How IBM Creates a Culture of Learning

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Today, learning opportunities are exploding everywhere on the net and in the enterprise. Learning happens formally and informally. From employer-provided job enablement courses in a Learning Management System (LMS) inside a corporate firewall, to enthusiast videos on YouTube—the days of the monolithic, corporate LMS are forever gone.

To revolutionize how hundreds of thousands of IBMers learn, grow and explore their interest, we created an iconic personalized learning experience with a laser focus on:

• Artificial Intelligence – IBM Watson Technology
• Content Design
• User Experience

Whether it’s acquiring a new skill to improve performance on the job, or skilling up to comply with regulatory requirements, IBM has built an environment that brings learning together in one place for a quick and simple discovery leading to a culture of continuous learning.

A native of the connected world and inspired by consumer video experiences, we explore a deep understanding of the learners’ behaviors, enabling them with the right assortment of skills for today and future proofing via original and curated content that stimulates our employees’ learning appetite. We also enable managers with the environment needed for constructive and engaging conversations, using targeted campaigns that enable their team’s personal growth and professional development.

This is why we developed Your Learning — IBM’s state-of-the-art cognitive-driven learning ecosystem that provides a personalized signature learning experience for IBMers.

Your Learning provides robust search and relevant recommendations on learning activities and channels, making it easier and quicker for IBMers to find the training they need to acquire the right skills at the right time. Your Learning uses demographic information to personalize messaging via Spotlights; exploration of relevant, related materials via Programs and Resources; and social proof of learning with Recommended Badges.

IBM remains a test bed for innovation and we have created a movement within IBM for continuous learning. We are not doing this because it is a cool idea but because our world is changing and we need to ensure we support our employees as they reinvent themselves and future proof their career. The focus is not just on the employee but also the manager. We enable managers with the skills, tools and expertise to support their employees.

IBMers are at the bedrock of this innovation and we help them build a culture that supports them to continuously learn. Future-proofing our employees means we stay connected with them and create a system of digital credentials that they are able to demonstrate within and outside the company.

This article is also available on the IBM Careers Blog