Embracing Digital Learning: Deirdre’s Journey to Modernizing Training Programs

After 20 years in learning and development, Deirdre embraced digital learning—Discover how the Professional Diploma in Digital Learning Design helped her gain the confidence and skills to innovate in her field.

I’ve spent over 20 years in the learning and development profession, working for a company in the west of Ireland that’s part of a larger multinational organization. My focus is on helping people progress and develop in their careers within the company. My day-to-day activities range from coaching and mentoring to sourcing courses that enhance skills and knowledge, enabling employees to excel. I’ve always been involved in face-to-face initiatives, but recently, I’ve also moved into the digital learning space, adapting to the evolving needs of our organization.

Having been in the learning and development field for two decades, I’ve witnessed the evolution of training practices, particularly the shift towards digital learning. I took the course for my own personal development, to bring myself up to speed with the latest training technologies and practices, especially since COVID-19 accelerated the need for digital solutions.

I come from a traditional background of face-to-face learning and support, so I felt the need to understand how digital learning could enhance our offerings. In my current organization, we have access to a corporate team that designs digital learning experiences, but the process can be time-consuming. I wanted to explore what I could do independently, to be more agile and confident in creating digital content without relying solely on others.

While I have third-level qualifications and diplomas in learning and development, I lacked confidence in the digital learning space. I’m not very tech-savvy, so stepping into this area put me outside my comfort zone. The diploma brought together all the content, theories, and methodologies I had encountered over the years, offering a comprehensive understanding from start to finish. It was exactly what I needed to build my confidence and skills in this new area.

I first encountered the Digital Learning Institute two years ago, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, when we were all working from home. I participated in a two-day introduction program that DLI offered, which sparked my interest and led me to take the next step by enrolling in the Professional Diploma.

The course design and the support provided were exceptional. When I had my feedback session with Eva, I was impressed by the structure of the program and the ideas it sparked for potential projects within my organization. The mix of live sessions, which could be watched at any time, and the weekly check-ins for questions and support made the course highly accessible and manageable alongside my full-time job and other commitments.

The comprehensive nature of the course, along with the responsive support from the DLI team, made it a valuable experience. The course allowed me to engage deeply with the material at my own pace, balancing the workload with my other responsibilities.

One of the biggest changes I’ve noticed is an increase in my confidence around trying out new platforms and applications. Although I haven’t rolled out any new initiatives yet, I’ve been experimenting with the tools we have access to, which has given me a greater understanding of how to enhance the learner’s experience in virtual sessions. Now, I feel more capable of quickly creating effective digital content on my own, without always relying on our corporate team.

I would definitely recommend this course, especially for those who, like me, may not see themselves as tech-savvy. The diploma has boosted my confidence and provided a comprehensive, one-stop learning experience. The content, combined with the outstanding support from the DLI team, made it an invaluable experience for anyone in learning and development.