What's Next for eLearning in 2018?

What's Next for eLearning in 2018?

In the recent years, the academic world has been buzzing about the upcoming revolution in learning. It’s interesting how the development of technology changed the way we think, eat and communicate, but studying and professional development were subjected to only slight adjustments.

However, that’s all about to change. eLearning is growing at a rapid pace and expected to boom in the coming years as well. It has proven its mettle as the most efficient way to adopt new information. So, before you decide how to further develop your skills and widen your knowledge in 2018, go through the following trends first.

Enter the World of Virtual and Augmented Reality

Virtual reality isn’t only a figment of our imagination or an element of Sci-Fi movies – right on the contrary. Although this technology is still expensive and thus not available to everyone, it’s finally here. The use of VR or AR is quite wide; of course that entertainment is the first thing that pops into your mind.

However, imagine just how much medicine can benefit from it – training for medical trainees will look completely differently. When it comes to the cultural aspect, you’ll be able to visit museums without leaving your home and enjoy the full experience of a tour.

Educate Yourself through Games

Games Education

The majority of people finds the learning process challenging because of the stress factor. We’re all used to studying in order to pass a certain test. With this goal in mind, constantly thinking about whether you will pass or fail, it can be quite difficult to concentrate.

The fact you’re an adult doesn’t imply that you’re too old for games, especially for those you can benefit from. There’s even a board game which cleverly explains the financial consequences of every business move you can make. Sounds entertaining than reading a manual, isn’t it? Besides, it also offers visual aids which makes it simpler for the human mind to retain new information.

Make Fast Progress Thanks to Microlearning

Speaking of retaining new information – it’s unnatural for the human mind to remember a bulk of data at once and transfer it to long-term memory. When a person has more time to see, process and repeat one piece of information, it will be a lot easier for them to remember it and apply it.

Another eLearning trend that’s expected in the following years is microlearning. Microsoft has developed a flash card game – this method can be used in informal and professional training. As opposed to going through an extensive material, learners are given three to four minutes during which they are showered with unknown data. After this, they are asked to repeat the information.

Practically, this method is based on giving the mind time to soak in and comprehend unfamiliar information. So, when a learner has enough time to place new information in their knowledge base and assign a meaning, the process of retaining it will be more efficient. Obviously, interactive eLearning software is the right platform for implementing microlearning.

Self-Direct Your Learning

While we’re on the subject of interactive eLearning software, we should mention self-directed learning as well. With millennials and the expansion of the Internet, this trend of finding your own way around became wildly popular.

By browsing online, you can find out anything you might be interested in – from trite information to very useful knowledge bases. Of course this affected the popularity of eLearning authoring tools as well. This type of professional development opens different options, so you can:

  • go through courses that gradually increase in difficulty
  • gather knowledge from different areas of expertise without wasting years
  • and create your own eLearning material and even earn some money off them

Attend Webinars

Although webinars aren’t really new to the world of eLearning, you should know that they are making a comeback. Companies from different locations on the globe are reaching out to interested parties and businesses in order to share their expertise and make new connections.

Enroll into Mentorship Programs

It’s interesting how eLearning is developing inside companies. You’re probably familiar with mentoring; it’s an efficient way to help a new employee adjust and learn. However, the whole thing has been upgraded thanks to interactive eLearning courses. So, instead of spending actual time with a person, you can simply go through their notes and instructions concerning your job description and expectations.

Learn on Informal Social Networks

Social Network Education

It’s expected that this eLearning trend will revolutionize the way students spend their time online. Now, peers can create social platforms to connect and share information with those who enrolled in similar colleges and faculties. Sharing experience and insights in this manner will most definitely enrich the student’s knowledge.

Do Efficient Research Via Digital Textbooks

Although online search saves a lot of time when compared to going to a library, finding a book and looking up a piece of information, it is possible to make this process even faster. The appearance of digital textbooks will enable this. So, when you’re in need of a particular piece of information from a special area, you can just use a browser within the digital textbook to look it up.

Conclusion

So, whether you’re in need of further professional development or you’re looking for insights about education experience in a certain area, eLearning can provide it for you. One more thing - all of these eLearning trends will help retain employees in the following years.

Posted by Kamy Anderson

Kamy Anderson
Kamy Anderson is an ed-tech enthusiast with a passion for writing on emerging technologies in the areas of corporate training and education. He is an expert in learning management system & elearning authoring tools - currently associated with ProProfs.

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