Do we design learning for control or learning for performance?
For many years, learning management systems (LMS) have been the primary location for workplace learning. Save courses, track completion, and help your organization meet your compliance needs. Back then, learning was planned, structured, and delivered in one place.
That world no longer exists. Learning now happens every day across tools, teams, and tasks. People learn as they work, solve problems, and collaborate. Due to this change, the traditional centralized LMS model is gradually losing its relevance. A new approach is about to take its place. It’s called a learning mesh.
Why traditional LMS is not enough
Traditional LMSs were built for control. This worked well when learning was primarily classroom-based or course-driven. But today’s work is fast, digital, and constantly changing. Most employees no longer log into an LMS to start learning. They search within chat tools, ask questions to the AI assistant, watch short videos, and learn from their teammates. Learning is becoming more like work.
This creates a gap. LMS expects learners to stop what they’re doing and “go learn.” On the other hand, employees are looking for help while on the job. When learning feels like interruptions, engagement decreases.
Speed is also an issue. Skills change quickly. New tools, processes, and roles emerge faster than courses can be created. By the time the course is ready, your needs may have already changed.
Personalization is also limited. Most centralized LMS platforms provide the same content to everyone. But employees expect learning that fits their role, experience level, and goals. One learning path no longer fits all.
What is a learning mesh?
Learning mesh is a more flexible way to deliver learning. Rather than combining all learning into one system, a learning mesh connects learning from many sources. These may include LMSs, collaboration tools, knowledge libraries, artificial intelligence (AI) assistants, and external content platforms. LMS still exists, but it’s no longer central. Be part of a larger learning ecosystem [1].
Learning Mesh makes learning feel connected, even if it comes from different places. Employees don’t have to search the entire system. Learning comes based on what they are doing and what they need.
Learning happens where work is done
One of the biggest learning trends of 2025 is learning in the flow of work. Employees want immediate answers, not long courses. They want help writing emails, preparing presentations, dealing with customer issues, and learning new tools.
Learning mesh makes this possible. Learning content is embedded in everyday work tools such as chat platforms, project systems, and business applications. Artificial intelligence plays a key role here. In 2025, many organizations will use AI to recommend short learning content, guides, or tips based on real-time needs. Learning will be timely and informative instead of being planned weeks in advance.
From courses to skills
Traditional LMS models focus on courses and completion rates. But in 2025, organizations will focus more on skills. What they want to know is:
What skills do your employees have? What skills are they missing? How quickly are people progressing?
Learning meshes support this change. Learning is not only linked to courses, but also to skills and jobs. Employees build skills through formal training programs as well as many small learning moments.
This also helps organizations better measure effectiveness. Instead of tracking who completes a course, you can see how learning improves performance, confidence, and productivity.
Why employees love Learning Mesh
From an employee perspective, learning mesh feels easier and more natural. There is less pressure to ‘complete’ your studies. Instead, you can learn when you need to. Employees can learn at their own pace and in their own way.
It also makes it easier to share knowledge. In 2025, people will trust peer learning more than long-term training programs. Learning Mesh allows teams to share insights, tips, and real-world experiences without turning everything into a formal course. This is especially useful for onboarding, new roles, and leadership development where learning from others is paramount.
What this means for learning platforms
The future is not about removing the LMS. It’s about changing the way you use it. Modern learning platforms in 2026 are designed to connect with other systems. They are flexible, modular, and powered by AI. Support learning instead of controlling it.
For learning leaders, this means a shift in mindset. Learning is no longer about building the perfect course. It’s about making learning easy to find, easy to use, and easy to apply. Organizations that adopt a learning mesh can respond to change faster. Support continuous learning for your employees, not just during training programs.
Conclusion: Learning is becoming connected
Centralized LMS models are not going away, but they are no longer sufficient. In a world of simultaneous work and learning, learning must be connected, flexible, and simple. Learning Mesh reflects how people will learn in 2025.
Organizations that move to this approach create learning that feels useful, supportive, and relevant. Build skills faster and better support performance. The future of learning is not one system. It’s a connected experience. And learning mesh is leading the way.
What does this mean to you?
The real problem is not about platforms or systems, as learning continues to evolve. It’s your experience for the learner. How is learning currently reflected in your organization? Are you supported when you need it most? Or do you feel disconnected from your day-to-day work? Are you continually building your skills, or are you completing courses only when needed?
Think about what you expect from learning in 2026 and beyond. Do you want learning that fits into your workflow, adapts to your role, and improves your daily performance, or are you still navigating a rigid system that slows you down?
The future of learning is not predefined. It is shaped by the choices you make today. Please feel free to give us your feedback.
References:
[1] How cognitive LMS design turns training into growth
Tenneo: LMS
Tenneo LMS is a robust learning platform with over 100 packaged connectors that ensure seamless integration with your existing technology stack. Four variations are offered depending on your learning needs: Learn, Learn +, and Grow & Act. Guaranteed 8 weeks uptime
