As a discipline, e-Learning is having a moment. From start-ups like Skillshare, Udemy, and Udacity to the rise of MOOCs to the ever-present YouTube tutorial, there’s never been a better time to be an e-Learning professional. We’ve been closely monitoring the trends in the industry and are venturing a few predictions for the year ahead.
While there’s no guarantee that we’ll see these predictions come to pass exactly in 2019, these are long-term predictions that bode well for e-Learning practitioners and show that the demand for online learning is only increasing.
e-Learning will increasingly be bite-sized.
As we discussed in an earlier article, many e-Learning providers are trending away from long, expansive courses to more focused, bite-sized content such as embedded “micro” e-Learning options within existing software or platforms.
These smaller, easily digested learning opportunities are often easier to use and more manageable for on-the-go users than comprehensive courses. While comprehensiveness and thoroughness are still important for many users learning complex systems, smaller, more incremental learning opportunities are vital to keep users productive and engaged in the systems they use everyday.
Interactivity will be more important than ever.
Gone are the days where learners would be satisfied with plain text or static video content in their online learning experiences. Instead, users are increasingly eager for interactive courses that put their skills to the test, allowing them to learn by doing, not simply by digesting information.
This interactivity can take many forms, from small “hints” within software that help users figure out their way forward to full-on online courses that allow users to upload their work for critique or feedback. Regardless of the type of e-Learning experience you’re creating, learners want a chance to try out their newfound knowledge, so give it to them!
Learning will become central to our jobs.
With the speed of technological advancement all around us, it’s no longer realistic to expect that knowledge workers will be able to keep up in their careers without learning on the job. Whether it’s a new technical skill, a new approach to productivity, or a new workflow, learning will become central to our ability to adapt and excel in our careers.
As a result, e-Learning will play a key role in helping our colleagues succeed and thrive. As an e-Learning professional, you’ll be able to create content that sharpens skills, improves competency, and improves performance—and that content will be in high demand.
Ready to get started on your 2019 journey? Watch this space for more insights into e-Learning throughout 2019 and beyond.