10 elearning trends every training manager should know

In recent years, the field of elearning has experienced rapid growth and innovation. As technology continues to advance and learning methods evolve, training managers need to stay abreast of the latest elearning trends to effectively design and deliver impactful programs.

1. Mobile Learning

With the widespread use of smartphones and tablets, learners now expect the ability to access training content anytime and anywhere. Mobile learning empowers you to deliver bite-sized modules that your team can easily accomplish on their mobile devices. This elearning trend gives them the flexibility and convenience to engage with training materials on the go.

By embracing mobile learning, you can accommodate the changing needs and preferences of your learners. This guarantees that training materials are readily accessible and enhances learner engagement and participation.

Apart from the convenience factor, mobile learning offers other advantages. For example, SC Training (formerly EdApp)’s mobile learning features also open up opportunities for incorporating interactive elements, such as videos, quizzes, and gamified experiences. All of these improve learner participation and motivation.

Plus, mobile learning allows you to use various multimedia formats and other mobile functions such as push notifications and offline accessibility. By taking advantage of this mobile learning trend, you can meet the evolving needs of your learners and deliver effective and impactful training experiences in today’s digital age.

Sign up to SC Training (formerly EdApp) to implement the latest elearning trends for your team’s training and development.

2. Microlearning

In an era of shrinking attention spans and busy schedules, microlearning offers a solution by delivering training content in short, focused modules. This approach allows learners to engage with bite-sized information that can be easily consumed and retained.

This lets you create short videos, interactive quizzes, infographics, or brief text-based lessons that address specific learning objectives. With microlearning, you can also cater to learners' preferences for quick and easily digestible content, leading to higher engagement and improved knowledge retention.

The benefits of microlearning extend beyond convenience and learner engagement though. SC Training (formerly EdApp)’s microlearning modules also offer just-in-time training, where learners can access the specific information they need when they need it.

This flexibility allows learners to bridge knowledge gaps and quickly acquire new skills or knowledge without having to go through lengthy courses. Also, you can easily update and adapt microlearning modules to keep up with evolving information or changes in your industry.

3. Gamification

By incorporating game elements and mechanics into training programs, gamification also improves learner motivation and engagement. You can introduce elements such as points, badges, leaderboards, and rewards to create a sense of competition, achievement, and progress in your team. This elearning trend transforms the learning experience into an interactive and immersive journey that captures learners' attention and fosters a sense of enjoyment and excitement.

With SC Training (formerly EdApp), you can introduce game-like features to promote active participation, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Gamification also increases learner retention and application of knowledge by creating a memorable learning experience.

4. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)

VR and AR are the future of elearning. VR creates immersive virtual environments that simulate real-life scenarios, allowing learners to practice skills and experience situations in a safe and controlled environment. AR overlays digital information into the real world, enhancing the learning experience with interactive and contextualized content.

By incorporating VR and AR technologies into training programs, you can have realistic and engaging simulations to improve knowledge retention and practical skill development. To learn more, you can read about these in various corporate elearning articles found online.

5. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI-powered technologies offer immense potential to personalize the learning experience and improve training outcomes. You can use AI algorithms to analyze learner data and see tailored recommendations, adaptive learning paths, and personalized feedback. AI-powered chatbots can also assist your learners by answering questions, giving support, and facilitating interactive learning experiences.

AI also automates administrative tasks, such as assessments and grading, freeing up time for trainers to focus on more strategic and value-added activities. The ability to gather and analyze large amounts of data lets you gain insights into learner behavior, performance, and learning gaps. These insights can help with personalized learning experiences, ultimately leading to improved engagement, retention, and overall training effectiveness.

You can also use AI to create training courses for your team. With SC Training (formerly EdApp)’s Create with AI feature, all you have to do is type your idea in a box and click a button–and the app will generate a course for you in minutes! This cuts down your brainstorming and research time by hours, and you’ll never have to start a course from scratch again.

6. Social Learning

Social learning involves fostering collaborative and interactive learning experiences among learners. This LMS elearning example lets you use social learning platforms and tools to facilitate discussions, knowledge sharing, and group projects.

By creating online spaces for learners to interact, ask questions, and share their insights and experiences, you can also promote a sense of community and collective learning. Through this online learning trend, learners benefit from diverse perspectives, peer-to-peer learning, and collaboration with experts. These enhance their understanding and application of the training material.

7. Data Analytics

With the abundance of data generated in elearning platforms, you should use data analytics tools to gain valuable insights into learner behavior, performance, and engagement. By analyzing this data, you can identify patterns, trends, and areas for improvement. You can also track learner progress, assess the effectiveness of training programs, and make data-driven decisions to improve the learning experience.

Data analytics also promotes personalized learning by tailoring content and resources based on individual learner needs, preferences, and performance data. Also, data analytics from top elearning companies allows you to measure the impact and ROI of training programs. This feature from elearning management systems will help you demonstrate the value of elearning initiatives to your organization’s stakeholders.

8. Personalization

Learners have diverse needs, preferences, and learning styles. Personalization allows you to tailor the learning experience to meet individual requirements. You can use adaptive learning platforms and tools to customize content, pacing, and assessment methods based on each learner's knowledge level and progress.

As you adapt the learning experience to individual needs, you can address knowledge gaps more effectively and give learners a sense of ownership and control over their learning journey. Personalization as an elearning trend also fosters a positive learning experience by reducing the feeling of being overwhelmed and increasing learners' confidence and satisfaction.

9. Video-based Learning

Videos offer a dynamic and engaging medium for delivering training content. Elearning authoring platforms will help you create instructional videos, tutorials, or demonstrations to effectively convey information and concepts. The combination of visuals, audio, and motion in videos enhances learner comprehension and retention, making it an effective tool for conveying knowledge in an interactive and memorable manner.

Videos can be easily accessed and viewed on various devices, allowing your learners to learn at their own pace and convenience. They can be paused, rewound, and revisited, letting learners review specific sections and reinforce their understanding. Also, videos offer a consistent and standardized learning experience, which guarantees that all learners receive the same information in a clear and concise format.

10. Continuous Learning and Microcredentials

In today's rapidly evolving workplace, continuous learning is crucial to keep up with the latest developments and acquire new skills. You can promote continuous learning by offering ongoing training opportunities, resources, and access to relevant content via elearning authoring software. This trend encourages a growth mindset and fosters a culture of lifelong learning, empowering employees to stay current and adaptable in their roles.

Microcredentials, such as digital badges or certificates, also offer ways to recognize and validate specific skills and achievements. Your learners can earn microcredentials by completing targeted training modules or demonstrating proficiency in specific areas. This allows them to showcase their expertise and enhance their professional credentials.