This one-hour webinar-style session offered a fast-paced, easy-to-follow tour of the key trends shaping learning design and development today. It was an informative, interactive briefing—ideal for getting up to speed on what’s working in modern learning design and facilitation, and why it matters.

Participants explored seven key topics, each designed to spark ideas and sharpen their perspective:

• Learner-Centered Design. It’s not just about the content — it’s about what people actually need to do with what they learn.
• Microlearning and Bite-Sized Content. Short can be powerful — if it’s focused and relevant.
• Blended Learning That Works. Mixing online and in-person formats should feel natural, not forced.
• Social and Peer Learning. Learning doesn't just come from the front of the room — it comes from the group, too.
• Facilitator as Coach. Great facilitators don’t just tell — they ask, guide, and challenge thinking.
• Hybrid and Remote Facilitation Skills. Whether people are in the room or on screen, connection still matters.
• Gamification and Motivation Science. If people aren’t engaged, they won't learn. Learn what actually motivates.

By the end of this session, participants were able to:

• Spot where and how to apply different approaches in learning design and facilitation.
• Recognize common traps and how to avoid them.
• Confidently experiment with new ideas in your own practice.

Handout materials:

• Presentation

PRESENTER: Michelle Parish, Head of Virtual Academy, LPI

Michelle Parish is the Head of Virtual Academy for LPI, where she specializes in providing professional skills development and management training through live online learning (Virtual Classrooms and Webinars). Michelle contributed to the development of the LPI Certified Online Facilitation program (COLF) and is now its Lead Facilitator. Michelle was also part of the team that designed the LPI Certificate in Designing Online Learning program (CDOL), which she and her team deliver to clients, in addition to a range of bespoke virtual learning events. Michelle has conducted training sessions and led technology change projects for multinational organizations, including the global financial services firm UBS, the global consumer goods company Unilever, and the Construction Industry Training Board in the UK. Throughout her career, she has managed, administered, and developed training programs for over 790,000 individuals. 

READ THE INTERVIEW WITH MICHELLE PARISH

This free webinar is brought to you by the IFC Grow Learn Connect program implemented in partnership with the Government of Luxembourg. 

Photo by Kampus Production