Explore the Latest eLearning Trends to Boost Learner Engagement

Why Should You Employ the Latest eLearning Trends?

Elearning is considered to be a more effective form of training than the conventional modes by the trainers and instructional designers. Due to the immense benefits it offers, a large number of organizations have shifted their training to eLearning. According to a significant statistical study by eLearning Industry, “72% of firms believe eLearning helps them maintain a competitive edge by keeping up with changing technologies.” However, when relying on online learning mode it is imperative to know the latest eLearning trends. Here are some reasons to employ recent eLearning trends.

Engaged Learning

The most crucial reason for embracing the latest eLearning trends is that it offers engagement in learning. Unlike the traditional classroom setting that is trainer-centered, eLearning is more learner-oriented providing learners to engage in the learning experience. By integrating a variety of tools and media, it captures the attention of the learners and calls for their active participation in the learning process.

Caters Diverse Needs

As learners have diverse needs in undertaking training, adhering to eLearning provides content that satisfies their needs. Individuals can choose the training that matches their preferences, needs, styles, and pace with eLearning. Moreover, eLearning offers accessibility features such as closed captions, alternative texts, color contrast, screen reader compatibility, and keyboard navigation enabling differently-abled learners to undertake the training.

Flexibility

While conventional training practices offer synchronous learning where trainers and the learners need to be present at the same physical location when training is offered, eLearning offers the flexibility of both synchronous and asynchronous learning where the learners can choose the training based on their convenience.

Retention of Knowledge

The interactive and engaged learning experiences contribute to knowledge retention. Learners can retain the information they learned through the opportunity to revisit the concept and provide learning content in multiple effective ways.

Measure Impact

Similar to the efficiency in imparting learning content, the impact of eLearning can be measured with ease. Most LMSs integrate data analytics metrics to track the learner’s progress, completion rates, learning readability, and pace. In addition, the knowledge checks and assessments within the eLearning courses offer immediate feedback benefitting the learner to understand the impact of their learning.

What are the Latest eLearning Trends?

To ensure learning and training remain informed and relevant, it is vital to possess significant knowledge about the latest eLearning trends. Here are some of the latest eLearning trends that maximize the learning impact.

ArtificiaI Intelligence (AI)

The role of AI is indispensable in the eLearning sector from gathering information, design, development, delivery, and feedback. AI has transformed the one-size-fits-all tone of providing learning to easily accessible, flexible learning content for individual learners. As per a critical survey by the British Council, “48% of organizations report AI impacts as high on their L&D processes, while an additional 46% indicate a moderate influence.” (Source: GSD Council).

Features

1. AI-powered tools can generate automated content reducing the time spent on content gathering and design.
2. AI-driven voice tools can convert text to speech.
3. AI offers wider accessibility by providing content in multiple modalities and enabling translation of content to a wider audience.
4. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants offer immediate feedback.
5. AI integrates predictive analysis to measure training impact.
6. Utilizing blockchain technology in AI enables a secure way for course creation and automated administrative tasks.
7. AI systems identify individual preferences and needs and suggest courses to the learners based on their interests.

Personalized Learning

Personalized learning offers customized learning experiences based on learner preferences and needs. It offers every learner the autonomy to learn the content of their interest at their pace. Offering personalized learning in organizations raises self-satisfaction and instills the feeling that they are valued in the employees, thereby promoting enhanced employee retention.

Features

1. Caters to individual needs, styles, and preferences.
2. Analyzes knowledge and skill gaps of the learners to offer them solutions based on their learning goals.
3. Personalization in learning experiences offers flexibility to the learners.
4. Provides learner autonomy to choose the learning delivery method that suits their preferences.
5. Personalization is evident in the immediacy in feedback and remedial measures.
6. Offers opportunities to assess learner understanding by monitoring their progress.

Adaptive Learning

Adaptive Learning is similar to personalized learning but differs in learning systems automatically adjusting to the needs of individual learners. This eLearning trend integrates machine learning and AI to replicate the traditional one-to-one learning experiences.

Features

1. Adaptive learning analyzes learner performance and offers solutions to alter learning content.
2. Offers data-driven solutions by automatically adjusting the learning content based on the complexity and learner progress.
3. Recommendation of the best content that suits the learners through predictive analysis.
4. Assessments and knowledge checks align with the learner’s level of comprehension.
5. Adaptive learning promotes higher learner engagement due to personalization in training content.

Extended Reality (XR)

Extended Reality (XR) involves the incorporation of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) in the learning process to create an immersive learning space. These technologies integrate real-world simulations to offer interactive experiences to the learners. Moreover, it increases the learning effectiveness that statistics suggest “VR training drives a 76 percent increase in learning effectiveness compared to traditional methods.” (Source: European Clean Journal).

Features

1. Simulations portray real-world situations to enable the learners to connect with situations in their daily lives.
2. Offers a safe environment for practical experimentation of situations without worrying about the potential consequences.
3. Multisensory learning engagement through visual, auditory, and haptic experiences.
4. Wearable devices such as VR headsets and AR glasses offer immersive learning experiences.
5. Most XR platforms seamlessly integrate with the organization’s existing LMSs to access content.
6. The cognitive load of the learners to process information is reduced through integrating XR in learning.

Microlearning

Microlearning is defined as the process of breaking information into smaller chunks and shorter duration to retain the learning. “Microlearning results in learner engagement to soar from an industry average of 15 percent up to 90 percent.” (Source: SC Training).

Features

1. Concise, bite-sized content on a single topic.
2. Microlearning fits the busy schedules of learners offering flexibility to complete content in a maximum of 10 minutes.
3. Incorporate multiple learning interactive elements for maximized outcomes.
4. Regarding the design and development, it is comparatively easier than longer modules.
5. Microlearning enables learners to master skills by enhanced comprehension and retention.
6. Offers on-the-job support for professionals through the information in ‘nugget’ form

Gamification

Gamification is an eLearning trend that incorporates game elements in the learning context to foster engagement and retention. Learners irrespective of their age find this mode an effective tool to retain knowledge.

Features

1. Promotes reinforcement of the learning content through rewards, points, badges, and interactive elements.
2. Challenges and quests in the game immerse learners in the learning experiences and retain knowledge gained.
3. Suitable for conducting assessments and offering feedback.
4. Learners can track their progress through their achievements.
5. Gamification employs personalization elements such as avatars to create in learners a sense of connection with the training content.
6. Compatible and scalable gamification courses can be accessed in multiple mediums and platforms.

Social learning

Social learning refers to the process of learning through engagement and collaboration with other peer learners through digital platforms. This eLearning trend is beneficial as it fosters an environment where learners involved can share their knowledge, concerns, and doubts and get clarity of the concepts.

Features

1. Platforms such as discussion forums, group chats, and teams foster interaction and social learning.
2. Incorporate sharing of information related to their learning not appearing in the course through videos or presentations.
3. Integrates features such as live chats, and video conferencing for synchronous learning.
4. Utilizes social media platforms for collaboration and discussion.
5. Incorporate collaborative tasks and assignments to bring forth innovative and creative ideas.
6. Observational learning by observing the peers and the trainers.

Conclusion

L&D professionals utilize multiple eLearning trends to maximize learning impact and effectiveness. Organizations can implement the best ones that suit their learners’ needs and priorities by identifying the features, pros, and cons.

Need help to identify the eLearning trend that suits your preferences, Let’s connect!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is it crucial to employ the latest eLearning trends?

Elearning trends offer engaged learning, cater diverse needs of learners, are flexible, retain knowledge, and can easily measure the impact.

What are the latest eLearning trends?

The latest eLearning trends include AI, personalized learning, adaptive learning, extended reality, microlearning, gamification, and social learning.