What's New in eLearning? Major Trends and Predictions for 2021/22

eLearning has been developing at a steady pace for the last 20 years. Today, it supports education at all levels globally. eLearning enables flexible and convenient training delivery. The sector is in a constant search of new ways to engage students and create a rich learning environment. This is the reason why it experiences never-ending transformations. Here are the top 10 trends that will shape eLearning in the nearest future.

1. Adaptive Learning

eLearning focuses on the delivery of an adaptive learning experience. It means that students get personalized programs, feedback, and resources. Incorporating adaptive training, eLearning acquires a student-centered approach. It aims to accommodate the needs of each student, providing the best possible learning experience. With adaptive eLearning, students:

• spend their learning sessions efficiently;

• shift the focus of lessons if needed;

• build confidence in their knowledge;

• get personalized learning programs;

• produce faster results;

• study at their own pace.

2. Microlearning

eLearning promotes the idea of learning information in small meaningful chunks. It allows moving to a learning objective one step at a time. For example, instead of reading lengthy chapters for history lessons, students can watch short animated videos on YouTube. Bite-sized pieces of information usually form courses where they are structured and organized around larger topics.

Microlearning is time-effective and flexible. It supports fast results and better knowledge retention in eLearning. This trend also inspires students to take charge of their learning progress.

3. Content Curation

The internet provides unlimited access to information and multiple research opportunities. Yet, finding relevant information in such a large pool can be overwhelming. Content curation becomes crucial for eLearning. It allows searching and organizing content to fulfill a certain learning objective.

Content curation saves hours. Instead of searching for pieces of information in multiple books and journal articles, a student can find relevant insights immediately. This trend also supports multi-device learning. It makes all kinds of resources accessible from any device and at any time. With content curation, eLearning materials also get timely updates. This gives them a significant advantage over traditional textbooks that might become outdated by the time they are published.

4. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI also supports the focus on personalization in eLearning. AI tutors and chatbots help students with online training 24/7. For example, chatbots can answer frequently asked questions. Therefore, they perform some duties instead of human teachers, saving them time for more complex or creative tasks.

Besides, AI tutors can analyze the learning behavior of a student. The results of such analysis help to optimize classes according to one's educational needs. AI can guide learners through the course, suggesting learning activities based on actual performance. Naturally, learning remains social and human-centric. The role of technologies is to increase the efficiency of the process, making routine tasks automated.

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

Immersive learning with AR and VR flourishes in education. eLearning is not an exception. Visualizing and experiencing the content of lessons enables better understanding and knowledge retention. It is much more effective than reading or listening because it enables meaningful interaction with learning materials.

Learning by doing, empowered by AR and VR, helps a learner to practice even without expensive equipment. Simulated situations allow students to exercise their decision-making in a safe environment. What is even more important, AR and VR can awaken students' interest and boost engagement.

6. Data-Driven Learning

eLearning is changing continuously. The influence of technology, new learning habits, and industry requirements are only some of the factors that call for transformation in online education. Yet, effective changes are impossible without qualitative and quantitative data. It allows tailoring eLearning to the specific needs of each student.

Modern eLearning utilizes data to develop learning strategies. Data collection and analysis influence instruction and decision-making. It gives stakeholders insights on the frequency of content usage, performance issues, and learning experience. By monitoring these parameters, teachers can improve the efficiency of eLearning.

7. Learning Management Systems (LMSs)

An LMS is a core of eLearning in 2021. It allows designing and delivering learning materials to the audience. An LMS creates a unique organizational system for any type of content. Besides, keeping all resources in one location makes learning on the go comfortable.

An LMS in eLearning helps content creators update courses and add extra resources. It supports a variety of formats. Besides, a learning management system provides a universal set of tools for different academic levels. It can be equally effective in K-12 and higher education. The system enables various assessment options, including quizzes, open-ended questions, multiple-choice questions, etc. Students can also upload their projects and audiovisual materials. Thus, it enables timely assessment and feedback.

8. Mobile Learning

Mobile devices have become an integral part of everyday life. People use them regularly for entertainment and communication. Why not apply them for eLearning?

Mobile learning has been around for some time, but today it is a full-blown trend. Most eLearning platforms are focused on making their content available from any mobile device. Educators also encourage mobile learning as a way to encourage students to learn consistently, having training materials at their fingertips.

9. Social Learning

eLearning does not mean isolation from other students. In contrast, it incorporates social learning as one of the pillars. It allows communication and collaboration between learners. They can participate in discussions and form large learning communities.

Chats, forums and collaborative projects bring human interaction and dynamics into the learning environment. Students can share their insights and support each other. It promotes peer-to-peer learning when students become co-creators of learning materials. Social learning brings creativity and effective communication skills in eLearning, cultivating better outcomes.

10. Learning Experience Platforms (LXPs)

An LXP is a software that enables customized learning in the corporate world. It combines features of other trends, including AI, data analytics, mobile learning, and microlearning. LXPs allow delivering content to a larger audience. This makes them convenient for companies of any size.

With LXPs, learners can study individually or in teams. Yet, even teams can be diverse. The platform allows each member to follow a customized learning path. It is based on detailed reports and tracking tools. An instructor can look through a learner's test results to identify gaps and suggest relevant learning materials.

To Sum Up

Trends in eLearning constantly evolve and substitute each other. To stay on top of things in such an unpredictable environment is to keep pace with the new developments. Innovative eLearning approaches can help businesses and educational institutions to reimagine their practices. It allows building and enhancing learning solutions, improving the quality of education.

About the Author:

Thomas Moore is an experienced online essay writer with huge expertise. Having previous experience in e-mail marketing in a PR agency, he offers his insight and knowledge in this article. Now Thomas owns a history essay writing service and helps students improve their work.