New Year, new beginnings. While a variety of trends have been making their way in and out in eLearning, there are certain trends to watch out for. In this article, let us explore the key trends that will affect the training industry in 2023.
Innovative Learning Technology
The learning solutions available today leverage cutting-edge technology to deliver training effectively. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)-based tools make learning more accessible, appealing and personalized for learners, thus driving higher training adoption rates, completion rates and enhanced return on investment (ROI) compared to legacy training solutions.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, the workforce is looking for flexible options to join work. A hybrid workforce is the most sought after in many organizations. Technology solutions make rolling out training easy for maintaining productivity in a dynamic and hybrid workforce. Implementing training solutions in a complex learner environment is now possible with advancements in training delivery tools.
Technology additionally facilitates “anytime, anywhere” learning. Organizations are moving away from legacy training techniques to modern solutions to get the best of learning technology innovations.
Personalized Career Paths
It is a known fact that skill gaps vary from person to person. Organizations can save time and empower learners with the required skills at the right time by personalizing learning solutions to cater to individual needs.
A flexible approach to learning at work is much needed in today’s era. When a learning platform offers the facility to create dedicated learning paths, it promotes asynchronous learning. It allows learners to train at their own pace and convenience rather than forcing them to stop everything and learn.
As technology innovates the learning and development (L&D) sector, there is a rise in employees and learners being offered customized career paths. To provide this customization, L&D teams integrate technology tools with power-packed data analytics to evaluate a learner’s skill set and recommend suitable courses for career growth. By offering this detailed level of personalization, employees and learners have an enhanced outlook toward their organization. They are highly motivated to train effectively, thus contributing to the organization’s bottom line.
Leading Learning Within L&D
When the L&D team is equipped with the right skills, they can channel their learners in the right direction. Apart from planning, designing and delivering effective training solutions for the organization, L&D teams must also proactively include themselves in training initiatives. Provide equal emphasis to upskill, reskill, cross-skill and motivate the L&D department by encouraging learning initiatives within. Prioritize identifying an eLearning champion to promote training in the organization and present training effectiveness to the business leaders.
An eLearning champion leads training projects, drives learning experiences, connects learning outcomes with business objectives and keeps pace with the developments in learning. They can be the go-to person for learners and the consultative partner for the business, helping the business leaders decode training effectiveness.
Seamless Blended Learning
Blended learning, as the name suggests, is a streamlined combination of multiple learning mediums to deliver training effectively without burdening learners. It promotes an integrated learning approach beneficial to both the participants and the organization.
Blended learning allows learners the flexibility to learn when and where it suits them. It also allows learners to access training in a variety of formats, which include (but are not limited to):
- Immersive eLearning: Using modern technology concepts like storytelling, simulations, real-life scenarios, augmented reality and virtual reality (AR and VR) to deliver the training.
- Video-based Learning: Like the name suggests, having dedicated compact videos that deliver the required training: how-to, DIYs, interactive videos, animated videos, etc.
- Microlearning: Bite-sized training modules in different formats sequentially arranged for a learner for ease of training adoption and delivery.
- Virtual instructor-led training (VILT): A training session conducted on a virtual medium where an instructor conducts the sessions and interacts with the learners virtually.
- Mobile Learning: A flexible format designed to work on portable, hand-held devices, usually for on-the-go training sessions.
The goal is reduced time to proficiency. With an effective blended learning solution, a multi-format training project can be accomplished with success.
Enriched Learning Analytics
AI in learning analytics is a game changer in decision making. Many organizations are reaping the benefits of efficient learning analytics to optimize their L&D lifecycles. According to 2022 Gartner Hype Cycle™ for Artificial Intelligence (AI), decision intelligence is expected to reach mainstream adoption in just two to five years from now.
Decision intelligence, a practical use of AI applied to decision-making in organizations, is set to revolutionize business in the upcoming years. The advancements will make decision-making more efficient, reducing unpredictability and increasing decision transparency. Learning Analytics will contribute to enhanced decision making, highly relevant analytics and faster decision turnaround times.
For dynamic learning needs, a comprehensive analytics and reporting system is recommended. L&D Leaders must consider it essential going forward.
In Conclusion
Udemy Business’s 2023 Workplace Learning Trends Report highlights how organizations that prioritize learning to get a competitive advantage and thrive in future. From a bird’s eye view, technology is the main game changer for learning and development, facilitating knowledge with a seamless learning experience. Being on top of these trends will enable L&D professionals to get the best out of their training initiatives.
