Written by VP Legacies and Andrea Maliska
Over the last few years, we have increasingly been moving towards implementing e-learning, both in the classroom and in the workplace. New technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and game-based learning have made e-learning more accessible and efficient for users anytime, anywhere.
We’re sharing nine e-learning trends that you’ll sure to see this year.
Related: Build Story-based eLearning Content to Engage Your Learners
Adaptive learning going to the next level
Learning is no longer a one-size-fits-all, lecture-based model. Whether it’s in a classroom, online, in a hybrid model, or hands-on, everyone learns differently. That’s why adaptive learning has been created to meet individual learning needs. In the simplest of terms, adaptive learning is giving every learner their own personalized course, made specifically for their strengths, weaknesses, goals, and engagement patterns. Imagine a course that adapted in real-time to their activity and adjusted moment by moment to their performance and interest level. AI actively tailors content to an individual’s needs. This is helping to make a learner-centric vision of education a reality.
Microlearning
Microlearning is a way of teaching and delivering content to learners in small, very specific bursts. The learners are in control of what and when they’re learning. This has blown up, especially with millennials due to their short attention span. Think of apps such as Duolingo, which teaches using small, achievable assessments in order for users to make progress and meet their goals. To do this effectively, use videos. That being said, production quality and timing matter create videos that are of the highest quality but in four minutes or less. And to prove that learning took place, give users a brief assessment to make sure the learning stuck.
Are you looking to start e-learning but only have a small budget? VP Legacies brakes down how you can Create inexpensive eLearning Content.
Artificial intelligence and learner assistance
AI isn’t only being implemented in adaptive learning, it’s used in software, chatbots, and more. This is especially critical in online learning. AI creates immersive experiences, not just lessons, to enrich the learning experience. AI can also emphasize areas that need improvements in the learning process. So as a student progresses in the course, AI adapts the content to the user’s knowledge and proficiency level. Therefore, students can learn at their own pace anywhere at any time.
Gamification and game-based learning
Game-based learning makes a game out of learning can create a dynamic that can inspire learners to develop skills and competencies as they focus on the activities of the game. Games can build an emotional connection to learning and subject matter, provide an opportunity for feedback and practice, and customized to individualized teaching. In order for game-based learning to be effective, the game must align with learning outcomes and should be competitive in a competitive sense.
Augmented reality/virtual reality
Augmented reality and virtual reality will fundamentally change the way in which we learn about new subjects, and how we apply that knowledge in our everyday lives. This technology is about to radically change the way in which you learn and will hopefully revolutionize your perspective in regard to how you examine the world. With an AR/VR headset, you can immerse yourself in the situation in order to enhance your learning experience.
Video-based learning
The demand for video-based learning has surreptitiously witnessed an upward spiral in recent times. Short, crisp, engaging, and elucidating video nuggets on various subjects are scaling across YouTube and other video social blogging and learning platforms. What makes it increasingly trendy is its ardent approach of blending instructional strategy with the assorted range of technology and delivery options. Video-based learning has the ability to comprehend different learning styles seamlessly. Videos in general easily cater to the visual and auditory learning styles almost immaculately and simultaneously.
Related: 5 Ways to Successfully Implement Video-Based Learning at Work
Social learning
Social learning dictates that people learn from one another via observation, imitation, and modeling. The theory has often been called a bridge between behaviorist and cognitive learning theories because it encompasses attention, memory, and motivation. Social learning theory explains human behavior in terms of continuous reciprocal interaction between cognitive, behavioral, and environmental influences. People learn best through behavior, which inherently affects their attitudes and motivations.
Content curation
When it comes to content curation for e-learning, it’s key to share the most relevant content on specific topics and offer it to learners as an online tool or through a portal or platform. Proper content creation can add value to your learning strategy and enhance your impact. Content can not only empower your users but give a more focused approach to e-learning. Additionally, content allows users to share content with others, thereby creating a larger learning audience.
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Courses being replaced by context
In e-learning, context is key to understanding the content. Context will make the content presented during an e-learning course relevant to the student. Always give a reason as to why you are presenting the content that you are to make it clear to the readers what the object is. This will help them gain more from the course, which will benefit you as the content is shared. Give your content meaning by making it contextual, and your e-learning course will be a success.
As you embark on your 2019 e-learning journey, keep these trends in mind and you’ll be set up for success.
Are you looking to implement e-learning? VP Legacies can help.