iSpring Learn is an online learning system that simplifies employee training and development, with functions such as employee induction, training, and evaluation. iSpring Suite is an emerging authoring toolkit. Maybe you don't know iSpring Suite well, then you can read this article.
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Let us look back at 2020. Teachers and training professionals adjust their learning strategies for most of the year to deal with the new environment brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of them have to convert traditional instructor-led training into virtual classrooms and online learning.
Even before the coronavirus outbreak, the e-learning industry has been growing steadily. And now, it is crucial that people's interest in online training will surge. But what will happen by 2021?
We asked leading industry experts to share their insights on the e-learning trends we can expect this year. Considering a large number of trends, we divided it into 3 parts. Read on to find out what these experts say.
Overall learning trend
When talking about training, there are always two things to consider-what kind of learning content to create and how to deliver it to learners. This is where we can see constant changes. However, before delving into content trends and changes in e-learning technology, let’s take a look at the larger international trends that are about to emerge that will affect the entire education system.
Rebalance learning mode
David Patterson, an e-learning consultant and Director of Learning Light, pointed out that 2021 will be the year when the pandemic will cause workplace learning to rebalance.
"Of course, there will be a return of face-to-face learning and development, but now it is more likely to include e-learning. Therefore, the rebalancing in 2021 will revolve around a new type of blended learning, where face-to-face communication will be reserved for very influential meetings. E-learning will provide a high-fidelity learning experience and use platforms such as MS Teams and Zoom to increase the number of teachers."
However, it is difficult to predict the percentage of face-to-face learning through e-learning courses and virtual ILT. The challenge for every L&D team is how to correctly achieve this learning integration.
Humanized online learning
Many experts believe that with the development of online learning, professionals in the training industry must pay more attention to human factors (and all their shortcomings) than ever before, and first of all, this trend will affect the quality of learning content.
"2021 may be a major year for us to see a deeper value for learner-centered content. Of course, technology and innovation can provide more convenience for human behavior."
Jane Bozarth, the research director of The eLearning Guild, provided some tips on how to add a human touch to online learning so that learners do not feel that they are alone on the road and can only support themselves. Her suggestions include involving learners in course development, using people's real names, photos and voices when creating content, using digital documents for collaboration, and using virtual whiteboards during VILT meetings.
Chatbot
Despite the fact that the learning content and training itself will be human-centered, some experts believe that robots will replace certain human behaviors in education. Jane Bozarth pointed out that chat bots have been used in some educational institutions and are very efficient because chat bots help eliminate some of the daily tasks that teachers need to perform.
She shared an interesting example of how a chatbot named Jill Watson, a virtual teaching assistant at Georgia Institute of Technology, can help students sign up for knowledge-based artificial intelligence (KBAI) courses. Throughout the semester, she answered students' regular questions, such as the allowable length and format of written assignments, thus saving faculty and staff a lot of work.
"What's particularly interesting about this is that most students didn't find that the answer was not from humans. And because they didn't know it was a machine, many students nominated her as the best teaching assistant of the year."
This example proves that chatbots do save valuable time for teachers and trainers. They are still not perfect, but the development of artificial intelligence and its applications in learning will undoubtedly continue into 2021 and beyond.
LMS trends
E-learning experts also predicted certain changes in LMS functionality. No, there will not be any fundamental changes-the LMS we are used to will not become a completely different tool. But it will continue to expand with new features. Jane Bozarth expressed this idea in an interesting and metaphorical way:
"The future LMS is like a house of cards, like a brick wall, on which new and new tool layers will appear."
According to experts, LMS should have the following options to consolidate a better learning experience in 2021.
communication tools
Given that the massive increase in video calls due to COVID-19 lock-in has become the new normal, and the general increase in remote work, we will definitely see innovative LMS providers for video calls, chat/communication platforms and similar local embedded technologies Provide more accommodation in their system. In addition, Michael Sheyahshe, a developer and technical expert at alterNative Media, pointed out that LMS can choose to track online meetings and learner attendance.
"We might even hear the discussion:'Did you participate in the video conference today? Great. LMS has recorded attendance as a "success" for the course."'
Actually, this trend seems a bit old, because some Learning platforms (such as iSpring Learn LMS) already have web conferencing tools. Nevertheless, this will be more widely used in 2021.
Adaptability and personalization
One thing that many online learning experts agree is that when it comes to LMS, we will also hint at a content system. Cognitive science and learning technology expert, Quinnovation executive director Clark Quinn (Clark Quinn) said that LXP is a good move here.
Note: LXP (Learning Experience Platform) is a true content delivery system that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to make necessary content easy to find and recommend personalized content to learners.
We can expect that over time, the line between LMS and LXP will blur.
"Ultimately, if we can deliver content through descriptions and rules (such as recommendation systems), instead of having to hand-craft content to create a "one size fits all" solution, then we will be better."
This is why Marina Arshavskiy, an ID and e-learning expert and owner of "e-learning world", explains why the use of artificial intelligence is becoming more and more popular in e-learning.
"According to IBM, learning behavior can be predicted. The use of artificial intelligence eliminates the "human factor" in learning and eliminates the prejudice that people bring into education. Artificial intelligence can take a wider set of learning variables and quickly transform them into A personalized learning path."
Ms. Bozarth also advocated the idea of using AI for learning assistance. She believes that modern platforms will be able to provide each user with the most relevant content.
"Soon, every learner will have the opportunity to get a single list of recommended e-courses, for example on Netflix. This will depend on a person's position, their abilities and skills, and previous experience."
However, Jane believes that since machine learning will not be able to completely replace educator monitoring and learner feedback, teachers will still have to manage this process.
Increase data tracking and analysis
Although e-learning experts have discussed it for decades, learning data collection and analysis is still a weakness. Existing technologies such as xAPI already exist, which proved to be a revolution in tracking learning. However, many companies still do not have internal resources to properly set up data tracking, let alone analyze the data. Andrew DeBell, a professional training consultant for Water Bear Learning, asserted that data in learning will become a growing field in the near future.
"Companies have been paying attention to the return on investment of any measures they take. As their investment in learning increases, they will continue to need more in-depth analysis and analysis to prove that this is a worthwhile investment."
Content trend
With the development of technology, the type and quality of the content produced should also evolve. At this point, all online learning experts agree that we will witness and even become direct contributors to the evolution of content. As a result, we will get what David Patterson calls "high-fidelity learning."
"High-fidelity learning is like a beautiful piece of music. First of all, its clarity and precision should attract your attention and provide an immersive experience."
Richard Goring, director of BrightCarbon, pointed out three important characteristics of high-quality content: the use of visual narrative, meaningful interaction, and high-quality graphic design. He also pointed out that people will look for new ways to provide such content.
"Not only linear courses, but also interactive, navigable content they need. Or the way to experience content by doing things and/or the way to have more social interaction with the VR platform, plays a more important role in successful L&D courses. An increasingly important role."
Pay attention to learning science
Clark Quinn believes that in order to create high-quality content, instructional designers should base their work on ID professionals. This includes understanding the ways of learning and using processes related to learning science. The expert predicts that more and more learning professionals will develop training content based on learning science, and he sees the huge potential in it.
"I see more and more people talking about studying science, not everyone is hype, and most of them are even right! There are many books, studies (regular research reports from the Study Association are good), events And the new societies associated with it. These societies focus on evidence-based learning (learning development accelerators). These are signs of growth momentum."
Hands-on learning
Mr. Quinn also expects "more emphasis on the importance of meaningful practice." In this regard, many experts support him, because focusing on "doing" rather than "knowing" makes learning more effective. At least it can increase learners' participation, help them remember new information better, and retain longer learning time. Clark Quinn predicts that online learning professionals will move towards creating short simulations, better written multiple choice questions, and other types of hands-on learning experiences.
"Hopefully, we will see tool vendors combine their content and evaluation functions with design solutions and contextualized practices, as well as specific feedback and support for reflection on each wrong answer."
Immersive content
This trend comes from the previous trend. Immersive learning is a technology that uses an artificial or simulated environment through which users can be completely immersed in the learning process. Simulation can provide employees with the experience of closely simulating the real situation and conducting physical exercises in it. Fortunately, existing technologies allow us to create very realistic and meaningful learning experiences.
"Instructional designers can create exact copies and simulations of the system, as well as complete simulations of the work environment that can use images and videos to generate powerful scenarios."
Jane Bozarth pointed out that augmented reality (AR) technology has been actively used in industries where human (vision, decision speed, multitasking) capabilities are insufficient. For example, Google Glass is used in factories, giving employees immediate access to important instructions on how to use specific tools or how to repair machines at work. This technology allows you to greatly speed up your work, especially for those who are using machinery.
Jane also mentioned that virtual reality (VR) is an effective employee training tool, which will continue to be popular in 2021. She believes that virtual reality is an ideal training method for dangerous or high-risk situations, such as training firefighters, soldiers, or pilots. It has also proven to be a great technique for training doctors-it has been determined that VR simulation helps reduce the risk of life-threatening situations in medical procedures.
Although AR and VR are undoubtedly the future of self-paced learning, some experts believe that these technologies are still too expensive for widespread use. For example, Andrew DeBell believes that interactive video training has greater potential in 2021.
"Interactive video is a step between traditional point-and-click online learning and a comprehensive VR experience. With the help of simple animation tools available on the market, interactive video has become an easier-to-learn e-learning product. It provides learners with a kind of personal experience. The environment, effective and applicable experience, in the next few years, this experience will certainly continue to be popular."
Micro learning
In the past five years, micro-learning has been a buzzword in the e-learning industry, and this trend will continue until 2021. Many experts agree that e-learning methods involve delivering information in small, highly concentrated chunks, so that teachers can provide the sticky learning experience that learners desire.
"The future of learning is short, targeted content. Learners want to search for specific skills and find valuable resources easily. Just imagine how YouTube works. If you want to learn a new skill on YouTube, it’s popular Videos usually revolve around a specific skill, are highly targeted, and last only 10-15 minutes. In 2021 and beyond, we will see more companies shift to similar models."
As we can see from Andrew’s words, what we hope to see and focus on when formulating the training plan this year is the content with clear goals. The content is short and can maximize the learning efficiency of employees.
Final thoughts
This sums up our experts' views on the e-learning trends that will dominate the industry in 2021, and their predictions on how current industry standards should be reconsidered this year. Do you know or expect any other trends to emerge in the near future? If so, we would love to hear your thoughts on these trends and how you can use them to keep up with the changing times in the comments below.
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