Faced with new innovations and the renewal of knowledge, the obsolescence of knowledge is a current topic that leads to the need for continuous training. Have you always wanted to get an elephant memory? Discover the power of repetition and how to optimize it to ensure its long-term effectiveness!
Forgetting curve: Definition
La Oblivion curve created at the end of the 19th century by Ebbinghaus, an experimental learning psychologist, explains to us that we learn very quickly, but we also forget just as quickly!

You should know that without any reminder we only have 70% of the information we have learned after 24 hours... and more than 20% after a week! Our brains tend to remember anecdotal information rather than the main information, yes, that's the way it is!
How can we counter this forgetting curve?
The forgetting curve is the phenomenon by which acquired knowledge becomes inadequate because it is outdated.
Although knowledge is becoming more numerous and accessible — so much so that we speak of a “knowledge society” — paradoxically, it is more and more temporary. Democratization and the proliferation of knowledge are therefore closely linked to its obsolescence!
In fact, it is because we are constantly discovering new things that the knowledge we had acquired is no longer up to date. Especially since this knowledge cycle is getting shorter and shorter! New knowledge is discovered regularly and quickly. In fact, it is estimated that Global knowledge doubles approximately every 9 years !
This is not without consequences for the professional world since by 2030, nearly 60% jobs that will then be practiced do not yet exist today!
So are we doomed with the forgetting curve to never remember what we learn?
Well no! Nevertheless, Ebbinghaus proves to us that Forgetting is not inevitable ! In fact, thanks to successive repetitions and intelligently spaced We can anchor this information in our memory over the long term.

We observe that by doing small revision sessions (on D+3, D+10, D+30 then D+60 for example), 90% of this information is remembered over the long term.
What factors explain the obsolescence of knowledge?
Technological innovations and the widespread digital transformation in all sectors are changing daily practices both in personal and professional life. The knowledge and skills of employees therefore become obsolete more easily. Whether it is training, the banking sector, agriculture etc. all sectors are undergoing a digital transformation.
And while some sectors are more affected than others (for example, in digital marketing, practices evolve so quickly that they must be reviewed every 6 to 12 months), no sector is safe from the Kodak syndrome!
What's the syndrome?
The Kodak syndrome refers to the phenomenon of the disappearance of large companies whose primary activity has become obsolete in the face of technological and digital innovations. Why Kodak?
In 2012, Kodak filed for bankruptcy, its core business (disposable cameras and film development) having been competing with the digital camera... precisely invented by Kodak itself in 1975! But for fear of moving away from its main activity, the company finally decided to abandon this innovation... causing its loss!
So it is It is important for a company as well as for an employee to keep up to date with innovations, to adapt your activity, improve your skills and thus update yourself!
Oblivion curve: what if the solution was mobile learning?
Face-to-face training focuses on the “during” without worrying enough about the “after” classroom. However, the aim of the training is to identify shortcomings, to anticipate omissions and thus to set up a sustainable learning with its learners.
La digitalization of training is therefore a major advantage of training because it facilitates the mechanism ofmemory anchoring thanks to automatic reminders! For example, with a mobile learning solution these spaced reminders can be sent automatically in the form of notifications: the learner can then do his memorization sessions where he wants and when he wants! A good way to combat the forgetting curve.
It is interesting to associate these reminders with the”Adaptive Learning”. Numerous revision formats are available to be able to adapt to the different profiles of learners. Indeed, each learner is different and everyone learns in their own way: learning needs that Digital Learning meets! Text, video, infographics or even quizzes... These diversified contents and the Gamification Moreover, allow a better memorization in keeping the learner active in his training !
Les digital tools and in particular the Solutions of Mobile Learning, offers you a tool easy to use and accessible. Your learning sessions will therefore be recorded in long-term memory thanks to automated daily reminders !
What can we do to overcome the obsolescence of knowledge and skills?
Train yourself perpetually! While diplomas are more and more necessary to be able to get a job, they are also becoming outdated more and more quickly. It will therefore no longer be enough for you to be content with your initial training for the rest of your professional life.
This is all the more true because with the digital transformation of all sectors, corporate working methods and businesses themselves are being disrupted.
Fortunately, more and more companies have understood this problem and are offering continuing education solutions. The Digital Learning is particularly appealing because it offers a solution adapted to current constraints. : this is all the more the case for Mobile Learning, which allows employees to learn during their free time on their smartphone.
So, don't wait any longer to train yourself and counter the forgetting curve! It is the portfolio of your skills that will really make you employable!



