This month is all about you!
The Learning Network
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Hi there! Welcome to the May edition of the Learning Network newsletter!
This issue is all about you – our brilliant community. We’re shining a light on the fantastic contributions from our members, from thought-provoking articles to practical tips and shared experiences that truly bring the spirit of our network to life.
We’d love to hear from you! If you’d like to be part of our Spotlight series or have insights you’d like to share in a blog or article, please get in touch at contactus@thelearning-network.org.
We’re also celebrating a special milestone: the first birthday of our Book Club! Over the past year, it’s grown into a vibrant spacefor reflection, discussion and connection. A huge thank you to everyone who’s joined in, led sessions and recommended reads. See below for a special interview with our Book Club team.
So whether you’re here for inspiration, ideas or just a quick catch-up, we hope you enjoy!
PS. Applications for the Learning Technologies Awards 2025 are now open! In case you missed our Judges Panel at Learning Technologies last month, keep your eyes peeled for some videos from our awards showcase across LinkedIn over the next few weeks.
Featured Article
Attention Architects: Designing Learning for Attention and Focus
Lauren Waldman – Learning Scientist and founder of Learning Pirate Inc. – takes us straight into the brain. She unpacks how attention and focus really work, why they’re essential to learning, and how L&D professionals can design experiences that truly stick.
Featured Blog
What Building an AI Agent Taught Me About Learning (and my own work)
In this reflective and hands-on piece, WattNext CEO and LN Director Polly Watt shares what building AI agents taught her about how people really learn. She explores why iteration, experimentation, and imperfection may just be the most powerful tools we have – both in learning design and in the future of our work.
Happy Birthday Book Club!
Launched in June 2023, the Book Club has grown into a vibrant, supportive space for L&D professionals to connect, reflect, and share ideas. The Book Club team Kristina Rodier, Helen Palmer, Katerina Vourlakos and Russell Woods recently reflected on the highlights from their first year.
From welcoming guest authors like Julie Dirksen and Andy Lancaster, to standout sessions like December’s Winter Wellbeing sketchnoting event, there’s been no shortage of inspiring moments. Members shared how the club has shaped their practice, from designing more accessible learning to sparking ideas for community engagement.
Whether you're an avid reader or just book-curious, everyone’s welcome. No prep needed—just a passion for learning! Join the conversation and help us make year two even better.
Member Spotlight
Ben Collier - Blurring Boundaries between Ops and L&D
Ben brings a refreshing, problem-solving mindset to L&D, and a reminder that impactful learning doesn’t always come from traditional routes – sometimes, the best ideas come from those willing to blur the boundaries.
Upcoming LN Events
The Learning Network Book Club
5th June @ 19:00-20:00 GMT - Virtual
Join hosts Helen Palmer, Kris Rodier, and Katerina Vourlakos for The Learning Network’s Book Club. This will be our first session on the The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right by Atul Gawande.
Tea and Talk
12th June @ 12:00 - 14:00 GMT - Virtual
Ignite your passion for conversation and connection at the June edition of Tea and Talk Whether you wish to engage deeply or just drop in to say hello, Tea and Talk is here for you.
Industry News
The Learning Technologies Awards 2025 are now open for entries – and it’s your chance to shine. With 21 categories celebrating innovation in learning worldwide, these awards recognise the people, platforms, and projects pushing the boundaries of what great learning tech can do.
🏆 The entry and submission deadline is 25 July 2025 at 17:00 BST.
Community Guidelines
We are committed to ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all our members and industry partners, and we have introduced our new community guidelines, which can be found here. By engaging in our community both online and in-person, members and industry partners are agreeing to follow these guidelines. If you have any concerns, please reach out to a Board Director via private message or by email to contactus@thelearning-network.org.
Join the Learning Network
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🧠 Stop guessing. Start knowing. | Frontline ops platform that drives performance through knowledge in every moment | Co-founder at Ocasta.
2moI like the title of this newsletter, when part of it is about me 😂