Tangents with TorranceLearning Podcast

In this episode, Megan and Meg discuss the challenges of measuring effectiveness in the learning and development (L&D) industry. They share insights about how focusing on the wrong metrics can lead to ineffective training solutions. For a long time in L&D we've focused on data like completions or learner satisfaction. But focusing on the wrong metrics can often lead people down a path of thinking that training is the solution when really it might not be the best fit for the problem. Or worse, designing training with completion as the primary goal. They talk about the importance of measuring meaningful metrics to truly enhance workplace learning.

Key Points:

  • Training solutions may not always be the answer or solution to every problem our stakeholders come to us with.
  • It's important to measure the right things and potentially harmful to focus on wrong metrics.
  • Data collection and data analysis in L&D in continuing to evolve as we have more ways to capture new and different data.

Hosts: Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance

Producers: Meg Fairchild and Dean Castile

Music: Original music by Dean Castile

Resources & Links From This Episode:

AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the transcript and the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans.

In this episode, Megan has a conversation with Chris King, a learning strategist who specializes in workflow learning. They discuss the concept of workflow learning, how it helps integrate learning into the daily work process, and strategies for supporting learners effectively in their moments of need. The episode explores when formal learning is necessary and how to recognize the ideal situations for workflow learning.

Key Points:

  • Workflow learning is about changing behavior on the job and putting the learning as close to the work as possible (no need to stop and go to a classroom!).
  • Workflow learning aligns closely to Conrad Gottfredson's Five Moments of Need® — more specifically the need of Apply.
  • You don't necessarily need to convince stakeholders to do workflow learning. Fulfill training requests by giving them what they need.


Hosts: Megan Torrance

Producers: Meg Fairchild and Dean Castile

Music: Original music by Dean Castile

Resources & Links From This Episode:

AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the transcript and the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans.

Join Megan Torrance and Meg Fairchild of TorranceLearning for a LinkedIn Live episode, where they discuss what real-world AI implementation looks like for Learning & Development (L&D) professionals today. Megan shares her behind-the-scenes experience writing an upcoming book on AI in L&D, revealing fresh insights gathered from industry interviews and the patterns emerging across organizations. Megan introduces the concept of “three AI impact zones” for L&D professionals to consider, and they discuss the "AI Implementation Canvas," a practical, multi-dimensional framework designed to help organizations roll out AI intentionally—balancing innovation with strategy and ethics. Lastly, they talk about importance of AI literacy, proficiency, and fluency, and why building these competencies is a collaborative, yet also department-specific, journey.

Hosts: Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance

Producers: Jami Washington and Dean Castile

Music: Original music by Dean Castile

AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans.

In this episode, Megan and Meg talk about learner personas—a cornerstone of TorranceLearning's LLAMA workshops—which can help instructional designers create learning experiences tailored to the target audience. They explore the importance of personas, how to effectively create them, and the common pitfalls to avoid. They discuss the balance between AI and human insights in crafting these essential tools and share humorous and insightful anecdotes from their experience in the field. Whether you're new to the concept or an experienced designer, this episode offers valuable takeaways for making your training align more closely with the needs of your audience.

Key Points

  • Definition and Evolution of Personas
  • Avoiding Averages
  • Common Pitfalls
  • Using AI Wisely
  • Ongoing Use of Personas

Hosts: Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance

Producers: Meg Fairchild and Dean Castile

Music: Original music by Dean Castile

AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the transcript and the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans.

In this episode, Megan Torrance talks with Josh Cavalier, an expert in Generative AI and its integration into learning and development (L&D) workflows. Josh shares insights into his career as an education technologist and discusses the transformative potential of AI. The conversation touches on the rapid evolution of AI technology, the current investment climate surrounding AI, and its implications for L&D leaders and teams.

Key Points:

· Josh Cavalier's Career Journey and Expertise

· Impact of AI on the Marketplace

· Role of L&D Leaders in AI Adoption

· Dynamic Shifts in Expert-Novice Relationships

Hosts: Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance

Producers: Meg Fairchild and Dean Castile

Music: Original music by Dean Castile

AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the transcript and the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans.

Note: This podcast was originally recorded on Sep 24, 2024. Specific technical capabilities have most likely changed since then.

In this live episode of the TorranceLearning Podcast, Megan Torrance, Meg Fairchild, and Jeff Weaver broadcast from the Training 25 conference in Orlando, FL. The discussion centers around the value of conferences for learning professionals—exploring personal experiences, the benefits and challenges of conferences, and strategies for making conference attendance more meaningful. The team also opens the floor to questions and tips from the live audience, sharing practical advice on how to get the most out of these events and communicate their value back to leadership.

Key Points:

· Conferences as Unique Learning Experiences

· Benefits and Drawbacks of Conference Learning

· Maximizing Value Through Goal-Setting and Focus

· Sharing and Implementing Conference Takeaways

Hosts: Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance

Producers: Meg Fairchild and Dean Castile

Music: Original music by Dean Castile

AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the transcript and the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans.

In this episode of Tangents with TorranceLearning, Megan and Meg share insights gained through the first "season" of this podcast. They discuss the inspiration behind starting the podcast, a few challenges they've faced, and the lessons they've learned along the way. They also touch on their evolving theme and some of the topics to come in season two.

Key points:

  • Inspiration and Purpose
  • Theme Evolution
  • Learning and Improvement
  • Collaborative Effort

Hosts: Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance

Producers: Meg Fairchild and Dean Castile

Music: Original music by Dean Castile

AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the transcript and the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans.

In today’s episode, Hadiya Nuriddin shares her journey from aspiring actress to becoming a recognized figure in instructional design. She discusses how her passion for performance naturally transitioned into the training and learning development field. Throughout the episode, Hadiya reflects on the importance of storytelling and quality in learning and development (L&D) and emphasizes the significance of understanding L&D as a professional field. She also highlights the role of technology and AI in shaping personalized learning experiences and hopes that these advancements will help L&D professionals focus more on learner-centered design.

Key Points:

· Storytelling and Quality in L&D

· The Unique Challenges in L&D

· Impact of Digital Tools and AI

· Significance of Advocacy in L&D

Hosts: Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance

Producers: Meg Fairchild and Dean Castile

Music: Original music by Dean Castile

AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the transcript and the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans.

In today's episode, our hosts Megan Torrance and Meg Fairchild welcome special guest Susanne Ambros. Susanne, who is an expert in agile methodologies and learning coaching, shares her passion for fostering a people-centric agile culture that values individuals over processes. Together, they explore how agile principles can revolutionize corporate learning by centering on learner-driven goals and self-organization, and discuss how incorporating agile methodologies and personalized learning sprints can enhance both professional growth and company culture.  

Key Points  

  • Agile Principles in Learning 
  • Concept of Agile Learning 
  • Learning Coaching Support 
  • Mindset-Oriented Techniques 
  • Learning Sprints and Goals 
  • Learner-Centric Learning in the Workplace 

Show Credits: 

Hosts: Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance 

Producers: Meg Fairchild and Dean Castile 

Music: Original music by Dean Castile 

 

AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the transcript and the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans. 

In today's podcast, hosts Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance talk about the world of Lean Coffee and its applications in group discussions. From setting agendas to time boxing conversations, they explore how this structured, yet flexible approach can lead to efficient and meaningful discussions. But wait, what about "Learn Coffee"? Discover how the hosts brainstorm the concept of "Learn Coffee" as a way to enhance learning through insight capture and discussion.  

Key Points 

  • Introduction to Lean Coffee 
  • Implementing Lean Coffee in Meetings 
  • Challenges and Considerations in Using Lean Coffee 
  • Evolution of Lean Coffee into Learn Coffee 
  • Discoveries and Insights from Research 

Show Credits: 

Hosts: Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance 

Producers: Meg Fairchild and Dean Castile 

Music: Original music by Dean Castile 

AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the transcript and the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans.