The elearning industry continues to grow and evolve rapidly, with new technologies and methodologies shaping the way organizations develop and deliver training. As we move into 2023, several key trends are emerging that will impact custom elearning development.
Personalization
One of the biggest trends is the push towards more personalized and adaptive learning experiences. With advanced learning analytics and AI capabilities, elearning platforms can tailor content and activities to individual learners’ needs and preferences. This allows for a more engaging experience as the training can be tailored to learners’ knowledge levels, interests and learning styles. Custom elearning that incorporates these technologies will be highly sought after.
Microlearning
Microlearning, which delivers content in short, focused bursts, will continue to gain traction. The days of lengthy online courses are fading as learners demonstrate a preference for bite-sized learning. Microlearning modules allow learners to access small chunks of training targeted to specific skills or knowledge gaps. This helps maximize the impact of learning in minimal time. Custom elearning developers will need to incorporate microlearning principles into training design.
Mobile Learning
As mobile device usage continues to climb, organizations are demanding training optimized for smartphones and tablets. Mobile learning allows employees to access training anywhere and anytime. More than just making courses responsive, custom elearning must leverage mobile features like messaging, notifications and camera access. Creating mobile-friendly courses that employees can complete on-the-go will be imperative.
Gamification
Gamification will continue making inroads in the elearning sphere as it increases learner engagement and motivation. By adding gaming elements like points, levels, challenges and leaderboards, training becomes more game-like and enjoyable. Gamification triggers the release of dopamine which makes a learning experience more memorable. Custom training that incorporates badges, quests and friendly competition will help achieve learning objectives.
Virtual Reality
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) offer highly immersive learning experiences that can simulate real-world situations and environments. As VR/AR technologies become more affordable and accessible, their integration into custom elearning will grow. From manufacturing to healthcare, simulations powered by VR/AR can enable safe yet pragmatic learning. Custom VR training experiences also have great utility for soft skills like leadership and empathy.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping many facets of elearning. Machine learning powers customized course recommendations and delivers hyper personalized learning. Natural language processing allows for speech recognition and conversational interfaces. AI-driven analytics provides insight into learner performance and content optimization. As AI capabilities grow more robust, custom elearning will become more personalized, predictive and responsive.
Social Learning
Social learning leverages online communities to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing between learners. Through forums, chat tools and groups within an LMS, learners can connect and learn together. This gives them support beyond the isolated self-paced learning experience. Social features enable mentorship opportunities as well and facilitate peer-to-peer learning. Custom courses can be designed to leverage social learning principles for a richer experience.
Microcredentials
There is growing demand from the workforce for “stackable learning” through microcredentials like badges, certifications and nano-degrees. These short learning programs allow working professionals to continuously reskill and upskill. Custom elearning that incorporates modular credentials focused on niche skills will be the way of the future. This helps employees stay relevant by acquiring bite-sized competencies most relevant to their roles.
Accessibility
With a diverse global workforce, accessibility in elearning is non-negotiable. Custom courses must be designed for inclusiveness from the ground up following universal design principles. This includes ensuring compliance with regulations like Section 508 and WCAG 2.1. With responsive design, closed captioning, metadata and other features, custom elearning can support all learner needs and learning differences.
Blended Learning
While online training provides scale and flexibility, blended learning mixes digital with real world experiences for a more impactful result. This could mean complementing elearning with instructor-led training or on-the-job coaching. A combination of self-paced modules with immersive simulations or role-playing delivers the best of both worlds. Custom curriculums that strategically blend online and offline training provide learners with an optimal experience.
In 2023, these key trends will shape the elearning industry and drive innovation in custom training development. Organizations that leverage these best practices and technologies will be able to engage employees with training that is highly personalized, convenient, interactive and impactful. Partners skilled in applying these trends will be most equipped to build custom learning solutions that generate measurable business results and a strong return on investment.
