These days, software tools and mobile devices can provide a wealth of information and knowledge that can be accessed from virtually anywhere. This means that eLearning is extremely flexible and can accommodate a variety of learning preferences. There are several different eLearning trends that have been making their mark on the education system. Some of these trends include:

1. Visual Storytelling and Video-based Learning

In a world where technology is constantly advancing, educators need to find new and innovative ways to engage students during online learning. One way to do this is by incorporating visual storytelling into your lessons. Using videos, photos and other multimedia content can help students learn in a more interactive and engaging way.

Video provides a multi-sensory experience in which information is given through visuals, audio and kinesthetic experiences. People learn more effectively when they are engaged using multiple senses. For instance, video is essential in higher education, where students’ attention spans can be dwindling. According to one Kaltura report, 91% of educational institutions believe that using video content increases student satisfaction, 82% have seen it increase student achievements, and 80% think it increases educator collaboration and professional development.

2. UI Design Concepts

When it comes to hosting learning materials, having a well-designed platform can help students retain information better than simple and boring ones. eLearning developers have to incorporate effective user interface (UI) elements, so students can interact with course content in a way that helps them grasp information more easily. We can see this reflected in modern eLearning platforms.

UI design concepts include:

• Animation: Animation can make step-by-step training more sophisticated and engaging. Animations aren’t just about entertainment: They can also explain new concepts and show how they work in real life.

• Typography: Typography choices can impact how your training material is received by learners.

• Graphic Design: For example, the color scheme of your application is important because it can affect your learners’ mood and feelings. For example, if you want to make the environment more fun, you can use bright colors to stimulate learners’ senses.

• Mobile-friendly Application: Regardless of the type of platform that you’re using, you need to make sure that your application is compatible with different mobile devices. If you want to be competitive in the market, you need to create an app or mobile learning solution that learners can access anywhere and anytime to learn, even without a laptop or desktop computer.

3. Microlearning

Microlearning allows students to focus on one specific skill or concept at a time, which helps them understand and retain the information better. Plus, it’s more convenient than traditional learning methods since students can access microlearning modules anywhere, anytime. Some studies find Millennials and Gen Z prefer microlearning to all other types of training.

Today’s learners are constantly on the go, juggling multiple responsibilities and many different types of learning. Microlearning provides the perfect environment for employees who want to learn while running errands or commuting on public transport. The modules don’t require much attention and can be taken in at the student’s own pace, allowing them to focus on their tasks while they learn.

Moreover, microlearning reduces the level of anxiety that many learners feel when they have to sit through long instructor-led training sessions. Instead of learning one big concept at a time, students can master smaller chunks of information and work their way up to the larger concepts.

Keep lessons short: The University of Rochester found that students’ attention was scattered, and they began skipping ahead when videos were longer than 9 to 12 minutes.

4. Gamification

Proponents of gamification argue that it can increase motivation and engagement among students, as well as help them learn more effectively.

You can use many tools to incorporate gamification into your eLearning course. Examples include achievement badges or points systems where learners complete tasks and earn points; “quests,” which are short, goal-oriented activities that learners complete to move forward in the course; progress bars; and leaderboards where learners can see how they compare to other students in terms of progress or performance.

5. Using AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance eLearning by personalizing education, increasing engagement and motivation and providing feedback that helps learners improve their skills. AI can help learners by:

• Adapting to their learning style: When an eLearning course is properly designed, it’s more likely to engage learners and encourage them to spend more time on tasks. AI can analyze learner data and behavior to determine the best ways of presenting information for maximum effectiveness.
• Making it easier for them to find the information they need: Information overload is one of the most common challenges that learners face when learning new skills or advancing in their careers. Artificial intelligence can help by analyzing learner data and automatically curating content that aligns with their specific needs and interests.
• Making it easier for them to absorb information: Artificial intelligence can be used in various ways to boost memory and recall, including instant language translation, text-to-speech capabilities and visualization to help learners better understand complex topics.

6. Personalized eLearning

eLearning is no longer a one-size-fits-all experience. Instead, today’s eLearning can be tailored to each individual learner, making the experience more relevant and engaging. Other benefits include:

• Better Retention: When a learner needs to spend time on information they already know, it can be frustrating and lead to poor engagement. If a class is personalized so that there’s less repetition, learners can retain more of what they learn.
• Improved Learning Outcomes: When the content of an eLearning course is personalized to each individual learner, it can improve learning outcomes. A personalized eLearning solution allows for quicker and more precise targeting of the most practical information for each learner.
• Improved Learning Agility: The modern workplace is extremely fast-paced and continually evolving. This makes learning agility a crucial aspect for any business looking to stay competitive in the market. Personalized eLearning courses can help organizations and employees adapt and evolve their skills more quickly than one-size-fits-all training solutions.

Conclusion

New eLearning trends are constantly appearing in the digital world. Keeping your trainings up to date will help foster in students an engaging, flexible and quick learning style, which will be essential to thriving in the new normal of the business world.