A new AI-based search algorithm enables Washington State University employees to find specific book chapters, 5–10-minute videos, and other easily digestible tidbits of information on thousands of skills they are interested in learning, for free.
The improved search function, along with a leadership course developed by MIT’s Sloan School of Management, are among the myriad of options available on WSU’s new employee learning platform, Skillsoft Percipio, which launched Aug. 9.
“I am really excited we were able to add the leadership development course created by MIT as part of our new package,” said Bonnie Dennler, manager of learning and organization development with Human Resource Services. “Having additional leadership development programs has been a big ask from a number of groups and the new course definitely delivers.”
Skillsoft Percipio hosts 700 channels for high demand skills which include live courses, videos, audiobooks, and more. Users can take learning paths which are designed to help them assess their abilities in certain areas such as coding or digital design, and then work through milestone-driven programs that provide feedback and ample practice space along the way.
The learning management platform provides detailed analytics on what users are searching for and programs they have completed so that managers can track professional development and recommend real-world training for in-demand skills.
In 2021, WSU employees systemwide completed 981 online courses via the previous iteration of the Skillsoft platform.
Ariana McDonnell, a senior assistant with Human Resources, hopes the new search function and easier-to-use interface of Skillsoft Percipio and its intuitive mobile app component will help increase that number in coming years.
“The new platform has a really good app that enables users to download both professional courses and mandatory trainings, and then access them offline when they are on the go,” she said. “It is really quite convenient and easy to use.”
In addition to purchasing the learning management platform, WSU is now also hosting its compliance trainings via Skillsoft which will help Human Resource Services keep track of completions of mandatory trainings required by law or policy.
