The workplace is constantly changing – from how we work to employees’ learning habits and behavior. And in recent decades, demographic changes mean that today’s worker has different characteristics and needs than previous generations.

How does this affect learning and development? It means that traditional learning methods (instructor-led) may not be effective in the modern workplace. Learning has to evolve along with the fast-paced economy and the changing needs of the workforce.

But where do you start? What changes does your organization need to make? This article breaks down the most essential eLearning trends for today’s workplace. By knowing what’s ahead, you can plan for and adapt your training as needed.

What are the key eLearning trends?

1. Mobile Learning

Now that workers spend more time on their phones and tablets instead of laptops, mobile learning (mLearning) is quickly becoming the standard. It’s no longer enough to have an eLearning course. Now even the best courses must focus on mobile learning.

According to an eLearning Guild report, 67% of all eLearning developers now use mobile technology to provide training. Mobile learning is growing and is expected to reach more than $280 billion by 2027. It’s no wonder companies are making this learning format part of their training and development strategy!

Why use mobile learning?

• Personal and engaging. 99% of learners say mLearning improves their experience. Because it can include more collaborative and interactive content, it leads to higher participation and faster learning. Touchscreens on mobile devices, social media features, and online communities in mLearning environments help keep learners engaged and interested.
• Distribute learning quickly. Because it’s easy to distribute learning material to employees, mLearning is an ideal solution for industries that contend with constant changes. Learners can stay connected to their duties on a daily basis, prep before a task, or pick up lessons where they left off.

2. Artificial Intelligence

One of the most popular eLearning trends in the business world today is Artificial Intelligence (AI). According to eLearning Industry, “An AI-based eLearning platform is a machine/system that possesses the ability to perform different tasks requiring human intelligence. It has the ability to offer solutions to human-related problems, like speech recognition, translations, decision making, and much more.”

Why use AI in eLearning?

• Personalized learning paths. AI enables you to provide customized content based on each learner’s needs, goals, and existing knowledge rather than only providing a one-size-fits-all method.
• Advanced analytics. With an AI-based eLearning platform, you can quickly analyze enormous amounts of data and identify trends and patterns to optimize and improve learning experiences.
• Create eLearning courses in less time. Typically, creating courses is a time-consuming task. But using AI makes the course creation process faster without sacrificing quality. AI allows you to develop multi-language content for global companies that speak different languages.

3. Hyper Personalized Learning

Workforce demographics, as well as worker expectations, are changing. Instead of taking employees away from their work for training, companies encourage them to learn on their own time. And now that more employees work from home, self-directed courses and "on-demand" eLearning will also continue to increase.

Before hyper-personalized learning arrived, all employees consumed the same learning content in the same order. This strategy made it difficult to engage an audience and ignored the fact that each student has different needs and learns in different ways.

Read More: How to Create Online Training Based on Learner Temperament

A hyper-personalized eLearning program ideally means that learners are given different materials based on their role, needs, strengths, and performance. An eLearning platform uses testing to monitor their progress, knowledge, and skills – and identifies their strengths and weaknesses.

How do you personalize the learning of each worker? The next trend answers this question!

4. Big Data and Learning Analytics

Big data and learning analytics are about utilizing the data you collect during an eLearning course so you can adapt courses to the unique needs of your employees and improve their experience in the company. The data could be test results, course completion rates, student progress, and other relevant data.

As eLearning platforms offer more advanced options for collecting relevant data, companies can use them to design more effective programs and optimize existing courses.

5. Microlearning

Did you know that in 30 days, learners won’t remember 80% of what they learned?

Microlearning delivers content in smaller, bite-sized chunks, which helps employees absorb and remember more information. It’s especially popular in organizations that operate at a fast pace and continuously make updates.

Microlearning is a powerful training option for two reasons:

• Breaking content into smaller pieces helps learners retain new knowledge and keeps them engaged.
• Microlearning can be done through any device at any time. Time and reduced attention spans are the two biggest obstacles for learners today, and microlearning’s flexibility helps overcome these challenges.

Microlearning is currently one of the top eLearning trends because it boosts content retention!

6. Blended Learning

The pandemic increased the already growing trend of companies using eLearning for their employees. Online training is ideal for large companies spread out across cities, states, and countries. Online courses can be accessed from anywhere, provide consistent material, and supply data for managers to evaluate.

Online training is helpful when employees need access to information immediately to complete a specific task. This “just-in-time” training allows workers to quickly take courses on the topics they need. Bringing that knowledge back for discussion in a large group setting further increases its value and impact.

Blended learning combines the benefits of face-to-face and online learning. Companies need solutions that provide employees working remotely and in the office with a quality

training experience. Embracing a blended model for working and learning will modernize your company and keep your employees connected and informed.

Are You Ready for the Future?

Remote work – and remote learning – are here to stay. eLearning allows your team to access your training materials anytime, anyplace. Impact Group Training is always up on the latest eLearning trends. We can expertly transform traditional training materials into the eLearning format – or create custom eLearning courses that will impact your employees. Contact us today and let’s get you ready for the future