As more people work and learn online, what you need from your learning management system (LMS) is changing—and LMS technology is rising to meet the challenge. We know the eLearning industry is continuing to experience rapid change as new technology develops.
Demand for online training, learning and upskilling is growing rapidly as organisations look for ways to keep their people adequately trained in an increasingly flexible, remote and hybrid workforce. As the needs for eLearning evolve, so too does the future of eLearning. Here are 10 things that are driving the change.
1. Personalised Learning
The idea of ‘only learning what you need’ or ‘choosing the areas you need to upskill in’ continues to grow in popularity. Personalised learning caters to not only content but also the users' own learning style and pace—leading to a deeper engagement with the content and ultimately a better learning outcome.
Facilitators can offer more tailored teaching along with immediate and useful feedback. Users experience greater autonomy and inclusivity, both of which lead to higher retention rates and greater compliance.
2. Virtual Classroom Training
Virtual learning has been talked about for years, including the launch of the Harvard Virtual Classroom in 2015. Immersive technologies like Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality are promoting active participation, strengthening the immersive experience of the virtual classroom and fostering collaboration amongst virtual users.
Beyond eliminating the need to be in the same place to learn, the immersive feel of VR and AR can make the most complex concepts understandable as students can be transported almost anywhere in time or space to help grasp the learning content. These technologies still remain costly to produce, they do work well within specific industries and applications.
3. AI-Based Learning Management System
AI-enabled learning systems can provide automatic feedback and encourage learners to progress independently as they steer their own course progress. The benefits offer increased learner flexibility, leading to faster learner progression. For example, an AI-powered tutor could generate practice problems that are specifically designed to help a learner master a particular concept.
A recent review of 147 studies spanning 6 years found that AI-enabled contemporary learning systems offered significant benefits and suggested education implement is where feasible.
4. Gamification
Gamification is another trend that continues to gather momentum. Gamification helps learners access a dopamine hit as they experience rewards for unlocking learning achievements. eWorks uses Moodle which has plugins to gamify your eLearning including Level Up XP, Quizventure, Black Game, Stash, Motrain and Mootivated.
Combined with AI, gamification can be used to add game-like elements to learning, such as by generating interactive quizzes and simulations. Users can earn points, badges or be featured on leaderboards—all of which motivate them to engage with your course content, by making learning fun.
5. Nano-Learning
Nano-learning capitalises on our time-poor users who want to learn in quick, short bursts. Research shows this makes it easier to retain information, as shown through the success of apps like the language learning Duolingo. Even TikTok is being considered by some researchers to be a nano-learning platform for its 60-second videos, many of which incorporate recipes or tutorials.
6. LXP
LXP, which is a learning experience platform is being hailed as the future of eLearning. Presently LXP is more suited to corporate training, that is on an as-needed basis, there is great potential for a focus on personalised learning.
LXP’s empower users to tailor the content to their needs, with an emphasis on self-directed learning and data-driven insights. LXP’s are set to be crucial in the future of delivering dynamic and effective eLearning.
7. Semantic Interoperability
Semantic interoperability helps different systems exchange meaningful data in the background to create a seamless eLearning experience for your user. A smooth flow of information streamlines administrative tasks and enhances the user experience.
The ability to process payments, manage user information through your CRM and have all your learning documentation easy to retrieve helps make a better eLearning outcome for participants. Improving the learning experience is a trend that will continue.
8. Mobile Learning
Explore the growing trend of mobile learning and its integration with LMS. Discuss the advantages of mobile learning for learners on the go. Provide examples/facts of how LMS platforms are adapting to mobile learning. Example: Magda and Aslania (2018) found out that 87% of online students searched for online courses via a mobile device, while 67% even completed coursework from a mobile device.
9. Analytics and Data-driven Insights
Highlight the importance of analytics and data-driven insights in LMS platforms. Explain the role of analytics in tracking learner progress and identifying areas for improvement.
10. Social Learning
Learning together promotes accountability and fosters collaboration. Social learning creates the feeling of learning together as a team or community, helped by social learning features in LMS platforms.
From chat features, live webinars, forums, blogs and even social networks, all of these help to foster a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing. We see greater engagement in course content through social learning, a trend that is likely to continue as keep connecting virtually.
As technology evolves, it is clear that LMS platforms such as Moodle are delivering more content that is engaging, sophisticated, effective and focused. Content creators and instructional designers are continuing to use gamification, social learning and microlearning to make content easier to digest and retain. At eWorks, we are consistently keeping on top of the latest developments in the eLearning space. In fact, we’ve covered another 5 eLearning Trends for 2023 on our blog.
Looking to partner with the LMS and eLearning experts? Our dedicated eWorks team are here to help. Get in touch today!
