Since 2019, we have seen unprecedented events unfold across the globe that have had a lasting impact on all industries. These events spurred technological advancements to take place over a shorter period of time than would otherwise have been anticipated.
The education, tertiary learning, and corporate training sectors have certainly felt the impact of these advancements. So what is new, what has changed and what is trending in the online learning world? Read on for a full run-down of the ways technology is shaping the future of eLearning and which trends you can anticipate over the next few months.
What is eLearning?
For as long as the internet has been with us, people have been able to access information and “learn” online. However, eLearning only really took off at the turn of the century. What started as learning via digital media and the internet has grown into a multi-million dollar industry that continues to grow year on year.
Today, eLearning combines expert teachers with video lessons, text manuals, animations, zoom calls and even virtual environments to create a multi-faceted interactive world all in the name of learning.
How Emerging Technologies will Shape the Future of eLearning Software
Changes and growth within the eLearning space were of course accelerated by the pandemic and the world’s increased reliance on the internet, however, these changes started years before another pandemic was even a possibility.
The rise in MOOCs (massive open online courses), coupled with the introduction of “the cloud” and with the expansion of learning analytics for insights and improvements since 2012 are three significant indicators of positive change within the online learning sector.
Emerging technologies will continue to influence and improve the eLearning space. And as they do, we foresee a continued growth spurt.
Top 9 eLearning Solutions Trends
Although there are many trends around at the moment and many beginning to emerge as we’re writing this, not all trends are “built to last”. That said, these are the current trends within the world of eLearning that we believe are here to stay for longer than a minute.
1. Video-Based Learning
Since the dawn of digital and online learning, companies have tried to incorporate a multitude of media into their course content, including video-based learning and tutorials. Although video-based learning is nothing new and a simple Google search of any course topic will yield pages and pages of results, audio-visual aid remains incredibly popular within the online learning sphere.
2. Microlearning
It’s a well-known fact that over-stimulation caused by the digital age has decreased our attention spans. This has a direct impact on our ability to learn, engage with and effectively comprehend information. Thus, the trend of Microlearning has emerged.
Microlearning is exactly what it sounds like, learning or working through learning material in shorter time frames. Not only does this solve the problem of having to focus for extended periods of time, but microlearning also means not having to commit to long sessions.
3. Gamification
A trendy educational approach that continues to grow is the gamification of learning. This approach to online learning seeks to motivate students through the use of video game elements within the learning environment. The aim is to maximize students’ enjoyment and increase engagement.
4. Augmented & Virtual Reality
Over the past decade, augmented and virtual reality systems have taken off across a number of industries. Within the education industry, augmented and virtual reality are rapidly growing and being used to help learners grasp concepts that are abstract, as well as the opportunity to gain hands-on experience.
5. Artificial Intelligence
The digital and online learning environment has benefited immensely from the integration of AI technology. AI and machine learning have made the process of managing learning patterns and capacities easier for educators and facilitators. With AI in place, eLearning courses are elevated and improved for all to participate equally.
6. Social Learning
If the COVID-19 pandemic has reaffirmed anything, it’s that humans are social beings. Studies have shown that around 70% of our learning in day-to-day life is through social media. Because social media is one of the primary tools used for connecting online, eLearning and higher education institutions have an opportunity to use this to their advantage.
7. Adaptive Learning
Not to be confused with personalized learning, adaptive learning is a way to utilize user data and offer customized learning to users with the hopes of effective engagement. Adaptive learning fulfills the user’s specific and unique individual needs.
8. Learning Management Systems
Also known as LSMs, learning management systems have begun to play more of a significant role in the organizing and managing of administrative efforts within the eLearning and higher education industries.
9. Learning & Development
When it comes to moving jobs or advancing within any given career field, the acquisition of new skills and the development of existing skills has taken priority. For most people, “work” has become about building a career that is meaningful and fulfilling.
As our world continues to progress and online solutions continue to take priority over traditional ones, we anticipate that eLearning will also continue to expand in its role within higher education institutions. For more on ITS Integrator, our LSM solutions and how they can be used within your institution, contact us or visit our website today.
