Trends That Will Define The Future Of Online Learning
Learners expect systems and software that fits around a busy lifestyle and career needs. For many, sitting down and taking notes from books for hours at a time isn't always practical. Instead, learning providers need to recognize that more versatile approaches that deliver knowledge in bursts and provides support around the clock. Let’s look at the major technology trends that will impact workplace learning in the near future.
1. Microlearning
Microlearning is increasingly popular in the world of work - Learning and Development (L&D) - and schools across every age group. In schools and through eLearning courses, microlearning modules give students the chance to learn a small amount of useful information about a particular subject. It is a great way to contribute to larger subjects or ensure they've earned credits in non-core topics.
In the world of employment, microlearning gives professionals the knowledge they need when they need it. Saving everyone time and improving ROI. In today's rapid workplace environment, people have less and less time to get their jobs done and thus even less time for training. Using microlearning in the context of tackling current problems can equip employees with the skills they need in this particular moment helping them do their jobs more efficiently.
2. Video Modules
Similar to microlearning, and some micro modules can be delivered this way, the video is an ever more popular way to deliver online courses. Providing you’ve got the internal resources to deliver, a wide variety of subjects can be delivered this way. Breaking down the complex into bite-sized video modules, directing learners to other resources and supporting classroom or online sessions.
3. Modular Short eCourses
Learning providers have access to a massive amount of content. From traditional resources through to vast tranches of online knowledge, including MOOCs, Open Educational Resources (OERs), podcasts, videos, blogs, and webinars. Curating and making these resources accessible, tailored to the needs of a particular course and relevant to your learners is the challenge.
Creating modular online resources should make this significantly easier. This way, courses can change more easily as the needs of learners change. Courses can change as new research comes to the surface. Or when regulatory changes come into force, L&D in workplaces can adapt and deliver according to new learning needs.
4. Tailored Learning Paths
Not everyone has the same learning needs. This is something schools, colleges, and Continuous Personal Development (CPD) providers have known for decades. And yet, now, thanks to advances in digital technology, we can create adaptive learning solutions that provide versatile and modular paths depending on the needs and abilities of different learners.
Tutors and course providers can modify and adjust according to the most suitable learning provisions students or professionals need. Providing everyone taking a qualification hits the assessment criteria, how a course is delivered no longer needs a one-size-fits-all approach.
5. Learning Management Systems (LMS)
Learning Management Systems (LMS) are the most practical and useful way to keep track of the learners and tutors. Schools, colleges and even employers are spending more on these systems, with the market expected to exceed $22 billion in 2023.
6. Practical, Wearable, Augmented And Virtual Modules
When it comes to delivering practical courses, technology is making that easier for everyone. With a wearable, Augmented and Virtual Reality devices, learners can be trained in everything from woodwork to assembling cars to manufacturing clean and biotech components. Theory and practice can be brought together within single modules, with some elements requiring in-classroom activities alongside modular eLearning courses.
With this new wave of technology, teaching practical subjects is easier, more cost-effective and will improve learning outcomes for those on practical courses.
7. Learning Communities
Students are more social than ever online. Ten or so years ago, Facebook was the primary social channel many students in the U.S. were using, with European and Asian students getting used to it. Now younger generations prefer numerous apps and they use these to support each other, often without school involvement, in learning activities. Schools, colleges and third-party organizations also support students with organized groups and communities, tailoring the needs of activities outside classrooms around modern student preferences.
Conclusion
Over the next few years, we can expect online learning to continue to evolve. It will become more modular, flexible and increasingly tailored to the needs of learners. Standardized approaches will fall out of favor, both in traditional learning environments and in the workplace as eLearning advances.
