What we’re learning about learning

Last month, Ragan Training — an on-demand, subscription-based hub collecting videos and resources from Ragan conferences and webinars— transformed into a full-fledged learning portal.

The Ragan Training learning portal integrates the hallmark features of an effective learning and development resource such as micro-learning modules with knowledge checks and quizzes, transcript dashboards for learners (and their managers) to track progress and much more.

We’ve already unpacked what makes Ragan’s new learning portal different, introduced you to our incredible roster of inaugural instructors and the Ragan Training content team, too.

Now, with the whirlwind of the launch subsiding, here’s what we learned about learning throughout this process.

Communicators learn at their own pace

The  Ragan Training learning portal features lessons in a variety of different structures and lengths:

• Learning modules: The hallmark lessons of the Ragan Training portal—our learning modules—are multi-part courses covering an array of topics both evergreen and topical. We currently have 17 original courses live across three difficulty levels, with more on the way weekly. These courses are taught by guest instructors and Ragan’s content team.
• Conference sessions: Presentation, panel and keynote sessions from recent Ragan events have always been a hallmark of Ragan Training. But the new portal streamlines this on-demand viewing experience, making it easier to integrate sessions watched into learner transcripts and manager dashboards.
• Quick learning: A dedicated quick learning section on the portal collects highlights from longer conference sessions known as “Shorts”, bespoke instructor-driven briefs on a fundamental topic called “Explainers”, and brief interviews captured during our live conferences called “Power Conversations”.

Initial enrollment and completion metrics confirm why we built Ragan Training with this variety of structured lessons—all formats are being utilized, and there’s no right style of learning. It depends on the time, schedule and commitments of the individual learner. It

also depends on the learning and development path they’re on, and what their manager has planned to move them along their learning journey.

A structured framework illuminates the path

The new Ragan Training is designed to provide communicators and their managers with options to upskill around what’s most relevant to the leaner’s individual goals, and the needs of the wider business.

To facilitate this, the architecture of Ragan Training’s portal, and its lessons therein, are mapped to The Ragan Framework—a T-shaped model that includes a spectrum of integrated communications competencies across six knowledge areas. Learners can focus on Internal Comms, PR, Social Media & Marketing, Business Acumen, Leadership and Technology. They can also pick and choose the lessons relevant to them in each area.

The utility of this is choice, customization and the fact that any effective communicator is multi-faceted, adaptable, and understanding of how today’s leaders require a vast, varied knowledge base.

The Ragan Framework is already a hit with members of our Communications Leadership Council, who are working with the Ragan Team to compose customized, blended learning plans for their team as part of their member benefits.

The successful application of this framework at several large, Fortune 500 member organizations is a stress test and a vote of confidence that our new model works not just in theory, but in practice.

Achievement Programs gamify the groupings and make it social

Another new feature of the Ragan Training learning hub, Achievement Programs, include Basic, Intermediate and Advanced curriculums grouped by framework knowledge area that mix learning modules, conference sessions and the occasional quick hit video.

There are currently six basic Achievement Programs available:

1. Internal Communications Basic
2. Public Relations Basic
3. Social Media & Marketing Basic
4. Business Acumen Basic
5. Leadership Basic 
6. Technology Basic 

Each basic achievement program earns a bronze badge upon completion, which is displayed in the learner’s profile, along with a downloadable achievement program that they can share on socials (or print out and hang on the wall of their cubicle, if either of those things still exist).

While we’re already seeing Ragan Training members gravitate toward this gamification, some are more competitive than others (a few learners are almost finished with every basic achievement program)!

This reminds us that many of the most enterprising and entrepreneurial communicators are also a bit competitive. It also reminds us that socializing your achievements and celebrating your efforts is a key part of the gig—whether you’re celebrating your organization or yourself.

Continue to celebrate yourself and your team by jumpstarting your learning on the new Ragan Training.