E-learning was not given much attention until recently. Simply put, their significance was ignored by most in various professions. There is no longer a choice; it is either this or nothing. Everyone has to adjust to the changes the pandemic has brought about.

With everything moving online, the eLearning sector experienced an unanticipated spike in learners, which has created countless opportunities.

E-learning has incredible potential, so it is now crucial for everyone to stay up to date on technical developments, not just on a personal level, but also in the domain of online learning. E-learning adapts as technology advances, making training easier and more beneficial. Businesses, higher education institutions, and non-profit entities are all gravitating toward e-learning.

The eLearning trends for 2022 that will significantly affect the future are covered in this article. Let’s explore the top 6 e-Learning trends that will benefit everyone across all organizations.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

It is no doubt that AI is now expanding. A system capable of doing a variety of tasks requiring human intellect is an AI-based learning platform.

Learning becomes more open and all-encompassing thanks to artificial intelligence. As the emphasis on facts rises, users feel that learning with AI is more interesting and intuitive. Different learners have different needs. With learning examples provided, an AI-based system provides a tailored experience that aids in conceptual understanding. The impact of Artificial Intelligence on eLearning has advanced in today’s time. 

As learners want prompt responses, chatbots have become effective in education.  In addition to providing answers to queries, AI tutors also point them in the direction of resources and even propose topics depending on where a learner is currently falling short. This enables learners in need of extra assistance with the required help. AI has influenced e-learning and improved its effectiveness and engagement.

Microlearning

Microlearning is an e-Learning trend that has gained popularity over the years. Microlearning is all about consuming your Learning in smaller portions that you can grasp in no amount of time. 

Platforms for microlearning have expanded since the pandemic and will keep expanding as an essential tool for learners. According to current research, studying in focused bursts of time rather than being required to sit through hour-long lectures helps one learn more and retain it better.

 Microlearning enables learners to learn while playing games, solving quizzes, or watching a video as an example. It is also cost-effective, less time-consuming, and more comprehensible for learners. With the age of the internet diminishing attention spans, microlearning is a reliable and successful teaching strategy.

Immersive Technologies

Immersive technologies have the ability to change the e-learning ecosystem, just like artificial intelligence (AI). These include Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). 

The most common immersive technology in e-learning is augmented reality. By including captivating visuals and animations, this technology enhances already existing instructional materials. The main objective is to give students an exciting, immersive learning experience. 

VR, on the other hand, incorporates genuine interactions, 360-degree images, and other fascinating components. These characteristics work together to close the gap between theory and practical application. These technologies are still in their inception, but the outcomes they provide are encouraging.

Mobile Learning

In our daily lives, mobility has gradually become a need. Our lives are now much more comfortable and convenient thanks to smartphones, which offer everything from the best online video chat features to the best health and educational services. In such a situation, mobile learning has accelerated significantly and is expected to become considerably more popular in the upcoming years. Mobile learners are expanding more quickly as a result of the rise in mobile users and the continued development of mobility solutions.

Mobile learning, sometimes shortened to just “mLearning,” has existed in some capacity since the 2000s, but has just recently seen a surge in popularity due to the fact that it gives learners access to education at any time and from any location as long as they have a mobile device. More and more people are embracing mobile learning platforms today. Mobile learning has become increasingly potent and well-liked among audiences throughout the world because of its benefits like versatility, anytime-anywhere learning, and progress reports.

Learning Through Videos

One such e-learning trend that has dominated the industry for many years is digital content. As a result of video-based learning, the entire e-learning industry has shifted its pattern from textual material to a better graphical learning process. Compared to other e-learning trends throughout history, this one has attracted the most attention. It aims to bridge the gap between the concept’s theoretical and practical applications. With the help of this technology, students may rapidly watch a movie on any theoretical topic they have read about and see it in detail. Video-based learning enables a smooth grasp of concepts.

Gamification

Incorporating games into the learning environment, or gamification has made e-learning a common trend today. Gamification in e-learning is a technique of incorporating game-like elements in learning modules to enhance the learner experience. Teachers can accomplish the following if this teaching strategy is well-designed for serious learning:

• Improved completion rates due to increased engagement; and 
• heightened memory, faster retention, and application of the lessons learned.

The advent of reward systems coupled with game-based learning has also had a significant impact on the e-learning development industry. Overall, gamification has improved the e-learning sector and made learning much easier and more effective. 

For instance, an online course could be created to award students with badges or points for completing particular modules. The intention is to motivate students to surpass the benchmarks set by peers. Thus, it is anticipated that this particular e-learning trend would continue to be widespread in the years to come.

Conclusion

e-Learning platforms will be incorporated into every part of our life as a result of a plethora of new technology. As technology develops, learning management systems become more sophisticated, efficient, and focused. Content providers and curriculum developers employ gamification, mobile learning, and microlearning as strategies to make content simpler to absorb and retain. Richer content may become the standard and the direction of e-learning as VR and AR become more and more widespread.

HR Future Staff Writer