SCORM packages work, what CDNs do and so on. This can hinder the adoption and success of your personalized learning interventions.

To overcome a lack of technical expertise, choose user-friendly technology and offer ongoing technical support. For instance, provide instruction videos or training sessions that guide admins and learners through technical challenges.

Similarly, ensure your user interface (UI) provides helpful animations or user tips that guide learners through their learning process and help them to make the most out of their personalized experience.

2. Infrastructure and Access Issues

A lack of infrastructure and access to technology, such as limited internet bandwidth or outdated hardware, can also be a significant barrier. These issues can make it difficult to implement and support technology-driven personalized learning initiatives.

To overcome the issue, prioritize technology upgrades, leverage low-tech solutions and provide professional development for your instructors and admins. You could also consider alternative learning approaches such as mobile or blended learning.

By being proactive, you can ensure that technology-driven personalized learning is accessible and effective for all your learners.

3. Data Privacy and Security Concerns

Personalized learning can also raise concerns about data privacy and security. After all, as explored, you are collecting and using personal data, and learners might have worries about who has access to it.

As such, ensure that all your data is encrypted and that only authorized personnel can access it. You should also utilize adequate security measures such as multi-factor authentication, access controls and regular data backups to keep your data protected.

In Conclusion

Implementing personalized online learning can be challenging. After all, you have plenty of tools to choose from, each with its own technical requirements. In addition, you have to consider your organization’s infrastructure and learners.

However, with the right strategies and support in place, you can overcome these barriers to implement an effective personalized online training program.

As a result, your learners can enjoy a flexible, accessible, engaging and effective learning experience that is 100% relevant to their unique needs.