Learner.
Discover more from ECOSYSTEM by JD
I’m wrapping up production on the official READ ALONG for my book - The Modern Learning Ecosystem - right now. So this week, I reached deep into the LearnGeek archive to drop an update to the most “controversial” article I’ve ever written.
We need to retire the word “learner.” GASP!!! 😱
This is one of those industry standard things that’s never felt right - like SCORM or level 1 surveys. However, “learner” isn’t just a silly L&D term. It’s actually a significant problem that holds the profession back.
Yes. I know. It’s just a word. But words matter. Our terminology can carry considerable weight within organizations. Words establish context and tone. They connect people through shared experience. And sometimes the wrong word choice can make us less relatable, less aligned and even less valuable.
“Learner” is a problematic term because …
It’s only used in L&D. When’s the last time you heard an executive refer to employees as “learners.” Using our own terminology separates us even further from stakeholders. If we want to be strategic partners, we must adopt the common language of the business whenever possible.
It signals ownership. Using a special term to describe people when they’re engaged with L&D solutions makes it sound like they’re under our control at that moment. Nothing changes about the person when they use a job aid or watch a video. There’s no reason to change their title.
It assumes learning is taking place. L&D cannot control if people learn. Sure, we can put them in a room or nudge them to an online courses. But attendance and completion does not equal learning.
It’s an unnecessary extra label. People who work at certain places are already called certain things. At Disney, I was a cast member. At AMC, I was a team member. This terminology is often a cornerstone of workplace culture. Plus, do any other teams (HR, IT, Ops) adopt specific terms for people when they encounter their department?
It misplaces our focus. Learning is never the goal. Doing is. Performance is. Impact is. “Learner” puts the emPHASis on the wrong sylLABle - if you know what I mean.
It’s just unnecessary. We don’t call people “breathers” despite the fact that we’re always breathing. People are constantly learning - whether they’re engaged with L&D or not. This means they’re always “learners.” Therefore, the term is meaningless.
So what should we call the people we support? For starters, just use the same term the rest of the organization already uses. If they’re cast members, call them cast members. Teams members. Partners. Employees. Etc.
Otherwise, you can narrow the audience based on their actions. If they’re attending a class, they’re “attendees” or “participants.” If they’re using the LMS, they’re “users.” These terms are more common, accurate and widely-understood.
When in doubt, just call people “people.”
MLE + AI on Learning While Working
I was a guest on the Learning While Working Podcast twice last week! Back-to-back episodes! How cool is that? 😃
On episode 136, host Robin Petterd and I discuss learning ecosystems, the importance of a modern learning mindset in today’s workplace and the framework at the center of my book.
Episode 137 kicks off a series of conversations on AI in L&D. Robin and I explore the importance of transparency, critical thinking, collaboration and vision when it comes to our rapidly evolving relationship with technology.
Each episode is 30ish minutes, but I could talk to Robin for hours about this stuff. That’s why I’m a rare three-timer on this Australia-based L&D pod!
On the next ITK …
Who deserves the chance to get better at their jobs? 🤔
Everyone, of course! The answer is obvious, but delivering on that promise is often more difficult than you’d think. That’s why I invited Diane Elkins, co-founder of Artisan E-Learning and founding member of Inspire Accessibility, to discuss the importance of accessible workplace learning on this week’s ITK. Diane will debunk common accessibility myths, highlight frequent learning design mistakes and share tips for selecting partners that truly prioritize accessibility.
Get In The Know on accessible L&D with Diane Elkins on Wednesday, July 26 at 1130am ET on LinkedIn Live.
Until next time, be well. JD