8 Useful Predictions For Successful eLearning
Where will this quality content be coming from? Here are 8 predictions for 2018, backed up by industry research.
1. Less Content, More Focus
We can agree that in the past, mass content was produced with the well-meaning intention that employees could dip in and out, picking and choosing what was useful to them. Though learner autonomy will remain, the age of endless content has passed. 2018 will be the year of focus, with the use of smart curation and content creation that is truly useful to the employee.
2. Better Integrated Learning
96% of L&D teams aim to support self-directed learning in 2018 [1]. To enable employees to take learning into their own hands, it’s crucial that the content they want and need is available when they need it.
Key to this is better integrated, searchable systems that make curated web content as accessible as content produced in-house. According to Steve Rayson, Founding Partner of Kineo and Director at BuzzSumo, it’s not just about learning platforms. It’s also about integrating learning with the environments where employees work and hang out. Start with these 10 great tips.
3. Production Of User-Generated Content
Learners are taking more control of which content they consume when, and they’ll also take more control of what that content is in the first place. 2017 saw a 38% rise in user-generated content [1], and this democratic, grassroots approach to learning is set to continue in 2018. As a result, we may expect to see a further decrease in partnerships with external suppliers. This has already fallen from 64% in 2014 to 52% in 2017 [1].
4. Concentration On Transferable Skills
The subjects we predict will be popular with both employees and organizations in 2018 are skills that are transferable across roles, industries, and circumstances, otherwise known as "work-life" skills. Organizations including Deloitte [2], Fosway [3], Towards Maturity [1], and Linkedin Learning [4] have all recognized these types of skills as a clear focus for employee L&D. Topics you may find people searching for and sharing knowledge on include:
- Leadership and management
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Embracing change
- Self-learning
5. Easily Accessible Data
Popularity won’t be the only factor that determines which topics and designs are prioritized. 70% of L&D teams [1] claim they want to develop their data skills to help inform the design, evaluation, and delivery of learning.
However, many are having trouble accessing good quality data [5]. Hopefully, 2018 will see an increase in tools like Elucidat, which provides its users with 4 live data dashboards.
6. Abandonment Of What Doesn’t Work
With more data available, L&D teams will be empowered to make better-informed decisions about what works and what doesn’t for their audience. Data should be used to maximize existing, and inform future content. Cull what doesn’t work in order to make room for really great, effective learning.
7. Mobile Learning That Does Work
With global mobile usage continuing to soar, 2018 will likely see more learning content being accessed from mobile devices. Although 67% of providers say they already use mobiles for learning, the figures for "in-house eLearning" fall short.
Just because your content fits on a mobile screen, doesn’t mean it provides a good user experience. With the development of responsive authoring technologies in the industry, the rise of mobile learning design that really works is predicted for 2018.
8. Increased Use Of Video
The engaging medium of video is the most popular format of content across different platforms, so it makes sense that we’ll see continued use in 2018. The combination of video with user-generated content means we might see more authentic, low-fi, selfie-style videos. If you’re not using video already, you’re certainly missing a trick.
What do you think of these predictions for eLearning crazes in 2018? What do you hope to see happen? Where will you be focusing your learning budgets? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment.
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