While challenges such as social distancing and new technology required us to rethink modern learning delivery strategies, it also reminded us of the constant evolution of the modern learner experience.
Each session provided us with a lesson in that evolution, and below we share those lessons with you.
Pre-Conference Workshop

The original duo reunited! Before the conference began, with pandemic restrictions only allowing a limited, socially-distanced audience, Lisa and I were delighted to host a group of 9 L&D professionals from around the country to our one-day pre-conference workshop.
Staying true to the Learning Cluster Design model, Lisa and I surrounded the participants with social, formal and immediate learning assets such as lectures, activities, case studies, video clips, conversation and external resource links. While the morning was spent immersing themselves in the principles of the model, the entire afternoon was dedicated to practical application. While these 9 participants entered the learning experience with limited-to-no knowledge of Learning Cluster Design, by the end of the day, together they had designed a complete learning cluster for a case study.
Modern Learning Takeaway: In this new era of virtual learning, we have so quickly categorized learning assets into two categories – “in person” and “virtual,” but have we stopped to think about how we can bridge the two together to create an extraordinary modern learning experience?
What we found is that even when you are facilitating in-person, bringing in the components of what we typically save specifically for virtual learning makes for a richer, more modern experience. Where in the past we may have used flipchart paper to gather thoughts from participants, utilizing tools such as Jamboard, we were able to gather collective wisdom inside the session quickly, creating long lasting social learning assets. In creating a webpage asset specifically for this session, we were able to hyperlink external resources that will serve as a resource for participants to refer back to. Perhaps one of the most important “virtual” assets we brought into the classroom was utilizing YouTube videos, specifically videos showcasing completed learning clusters from past practicum graduates. We found that, even when you are facilitating in person, these components, often assumed as being suited for only virtual learning, actually make the experience deeper, richer, modern and ultimately, more effective.
Feel like you missed out? Want to know what was shared in this super session? Stay tuned – the one-day introduction to LCD is a course that is here to stay! Details coming soon.
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