Learning Technologies Conference 2018

Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet, County Tipperary Skillnet and Waterford Chamber Skillnet co-hosted a conference exploring the use of digital learning in the workplace.
The Learning Technologies Conference took place in The Set Theatre in Kilkenny on Wednesday 16th May 2018. 
Leading experts in the fields of workplace learning and learning technologies examined the changing world of work, learning technologies and trends in 2018, the digitisation of learning content and the emergence of new technologies, including virtual and augmented reality. The conference presented case studies by local businesses, both users and providers of these technologies: 

Paul Healy, CEO of Skillnet Ireland presented on the changing world of work and the implications for workplace learning.

John Kilroy, Director and Head of Learning Technology of Harvest Resources explored what digital learning technologies can do for business.

Jesse Kielthy, Senior L&D Professional, Sun Life Financial described emerging needs through a case study on digitising the learning experience.

Sara Mullally, Network Manager, Waterford Chamber Skillnet presented the findings of the Digital Learning in the Southeast benchmarking survey report.

Gerry Doyle, Manager Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet provided an insight into the new online masters programme for the ICT sector- MSc in Applied Cyber Security.

Dr. Leigh Griffin, Engineering Manager, Red Hat discussed how to develop and deliver digital learning content for an open source distributed team.

Sandra Whelan, COO Immersive VR Education explored the world of learning through virtual and augmented reality.

Shane Doran, Managing Director of Liberty Communicates chaired the event and panel discussion.

Businesses worldwide are increasing their use of learning technologies to support and, in some instances, replace more traditional face-to-face instructor-led training. “Learning and development is evolving rapidly to respond to changes in business needs, workforce demographics, learner expectations and new technologies", says Ashling Ward, Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet, "but to what extent are businesses in South East making use of the digital learning technologies available to them to address skills needs in the workplace?” These are some of the key questions that were addressed at the conference.The findings of a new Digital Learning Benchmark Survey were presented at the conference and will be published shortly.​

"We commissioned this survey to develop a wider picture of the adoption of digital learning by businesses of different sizes across the South East. This allowed businesses in the region to benchmark themselves against other similar businesses." explains Karen Walters, County Tipperary Skillnet.

"The conference was an opportunity to share best practice", says Sara Mullally, Waterford Chamber Skillnet. "Our member companies tell us that identifying the right digital learning solutions for their business is time-consuming and challenging. By co-hosting the conference with other learning networks in the region, we were able to bring together businesses from the South East to share their knowledge and direct experience of digital learning in the workplace."