eLearning Trends to Watch Out for in 2023

The future of eLearning is shaped by trends that are constantly evolving. From artificial intelligence to mobile learning and interactive content, here are 10 trends in elearning to watch out for in 2023:

• Learning Management Systems (LMS) 

Although the nature of work is changing with the development of new technologies and the evolution of existing ones, learning management systems (LMS) will continue to play a crucial role at most companies in 2023. In that year, many organizations will leverage LMS systems that help them to more effectively manage and track their employees’ learning progress and performance.

By 2023, it is likely that many of your employees will have chosen to use an LMS system that is more closely integrated into other learning tools and resources they use, such as microlearning apps, video streaming platforms, and gamification tools. In addition, the technology supporting these LMS systems will likely be more advanced and have a higher level of functionality to meet your company’s learning needs.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The use of AI in eLearning is already a vibrant and thriving area with new improvements and advancements being made constantly. This makes it hard to predict what will be the next big thing as there are so many options available for building an effective course. However, when looking at the general trends, we can conclude that personalization is clearly a key focus area in eLearning. While many tools within our industry already have the ability to personalize learning through pre-programmed or adaptive learning pathways, the reality is that we will see even more AI-enabled tools becoming more prominent in eLearning as we move forward. Predictive analytics and automated assessment are two great examples, but they are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. As we continue to progress through the year 2023, we will likely see even more AI-enabled tools enter the eLearning landscape, including NLP for automated assessment, automated feedback and intelligent search (think Google). All these tools can help us build better eLearning courses faster, and with greater customization options.

• Mobile Learning

As mobile technology continues to advance, so too will mobile learning. In the next five years, many companies will find themselves increasingly reliant on mobile apps for employee training and development. This is particularly the case for frontline employees who may not have a formal education or high levels of literacy or tech skills, but will need to understand and follow company policy. Mobile education apps allow mobile-first employees to access training materials and resources on the go, enabling them to stay updated with the latest e learning trends and strategies. With more and more people working remotely, these apps give employees the flexibility to learn on their own time, allowing them to keep up with their colleagues and managers in the office despite being in a different physical location.

• Micro Learning

Micro learning is the delivery of small chunks of information in quick succession. The idea behind micro learning is to make learning more efficient and effective. Micro learning provides employees with the knowledge they need in an easily digestible format over time instead of delivering all training at once or requiring employees to seek out training on their own. As such, micro learning strategies are only delivered when relevant training is needed and not on a set schedule. In 2023, we can expect to see more companies implementing micro learning strategies as a way to provide employees with relevant information and training on relevant topics.

An effective training program will equip your employees with the knowledge they need to succeed in their roles, which will improve their performance and boost company culture through healthy communication channels.

• Interactive Content

Of course, learners don’t always sit still and listen to your content. In fact, they’ll probably be doing something else while they are listening. This is why learning is much more engaging when it involves interactive content such as videos, quizzes, and simulations that allow learners to interact with the material more directly. In 2023, companies will be increasingly looking towards interactive content as a way to keep their learners engaged and ensure they are absorbing the material.

In light of this, your organization will be looking for ways to keep your learners’ attention by adding interactive elements into your learning delivery model to differentiate them from others.

• Gamification

Gamification takes information and makes it fun. It goes beyond traditional tutorials, competency tests, and quizzes. Gamification is a type of game-like learning in which the design principles of games are applied to the learning process. Gamification includes points, badges, leaderboards, or even virtual rewards, which learners can use to progress through the course material. They may need to “level up” by reaching a certain number of points before they can advance to the next part of the course. The element of competition is often high in gamified courses, where learners can compete for badges, points, or even bragging rights among their peers. Gamification is fun and engaging which motivates learners to participate actively in the learning process.

Gamification has become a popular way of learning over the past few years and has proven to be particularly effective in online training.

• Augmented & Virtual Reality

 Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) are quickly becoming a popular way to deliver eLearning content as it provides an immersive experience that can be used to enhance the learning experience. AR/VR is when you digitally enhance a user’s real world view with computer-generated elements. Augmented reality overlays digital information on top of the real world, such as when using Google Glass, while virtual reality replaces the user’s real-world view with that of a simulated environment.

AR/VR can be used in eLearning in many ways, but one of the most popular is creating interactive scenarios and simulations, which are great for teaching complex topics or skills.

• Video-based Learning

Video-based learning has been gaining traction in recent years as a powerful tool for eLearning design. The nature of video lends itself to quick, clear and communicative delivery. That’s why it’s such an effective way to convey a concept or illustrate a point. Video is also a great way to deliver instruction on how to do something, whether it’s something as practical as how to tie a tie or as complicated as the surgical steps of performing a hip replacement. But video can’t replace the practical hands-on experience of learning something new. So if you have a course that involves participants doing something — either right in their browser or the real world — then video can be an excellent supplemental tool for providing that instruction. And video can also be a powerful tool for demonstrating a complicated concept.

• Big Data in Learning

Big data can be a powerful tool in the eLearning space. The reason is that all stakeholders in online learning – instructors, students, and administrators – generate data as they go about their daily business: instructors generate data as they create courses and deliver them to students; students generate data as they go through courses and assignments; administrative stakeholders generate data while managing enrollment, administration, and marketing. Data is being generated by and about students’ performance and engagement, about which courses are being taken and how well they are performed, about how many students were enrolled for a course, how many completed it, about activity on a particular course page, number of logins, number of clicks on the landing page etc. All this data can be used by all stakeholders to create personalized learning plans and identify areas of improvement. While building an eLearning course or designing a learning management system (LMS), it is important to consider some important factors like security and compliance requirements which may have an immense impact on the process.

• Social Learning

Social learning is a relatively new concept, but one that has continued to grow in popularity and importance over the years. Social learning is defined as an online environment where learners engage in collaborative activities and discussions, share their learning strategies and resources, and actively seek out additional information to solve problems together. In traditional learning environments, students are asked to complete assignments independently, which can lead to a lack of understanding of the material. Social learning encourages students to interact with each other, ask questions, and share their experiences. This collaborative process can lead to a better understanding and retention of the material, which ultimately allows learners to achieve more than they would have on their own.

There are many reasons why social learning is important, but perhaps the most important one is collaboration. Collaboration is key when it comes to completing assignments because it encourages all students to do their best work. Since students must work together to complete their tasks, they are more likely to ask for help right away if they don’t understand something or if they need an extra hand with an assignment. Students mustn’t be afraid to speak up if they need assistance so that they can continue working on the task at hand instead of becoming frustrated and giving up.