The global eLearning market was worth $190 billion in 2020. It’s expected to reach a market value of around $840 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 17.5% during the forecast period. The pandemic has certainly accelerated the eLearning industry’s growth and brought to light the viability of e Learning systems and platforms, which will be in the limelight in 2023.
What is e-learning?
eLearning or web-based training is an interactive, directed learning process delivered via the internet. It can be self-paced, meaning that learners can take their time to complete the modules at their own convenience, which is why it proves suitable for learners with diverse learning needs and styles.
The advent of e Learning technologies has opened various opportunities for businesses to empower and upskill their workforce. Some organizations are even adopting blended learning models, which facilitate both online and in-person learning. The industry is evolving rapidly, and 2023 is predicted to bring some new, intriguing elements to the mix. To that end, let’s explore the top eLearning trends and decipher what the future of learning looks like.
Top e-Learning Trends in 2024:
- Getting Technologically Advanced
Today, eLearning uses every conceivable technologically sophisticated methodology to satisfy the needs and demands of the modern learner. Be virtual or augmented reality, artificial intelligence, or cloud computing – eLearning is at the forefront of their usage.
For example, AI algorithms are being used by eLearning platforms to comprehend user behavior and their experience while using the platform. Virtual Reality, on the other hand, is being used to train new recruits and help them comprehend real-life scenarios. In the coming year, this technological penetration will increase even more. - Using AV for Better Interaction
One of the upcoming trends to watch in 2023 is the compatibility of audio and visual components when offering eLearning solutions. Modern AV technologies are being widely used in the healthcare industry and also in the corporate sector (especially for business conferences and seminars) to improve the interaction between educators and learners.
Using AV models for eLearning can enable users to gain first-hand experience in understanding complex ideas. For instance, sharing excellent audio, video, and image content in medical settings can aid workers in better comprehending complex procedures. Along those lines, the delivery of in-depth, interactive presentations across the organizational landscape will proliferate in 2023 and beyond, thanks to the advancements in AV technology. - Mobile and Social Learning
The learners will favor mobile-friendliness in 2023 and will be eager to use their eLearning platforms on the go. Developing user-friendly platforms to accommodate mobile learning will be the way forward in 2023. The foundation of mobile-based learning will rest on the ease of accessibility and navigation and the intuitiveness of the UI.
Also, it’s noteworthy that the pandemic served as the primary catalyst for social learning. Social learning is all about people coming together to share knowledge – like through webinars on social platforms. Through these platforms, people curate content and impart ideas. This trend will undoubtedly continue into 2023. - Micro and Optimized Learning
The attention span of today’s workforce has decreased, but microlearning can help. It involves breaking down rather sophisticated learning content into compact modules to reduce cognitive load. When compared to traditional learning methods, microlearning serves to be 17% more effective. This demonstrates that more byte-sized courses or tutorials will appear in the eLearning market in the upcoming year. - A Data-Driven World
Even the trajectory of eLearning is governed by data, whether it be through the use of data analytics to assess the effectiveness of the content accessed or through learners’ feedback on enhancing the current teaching model. When it comes to knowing how employees interact with the content, businesses invest in a learning management system (LMS) that can help manage training and drive analytics initiatives to improve learning pathways. - In-House Practical Training
In-house practical training is just as important as other training methods for improving skills. Senior officials in charge of such training programs can impart their knowledge on various facets of ongoing projects to promote deeper learning. This training can be given in real-time, or it can be recorded and added to a database that the team members can access as and when they need it. These hands-on training sessions are a fantastic way to learn things that can’t be covered in a classroom setting. Thus, it is wise to expect that this training model will be highly effective going forward. - Game-Based Learning / Gamification
Game-based learning is a recent trend in the e Learning industry, which solves the problem of lower attention span. Gamification is the process of turning academic content into a game featuring achievements and a leaderboard to boost motivation and interest. In fact, the game-based learning market is expected to reach $29.7 billion by 2027.
However, some issues need to be addressed, such as relevance and cybercrime. In 2023, the idea of game-based learning will only advance and gain wider acceptance. One of the best examples to understand the concept of gamification would be Duolingo, an application that helps users learn new languages. It uses notification bombardment, interactive moving avatars, and level-based modules that trick the brain into learning easily as well as continuously and climbing the leaderboard. - Video-Based Learning
When learning new skills, video-based learning encourages a better understanding of concepts. Because it saves time and aids in memory retention, the modern workforce is moving away from book-based learning to accept video-based training. - Personal Self-Paced Models
In contrast to the curriculum learning model, self-paced learning models are increasingly becoming the norm in workplaces. Allowing employees to select their own learning models and move at their own pace is crucial, as opposed to pressuring them to learn and access a pre-defined curriculum.
To prevent memory overload, employees can choose what to study, when to study it, and for how long to study it. Contrary to classroom training/learning models, comfort enhances mood and allows for better learning outcomes. This approach to learning will become integral to the e Learning industry in 2023. - Growth of Skill-Based Community
Be it enhancing creativity, staving off boredom, or simply sharpening critical thinking, upskilling is a great way to get better, and that’s where the world is heading. As per a report by McKinsey, companies such as Walmart and IBM have joined campaigns to waive off the requirement of having a degree in certain positions to focus on promoting and helping workers climb the hierarchical ladder if they have the right skills. This mindset has caught fire since the pandemic.
Seeing how it influences overall productivity, companies are focusing their learning initiatives on building a skill-based community and maintaining a talent pool that is ready to face anything challenging that comes their way.
In a Nutshell
The year 2024 will be critical for how eLearning influences the workforce and workplaces on the whole. To streamline learning initiatives to realize better outcomes, organizations need the appropriate learning management system (LMS) in place.
Gyrus provides the ideal LMS solutions with simple navigation, language support, and a host of other features for a seamless learning experience. Get in touch with us to schedule a demo.