eLearning Trends -2021 and beyond

eLearning Trends -2021 and Beyond

The transition from conventional learning to the eLearning model began two decades ago. However, the use of technology-based solutions both by educational and corporate sectors is at an all-time high right now. eLearning has become the preferred choice for flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and convenience, especially at a time when face-to-face interactions pose a health risk due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Due to the stressful health conditions in 2020, the demand for online training solutions that give all the benefits of distance learning has skyrocketed. Let us check out some of the trends in the eLearning industry that emerged as an immediate solution in 2020 and will definitely go for 2021/2022 and beyond.

But, Wait!

First, before jumping directly into the sea, let me share my own experience in applying these trends to solving my client’s needs just at the time when he desperately needs that during this hour of pandemic.

Case Study – 1

“It was the unforgettable year 2020 when one of my old clients approached us with his problem of not being able to connect with his learners effectively. He used to teach his students via f2f teaching and learning, provide solutions to their queries in the classroom, and also help them with all the necessary resources. But, now suddenly, he was unable to connect with his students anymore. He has so much to teach but is helpless. We at https://arsigakonics.org/ heard him, identified his problems, did a detailed needs analysis including performance gaps of the big audience, and provided him with a set of solutions that goes like this:

Problem: The instructor was hard hit by the pandemic and could not deliver his lessons to his students effectively.

Requirements:

• Effective delivery of the content
• Connect with learners on a regular basis
• Learning should be as engaging
• Informative and interactive as it used to be while in classroom teaching
• Share resources in a format that students can relate to and
• Finally, a suitable assessment to test the learner’s knowledge and content grasp

Solution:

• Conversion of PPTs to eLearning format that is easily shared across different platforms
• creatine of microlearning components such as student guides, audio, and video aids, FAQs, interactive pdf etc. to suit his requirements
• To make his learning content more result-oriented we developed Knowledge Checks using quizzes and adding fun game elements for active participation of the child that could engage his learners as they are sitting at home spending most of their time seeing their laptops etc.

Results: All this helped our client to achieve the desired goals that he set for his learners and above all since children were also locked into their homes all these days, it helped them as they got engaged in fun and interactive learning.

Case Study – 2

“Another famous client who used to deliver employee skill training seminars targeting huge audiences needed our assistance. He approached https://arsigakonics.org/ for a solution. We follow the same approach:

Problem: F2F seminars to be converted into more accessible, cost-effective, and retainable learning content.

Requirements:

• Lecture-based content
• Activities
• Format that could meet the desired performance gaps

Solution:

• Identified his needs
• Provided the solution for video-based learning
• Hosting it on an LMS that has the option of chats, social interaction, and much more

Result: Talking head videos where he recorded the video at home, shared with us and we converted it into a live presentation type video including activities and games.

In short, we applied the latest trends in the eLearning industry and based on the client’s needs and requirements provided them with customized solutions for their learning content.

Let us now take a sneak view of the trends gaining attention in the eLearning industry.

1. Mobile Learning

For billions of people, mobility has become an integral component of their everyday lives. As per some data, we will see a major jump in people using mobile for learning this year. It is expected to cross 7 billion users, up from 6.95 billion in 2020. (Statista, 2020). More and more individuals are developing a strong liking for mobile learning as the number of mobile users rises. As a result, businesses are incorporating mobile learning into their learning and development processes.

There are several benefits to mobile learning. Mobile learning allows students to access material whenever and wherever they desire. accessibility and flexibility, are the other two benefits of mobile learning and we believe will keep this eLearning trend burning in 2021 as well. So, let’s get our heads over heels to see the massive integration of mobile learning and immersive technologies to deliver high-end training materials.

2. Social Learning

In the modern workplace, social learning is gradually becoming a permanent feature as it entails basic workplace collaboration among co-workers. This type of learning takes place in various modes such as discussion boards, forums, learning communities, and sharing sessions. Social learning is extremely cost-effective due to its organic nature.  A lot of social and learning platforms include the feature of social learning such as Edmodo game-based learning, Moodle and its chat box feature, and so on.

Organizations have recognized the importance of social learning in recent years. As a result, the style of learning is gaining traction in the corporate sector.

3. Video-based learning

A survey by Wyzowl revealed that 69% of consumers prefer watching a video over consuming any other form of content to learn about new products and services (Wyzowl, 2021).  Another survey says that YouTube users watch over two billion hours of video every day as of 2020 (YouTube, 2021). Over the last couple of years, video training and surfing have exploded like anything over the last couple of years. This is further propelled by the rapid growth of video-sharing platforms.

Static eLearning content is being challenged by video-based learning. Demos, explainers, interviews, and how-tos in video format are preferred by today’s learners above plainly written instructions. Undoubtedly, video is the future of learning. It is appealing, interactive, and engaging. It helps hold the learner’s attention for longer times longer than any other form of learning.

4. Microlearning

Microlearning refers to info provided in bite-sized chunks at exactly the right time. Infographics, pictures, podcasts, text, videos, and more are all examples of this method. These microlearning components have proved very useful as they help employees gather the required information at the right time and utilize it there and then to accomplish the desired outcome.  It can help reduce costs by 30% and increase the speed of development by 300%.

5. Personalised Learning

Adaptive learning emphasizes personalized learning. It accentuates the creation of customized learning activities for each learner. This mode of learning caters to the unique needs of the learners and, so provides them content based on their personalized feedback or wish lists. It also targets specific preferences and needs by providing effective and result-oriented learning paths to the users.

6. Gamification and Game-based learning

Gamification and game-based learning are not new to eLearning. The trend started in 2018 and continues to grow to date. Gamification is a way of improving employee skills in a fun and engaging way. It refers to the use of fun game mechanics to drive learner engagement and boost retention rates. Today, businesses of different types and sizes are using gamification to increase the effectiveness of training and learning.

7. Immersive Learning – AR/VR/AI/XR

The future of eLearning changes with advancements in technology. Immersive technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), have the potential to change the eLearning landscape. Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR) are examples of these technologies. In the eLearning world, the most prevalent immersive technologies are augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). AR and VR are the most prevalent immersive technologies in the eLearning industry. These technologies supplement existing instructional content through fascinating images, graphics, 360-degree photography and videos, real interactions, and other interesting and engaging elements. The main goal is to provide learners with a fully immersive learning experience that excites and engages them.

Chatbots and AI tutors who suggest information based on weaknesses in a learner’s progress to assist in obtaining extra support are two examples of these technologies. Other AR-based applications include the range of filters available on Facebook and Snapchat.

8. Workplace Skills Learning

With time the workplace has evolved, and there is a paradigm shift in the way employees consume knowledge. Soft skills are becoming equally important as hard skills. Problem-solving, communication, leadership, and teamwork abilities have surpassed hard skills in importance.

Employees with soft skills are more likely to succeed in a variety of professions. lower turnover, better productivity, and increased engagement are some of the areas that can be ruled over by soft skill training of the employees.

However, a perfect blend of soft and hard skills helps businesses and organizations gain a competitive advantage and retain top talents.

A few important soft skills are:

• Active Listening
• Adaptability
• Collaboration
• Communication
• Creativity
• Focus
• Time Management
• Work Ethic and so on…

9. Big Data – Analysis and Management

Data analysis and management aid in the most efficient use of data and the formulation of strategies for improvements and better results. This allows them to keep an eye on areas in the organization where there are skill gaps and identify future talent.

Businesses with a big workforce, international offices, or companies having sensitive data may need to investigate data analysis tools that assist them in making more strategic decisions to guarantee better staffing. Some of the activities that are tracked and recorded are:

• Course completion rates
• Learner progress
• Surveys feedback forms and so on

With advancements in technology, learning management systems are also becoming more engaging, intelligent, and effective. Gamification, social learning, microlearning, and AR/VR are being used by content providers and instructional designers to make training materials more engaging, interactive, accessible, and retainable.

Thanks to mobile learning and superior data analytics features that allow the transformation of objectives into ROI and integrating self-paced learning.

Whatever the new features are, it’s clear that online learning is changing at a faster pace than ever before. We at https://arsigakonics.org/are keeping a tough eye on all these emerging trends in the eLearning industry and upgrading our workforce constantly with the latest, trending, and in-demand skill sets.