Online learning may have originally been developed to augment face-to-face learning, yet today, it has undoubtedly overtaken the traditional method it was meant to support. Online learning is one of the fastest growing industries, and it’s only going to keep growing as increasingly more organizations recognize its obvious benefits. The online learning market growth rate since the year 2000 has been 900%.
The nature of online learning too keeps evolving rapidly. The two key reasons for this are digitization and changing learning habits. The speedy growth of digital connectivity, introduction of multiple mobile devices and quick access to information has emboldened online learning, and also changed the way digital tools are used for learning purposes. The changing learning habits of the modern, multi-generational workforce too keeps influencing the growth of online learning, as educators and trainers try to keep up with learner needs and behaviors.
We have put together a list of the top five online learning trends that will shape the industry in 2020.
Video learning — Video learning may not be a ‘new trend’, but it is definitely one that is still relevant and important for successful delivery of online learning programs. Today’s learners need to be stimulated through multiple sources in order to keep them engaged and motivated. Video is visually appealing, interactive, engaging and easy to consume. Putting things into context, did you know that as of 2019, almost one billion hours of YouTube videos are watched in a day? Video also makes it easy to breakdown a course into smaller bits, allowing learners to consume exactly what is relevant to them. It is an important tool used for another key area of online learning — micro learning.
Gamification — Gamification and game-based learning have gone beyond being buzzwords to become effective tools of online learning. Gamification helps drive learner engagement and increases retention by using game mechanics such as leader-boards, points, badges and trophies. It speaks to the competitive nature within us, motivating and pushing learners to actively participate and complete tasks and modules for rewards.
Social learning — Human beings constantly learn from those around them — a concept known as social learning. This is becoming increasingly more visible in the modern workplace with colleagues collaborating with each other and sharing information and solutions to problems. Forums, chats, messaging apps and other social platforms bring people together and provide the opportunity to collaborate, share and learn from each other. More importantly, social learning is organic and cost effective, while being easily applied in the workplace thanks to online social platforms.
Immersive learning — Modern educators are constantly battling the issues of interruption and learner inattention. Learners are looking for something more from their learning environments than just being told what to do. Immersive learning experiences which use Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR) are effective in engaging learners, increasing participation and retention. For example, VR can be used to immerse a learner into a work scenario where they can put theory into practical use. Immersive learning experiences can also help leaners understand more complex concepts which are hard to grasp by simply watching a video.
Content curation — The internet is a sea of information on almost every single topic or subject area, and people frequently turn to it to learn how to do something, to troubleshoot and to gain knowledge and information. When you have a repository of so much information, it is harder to find exactly what you need. According to the IDC, the average employee spends about 9.5 hours a week looking for relevant information. That’s a lot of time that can be saved if employers curate content to help learners access the appropriate information when they need it. With content curation, organizations can take advantage of resources that are already in the public domain, reducing the cost of having to create it themselves.
We hope that this post has given you valuable insights on the trajectory your corporate e-learning initiatives need to take. If you are looking for a robust LMS that can help you implement these trends and create a system that enables effective employee development, email us at contact@getlayup.com or visit us at www.getlayup.com.
