In a significant stride towards modernizing education and training, Air Education and Training Command (AETC) has launched myLearning, a cutting-edge digital platform accessible to all Airmen and Guardians via the Air Force Portal since March 18, 2021. This initiative underscores the Air Force’s commitment to providing cost-effective and efficient learning solutions, ensuring our personnel are equipped for the challenges of tomorrow.
The myLearning platform, spearheaded by AETC Learning Services, represents a pivotal shift in how the Air Force approaches Force Development. This secure Learning Management System (LMS) is designed to streamline student learning, enhance automation, and improve reporting capabilities for approximately 800,000 Total Force users. The rollout is strategically planned in three phases, with the initial phase introducing a modernized and interactive training environment. This first phase effectively migrates training modules previously hosted on the Advanced Distributed Learning Service (ADLS) to this new, more dynamic system.
“To keep pace with the rapidly evolving landscape of virtual learning, our training systems must resonate with today’s Airmen. Af My Learning initiatives like myLearning are crucial for accelerating the changes necessary to maintain our competitive edge,” stated Maj. Gen. Jeannie Leavitt, AETC director of operations and communications. “Leveraging modern information technology is paramount to developing Airmen who can out-think and out-perform any adversary in today’s complex operational environments. Af my learning with myLearning empowers us to modernize our training methodologies.”
It is important to note that users were advised to complete all ongoing training on ADLS before March 10th, as the ADLS website became inaccessible starting March 26th. Upon logging into myLearning for the first time on March 18th, users might have initially noticed that their historical training transcripts were not immediately visible. However, Denise Padilla-Rorie, AETC myLearning program manager, assured users that the migration of transcript data into the new system was underway and patience was appreciated during this transition period.
A core objective of the myLearning platform, as Padilla-Rorie explains, is to consolidate LMS platforms across the Air Force. This centralization allows Airmen to access a wide array of databases and training curricula with a single, unified login. This eliminates the cumbersome need for multiple passwords, significantly enhancing user convenience and efficiency.
Floyd A. McKinney, AETC chief of learning services, emphasizes the adaptability of myLearning to the changing dynamics of learning. “The paradigm of Airmen learning is shifting. We must accommodate not only ‘learn-from-work’ scenarios but also the growing demand for ‘learn-from-anywhere’ capabilities. To effectively address the uncertainties of the future, af my learning strategy must bring learning resources directly to Airmen, rather than requiring Airmen to seek out learning. Innovation in this realm has never been more critical.”
Looking ahead, phase two of the myLearning rollout, scheduled to commence this spring, includes the migration of the Enterprise Blended Learning Service (EBLS) to the new platform, according to Padilla-Rorie. Phase three, planned for later in the year, will introduce enhanced system capabilities and further integration of additional learning systems, continually expanding the platform’s functionality and scope.
“The ultimate vision for myLearning, by the completion of phase III, is to seamlessly integrate training into the Airmen’s environment, regardless of location,” states Rotary Green, AETC myLearning product development program lead. “Whether on a network computer at work or a tablet at home, af my learning with myLearning aims to give Airmen control over when and where they engage with training.”
Currently, access to myLearning requires a Common Access Card (CAC) login. However, officials are actively working to implement two-factor authentication protocols in the near future, adding an extra layer of security. Further features and enhancements of myLearning will be announced throughout the coming year as the platform evolves and integrates more learning systems.
For any technical issues or feedback concerning the platform, users are encouraged to reach out to the development team via email at [email protected]. Embrace the future of Air Force learning with myLearning and take control of your professional development journey today.
