Metrics Matters

Ten years ago, just 9 percent of courses were delivered via technology-based tools. Today, more than three times as much instruction relies on technology. In its 2008 State of the Industry report, ASTD described the situation this way: Although traditional classroom instruction still occupies a prominent space, learning professionals are turning to technology to help streamline operations and deliver learning at less cost and with greater reach.

Donald Kirkpatricks approach endeavored to measure a training industry that was all classroom instruction, just about all the time. But what about today, when learning moves into the workplace, and programs are dotted with wikis, blogs, social nets, and on-demand resources? It is risky to assume that all is well when so much is new.