L&D Specialist Smruti Sudarshan derives learner-centric solutions redefining edtech

Smruti Sudarshan

With a data-driven approach to make eLearning as learner-centric as possible, Learning and Development Consultant Smruti Sudarshan captures the digital footprints of the learners on a Learning Management System(LMS) and highlights how the instructor or facilitator can grow with adopting tailored learning strategies.

Smruti landed in the field of L&D accidentally when she stepped into a learning designing project for a startup in Bangalore. Her flight took off from there and led her to take up a variety of freelancing projects exploring her desired domain and attaining financial independence crediting the same. Even before completing her graduation in engineering from the Global Academy of Technology, Smruti had quite an experience of work at hand.

Manifesting herself as a thought leader, Smruti implemented data-driven strategies in companies like Dell and LinkedIn and encourages everyone to be self-directed learners using technology to their advantage. She makes strategies that are personalized so that corporate learners can create their own learning paths. The impact that it had on the organization was "continuous learning". This means an employee was always learning, thereby upskilling themselves continuously to align with the business goals.

Seasoned learning strategist with more than five and half years of L&D experience across many industries, Smruti had a specialization in large-scale digital learning transformations. She is passionate about helping companies navigate through the ambiguity of change and act as a trusted adviser to everyone in L&D around the world. "After leading and completing numerous EdTech implementations, I have developed the data-based methodologies and frameworks that will empower L&D teams to move from business support function to strategic business driver", said the ambitious strategist.

Talking about her vision, Smruti says, "I help learners learn! I provide data to learners and facilitators to drive effective learning. This ensures that every individual's learning needs are fulfilled appropriately yielding a customized solution suiting all the prerequisites. Our USP stands to understand the learner's trends and behavior on an LMS."

Channeling her creativity and analytical thinking together Smruti has the vision to bring Artificial Intelligence into the realm of learning experiences. This success didn't come easy to her. When she initially proposed the data-driven strategies, the L&D industry was very rigid in terms of using data. The industry had rigid practices like using only video-based learning or having a 5-day training which did not do anything to retain knowledge. Her tireless efforts and constant endeavors helped her make a change in the industry.

The IIMB graduate holds in-depth knowledge of HTML5, LMS, L&D, eLearning authoring tools (Storyline, Captivate, Lectora ), the Adobe Suite, front-end web development (HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, and JavaScript), and xAPI, a specification to track every step of the learner experience. Smruti has aided a global MNC to develop eLearning courses for customer support employees. Following which she worked with US clients in creating several learning programs using unique learning strategies. Her most prized experience has been working with an NGO in Australia to develop courses for personality-disabled employees and workers.

Being enthusiastic about her work, Smruti says, "The habit that makes me unique is my persuasion skills. This has helped me professionally to grow and touch horizons. It always helps to stick to your guns." "I have learned that there is a huge difference between corporate learners and university students. Corporate learners need mostly ‘at-the-moment' learning and university students strive for ‘quality that stays'. The former is about ‘upskilling' whereas the latter is about ‘retention' of knowledge", she added.

Guiding aspirants to believe in their ideas, Smruti Sudarshan has established a strong foothold in the L&D industry. She has bagged a lot of accolades on her journey. The 26-year-old entrepreneur received The Brandon Hall Award for the best certification program, Excellence in Digital Transformation by GTF India. She also became the first Indian to speak at the eLearning Success Summit 2.0. She is also going to be among the first Indians to speak at "The Learning Ideas Conference 2021" and hold a podcast collaboration with Brandon Hall Group HCMx Radio Podcast.

Smruti Sudarshan's interests lie in learning methodologies, Education Technology and Learner Psychology. One could certainly say that the learning spaces are going to see a ball-game change with these data-driven approaches making learning more effective.