Digital learning isn’t just a challenge for higher education

Many people associate digital learning with higher education, but the pressures driving change extend far beyond universities.

From professional bodies and training providers to associations and online retailers, organisations are looking for ways to improve engagement, modernise content delivery and better support their users. At the same time, they’re under growing pressure to understand how content is being used and to demonstrate its impact.

We spoke to Paul Johnson, Partnerships Business Development Director at Kortext, about the challenges organisations are facing and why digital learning is becoming a strategic priority across an increasing number of sectors.

Tell us about your background and your role at Kortext

Over the past seventeen years, I’ve built partnerships across publishing, technology and education, and my role at Kortext draws on experience from all three sectors.

I work with professional bodies, training providers, associations, regulators and other organisations responsible for delivering learning around the world.

While many people know Kortext for its success in higher education, our solutions are highly transferable. We’re already helping organisations linked to the HE sector and operating outside the HE sector rethink how they deliver digital content and create more engaging learning experiences.

Why organisations across sectors are rethinking digital learning

The challenges facing higher education are no longer unique to universities.

Expectations for digital reading and learning experiences are rising, and users want content that is accessible, trustworthy and engaging.

At the same time, organisations need greater insight into how content is being used, what learners are engaging with, and which tools are making the biggest difference.

For professional bodies, associations and training providers delivering mandatory learning and continuing professional development, the digital experience can have a real impact on engagement. The right digital environment helps learners get more from content while enabling organisations to meet evolving expectations.

We see similar pressures elsewhere. Online retailers must balance continued demand for print with growing adoption of eBooks, helping them reach wider audiences while protecting revenue. Resellers, meanwhile, need the latest tools and services to help their customers stay ahead in an increasingly digital landscape.

Delivering better learning experiences

Kortext already works with a range of organisations in these sectors, and our support typically falls into three areas: content, delivery and experience.

First, there’s content access. Through our publisher partnerships, we give organisations access to a vast range of resources. We can also host and distribute their own content, making materials available alongside commercial titles within a single platform.

The second area is fulfilment. Whether content is accessed through self-service journeys, third-party platforms or integrated directly into existing systems via APIs, we help ensure users can discover and access the resources they need quickly and seamlessly.

Finally, there’s the learning experience itself. We provide an environment that supports accessible learning through features such as text-to-speech and display options, alongside study tools that aid comprehension and revision. Organisations can also choose to enhance the experience with an AI-powered toolkit.

Understanding how learners engage with content

Data gives organisations a clearer picture of how learners engage with content, helping them understand what resources are being used and where engagement is highest.

These insights can help shape future content development, inform learning programmes, and demonstrate impact to stakeholders and regulators where required.

Just as importantly, a connected digital learning environment provides a more complete view of learner engagement, helping organisations identify where additional support may be needed and ensuring no learner is left behind.

Building partnerships around real challenges

Every partnership starts with a different challenge.

An organisation might want to modernise content delivery, improve learner engagement, reach new audiences or protect existing revenue streams. Our role is to understand those goals and work collaboratively to find the right approach.

Our partnerships are consultative rather than transactional. We help organisations around the world bring together the right mix of content, technology and services to meet their specific needs.

Organisations don’t need to transform everything at once. Many start with a single initiative or content collection before expanding over time. By starting small and scaling gradually, organisations can build confidence and demonstrate value along the way.

Looking ahead: what will set successful organisations apart?

The biggest differentiator will be how organisations think about digital learning itself.

The most successful won’t see it as a single project, programme or content collection. Instead, they’ll consider how digital content, learning tools and learner support can work together across different parts of the organisation.

What starts as a conversation about content delivery may become a broader discussion about engagement, accessibility, learner support and insight. The organisations that recognise those connections early are often the ones that see the greatest value.

To explore what a more effective digital learning experience could look like for your organisation, or organisations you work with and support, contact Paul Johnson.