The year 2020 has turned out to be a year packed full of surprises. As the world comes to a halt to overcome a global emergency, businesses across industries are experiencing the effects of a slowing economy.
With that said, specific industries will associate this time with exponential growth for many years to come. One such sector is the eLearning industry.
With people confined to their homes, the notion that the time of self-isolation is perfect for upskilling has become increasingly popular. Not to forget, even businesses that were previously hesitant to adapt to the eLearning revolution are embracing the technology with open arms.
These changes are sure to have an influence over the future of the eLearning industry as a whole. Some upcoming trends you should look out for are:
1. Digitization Of Instructor-Led Training
The blended training model that combines self-paced learning and instructor-led training have been gaining a lot of traction in recent years. However, a classroom setting will become less and less common in the coming future, even after the imminent threat of the pandemic has passed us.
As a result, many of the instructors led classroom sessions will have to be turned into instructor-led virtual courses.
While this adoption to an utterly virtual training environment was already expected, the transition will be much more accelerated than it was happening in the past years.
2. Artificial Intelligence In Learning
Artificial intelligence is another trend that has been helping improve the engagement of learners in online training scenarios. This impact is expected to be felt more evidently in the coming months and years.
As AI-powered chatbots integrated with learning management systems (LMS) become a more and more accepted part of learning management systems. As technology improves, AI is expected to act as an on-demand instructor for future learners, solving queries, and giving explanations in real-time.
Moreover, by combining the technology with others such as machine learning and data analytics, AI will be able to craft customized learning paths and branching scenarios catered to the unique strengths and weaknesses of the learners.
3. The Return Of Content Curation
Content curation is set to make a comeback as it becomes increasingly normal to use user-generated content in course materials. From TED talks to YouTube instructional videos, course creators are starting to understand that there is nothing wrong with using user-generated content as long as it is brilliant.
For instance, when a YouTube tutorial is used in a course, the instructional designer gets to add great content to their class. The Youtuber gets paid and gets recognition amoungst everyone that consumes the course. Finally, the learner receives access to cutting-edge training content.
It’s a win-win situation for all involved parties. With that said, if not used carefully, user-generated content has the potential to make your course curriculum confusing.
4. The Rise Of LXPs
Learning experience platforms are a step ahead of learning management systems. The platforms solve one of the most pressing L&D challenges, engaging learners.
Combining the powers of an authoring tool and a learning management system, LXPs deliver a personalized experience to the learners, geared towards addressing their shortcomings and refining their strengths.
The best part is, these new systems are already compatible with almost all the existing content formats, including videos, microlearning, podcasts, and much more.
Conclusion
The future of online learning seems bright, despite the dark conditions prevailing in the world right now. As these technologies (and many others) make learning more accessible, the online training industry is set to get much more competitive and lucrative at the same time.
