Opening Note from Sandy
Welcome to Signals in Learning. As a long-time learning and development (L&D) practitioner, my goal is to share insights from more than two decades in the field—paired with emerging perspectives and innovations—to help you drive clearer business outcomes through learning. These lessons, shaped by conversations with hundreds of L&D colleagues across the globe, are designed to help you improve workforce performance, accelerate capability building and better align learning investments with organizational goals.
At D2L, our mission is to help organizations deliver dynamic learning programs on our platform while creating seamless connections to your ecosystem. With more than 25 years of experience, our customers rely on us to elevate learning as a core priority in their technology strategies. This newsletter is designed to equip you with the insights and resources to do just that.
Last month, I joined the D2L team in Las Vegas, Nevada, for DevLearn 2025, one of the largest learning tech events in North America. I left with fresh insights and new perspectives on what’s shaping the conversation in L&D. I also took the stage to present a session on building a modern learning culture. This year’s event was not only a showcase of interesting new technologies and methodologies, it was a celebration of community, innovation and practical impact. In case you weren’t there, I’ve distilled my key takeaways into eight central themes that are shaping our L&D landscape.
- Artificial Intelligence and Adaptive Learning: The New Normal
AI-driven personalization, automation and learner support dominated the agenda—and for good reason. From mainstage demos to hallway conversations, the consensus was clear: AI is no longer a theoretical promise. It’s a practical tool transforming learning pathways.
I spoke with colleagues who have successfully implemented adaptive learning systems, and their stories of improved engagement and efficiency were echoed throughout the event. The sentiment was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing these advancements as “game changers” for their organizations.
- Microlearning and Just-in-Time Training: Impactful and Immediate
Microlearning emerged as one of the most actionable topics, backed by case studies that resonated deeply. I was struck by how many attendees, myself included, left sessions ready to implement these strategies right away. I spoke with many who can’t wait to “bring microlearning back to my team”—a testament to its practicality and immediate relevance.
- Immersive Technologies (VR, AR, XR): Elevating Engagement
Few things at DevLearn sparked as much excitement as the VR and AR demos. Watching participants light up during hands-on sessions was a highlight. One of my lunchtime companions commented: “VR demos blew my mind today.” The future of immersive training feels closer and more accessible than ever, promising richer, more engaging learning experiences.
- Learning Analytics: Data-Driven Decisions with Cautious Optimism
After years of saying “It’s all about business impact,” the shift toward analytics and evidence-based decision-making was a hot topic, particularly in relation to refining L&D strategies. While the potential is enormous, I also picked up on healthy skepticism around data privacy and the feasibility of analytics for smaller organizations. Progress is happening, but there’s still more work to be done.
- Employee Experience: Centering the Learner
Sessions on learner-centric design and employee engagement resonated strongly. Conversations during breaks and lunch highlighted the tangible benefits of putting the learner at the center of everything we do. As someone who has long advocated for engagement-driven strategies, it was gratifying to see this theme gain both attention and traction.
- Content Curation and User-Generated Learning: Community as Curriculum
To my delight, the rise of peer learning and user-generated content was front and center. Empowering employees to contribute to learning resources not only builds community but also accelerates the flow of relevant, timely knowledge. DevLearn reinforced that curated and grassroots content is essential to modern L&D ecosystems.
- Social and Collaborative Learning: The Power of Connection
Networking events, collaborative workshops and social learning platforms were front and center on the conference floor. It’s clear that, in our increasingly digital world, the human element remains vital to effective learning.
- Future Skills and Workforce Readiness: A Shared Imperative
From keynote panels to trending hashtags (#FutureofWork, #DigitalSkills), the need for upskilling and reskilling was a unifying theme. We all agreed: preparing the workforce for rapid change is our collective responsibility. I was particularly inspired by stories of organizations embracing continuous learning to stay ahead of the curve.
Across every conversation and trend at DevLearn, one message was clear: modern learning demands tools that are flexible, data-driven and built for real business impact. That’s exactly what we focus on at D2L—partnering with organizations to create bespoke learning experiences that drive measurable workforce performance. As you continue tuning into Signals in Learning, my goal is to share insights, thought leadership and practical tools that help you bring these ideas to life in your own L&D strategy—making learning more engaging, relevant and impactful every day.
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