Online learning is a cost-effective way for learners to benefit from training and development, as well as a practical means for businesses and educators to offer it. With more and more technologies making it simple to design or author online courses and with internal or external media channels supporting its promotion and delivery, e-learning is expanding across all possible domains from public to private to institutional.

E-learning is defined as a standardized learning system that relies on electronic devices for delivery. It can also be defined as an ecosystem powered by a network for the transmission of skills and knowledge, in which content is delivered from the instructor to the learners simultaneously or sequentially. E-learning appears to suit current society’s informal approach as well as the contemporary expectations of being able to get the information required when needed. With jobs becoming more complex and competitive, more than in the past, learning must be lifelong and consistent to ensure that learners are more adaptable at work and contributing to their and the institution’s growth.

There are several factors driving the e-Learning market particularly in developing countries. For example, e-Learning helps to reduce infrastructure costs and expenditures, such as the cost of space as well as operational purchase or rentals, resulting in lower costs for learners and facilitators who are imparting the training. Furthermore, online learning eliminates logistics issues caused by transportation and road infrastructure in developing nations.

PowerPoint presentations, PDFs, screen recordings, authored eLearning, and other training resources are examples of basic and static eLearning content. When creating effective and engaging learning content today, there are many factors to take into account. Interactive learning within learning experience platforms that empower adaptive learning, AR/VR-based learning, and mobile responsive application-based learning are a few examples that are currently in trend. Hence, understanding the actual learning gap and the needs necessitates a greater understanding of how it operates and how this translates to smarter, savvier, and more productive learners. 

Here is a closer look at the most important trends to consider while designing an online course.

Adaptive Learning

Empowering learners to determine their own pace as well as time is what adaptive learning is all about. This is gaining popularity and is frequently advised by top eLearning content production businesses as it gives learners greater control, allowing them to tailor their learning to their busy schedules and learning styles.

Gamification

Gamification continues to be an excellent approach to increase engagement. It can assist learners in competing with themselves or with others. This motivates learners and offers them goals to strive for. 

One of the most well-known examples of gamification in eLearning are language learning applications. After all, you accumulate points, progress through levels, and accumulate learning streaks. Giving learners points for completing lessons or allowing them to level up can enhance interest.

Interactive Self-Paced Learning

The goal of the interactive learning technique is to actively include students in the learning process. This contrasts with more passive strategies like the conventional lecture. Despite the fact that some people find the technological aspect of interactive learning intimidating, it’s crucial to keep in mind that technology exists to help pedagogy. Therefore, educators should assess educational technology with an eye toward solutions that expand the horizons of their lessons and improve student learning. 

An effective interactive self-paced course will include, (1) Modules and materials that are simple to find, with links between sections that are easy-to-find. (2) A completion period that is explicitly defined; no component should last too long. (3) Tasks that are well-defined, with easy access to advice if learners encounter difficulties.

Microlearning and Mobile Learning

Both mobile learning and microlearning offer bite-sized content that is available to end users whenever and wherever they are, as well as rich media formats to make learning more engaging. These smaller pieces also allow learners to pick how much they want to study at one time, allowing them to work at their own pace.

Mobile learning strives to address knowledge gaps and provide fast access to information that can assist managers in making well-informed decisions or assist staff in doing their duties effectively. The new method of information delivery known as microlearning, on the other hand, is based on the learning and retention requirements of a younger generation that prefers knowledge that is more condensed, has more real-time contexts, and can be consumed while traveling or in the comfort of their own home.

Social Learning

While some people learn better alone, many people learn best in groups or by engaging with others. Here is where social learning comes into play. File-sharing, forums, and chat rooms are all examples of social learning. 

Video-Based Learning

When it comes to eLearning material development, videos are frequently used. Many eLearning courses used to be primarily text-based, but this is changing. The pandemic accelerated the transition because video-based learning was a natural extension of remote or virtual learning. Most learners nowadays prefer to watch videos over other sources of content. Video-based learning can be used for lectures, seminars, demos, and other purposes.

Artificial Intelligence

Another tool that is becoming increasingly popular is artificial intelligence. AI is utilized to detect learners who are struggling with specific concepts and assist them in determining which one would best suit their needs. This could be based on skill, strength, weakness, or even interests.

An application of AI is the incorporation of chatbots into eLearning courses and platforms. This is an excellent approach to deliver personalized attention and answer simple queries. The use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies in the education and training sector has also grown recently as a result of their effectiveness as aids for boosting the learning process. AR and VR are revolutionizing eLearning because they can provide an immersive and dynamic learning environment. The way to approach development and training could be revolutionized by AR and VR, giving learners a more engaging, effective, and cost-efficient learning experience.

E-learning is here to stay. As computer ownership spreads around the world, e-learning becomes more viable and accessible. Internet connection speeds are improving, which opens up new potential for multimedia training approaches.

ASSIST Asia is here to turn almost any space and time into an opportunity for development. Contact us today to guide you in using these trends to enhance your eLearning program!

References:

ReportLinker. (2021, July 13). Global e-learning market to reach $457.8 billion by 2026. GlobeNewswire NewsRoom. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/07/13/2262081/0/en/Global-E-Learning-Mar

Simoudis, H. (2022, October 4). Elearning content development: The most important trends. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/elearning-content-development-the-most-important-trends

Why e-learning is one of the world’s fastest-growing industries. Toppan Digital Language. (2018, June 1). https://toppandigital.com/translation-blog/elearning-worlds-fastest-growing-industries/