Published: January 02, 2017
Here are 15 trends that will rock the world of corporate learning in 2017.
E-learning is ever evolving. The online learning format has a long history of embracing various developments to deliver better learning experiences, and 2017 is going to be no different. Here are a few technology-enabled learning trends that will rock the corporate world the coming year.
E-learning Trends that Will Transform the L&D Landscape in 2017
1. Microlearning
Bite-sized online courses are going to be the order of the day. With new age learners having attention spans shorter than that of a goldfish, there is little doubt that 5 to 10 minute e-learning nuggets will be the dominant corporate training trend in the new year.
2. Gamification
The market for game-based online learning solutions has increased by leaps and bounds over the last few years, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down in 2017. Several e-learning software vendors such as Articulate, Adobe, and Trivantis are enhancing the game-based learning development capabilities of their products, to meet this growing demand.
3. Big Data Analytics
Big data is a big thing to watch out for in 2017. Developments such as the Internet of Things (IoT) are generating huge amounts of data, and companies are compelled to use analytics tools to make sense of this massive information. The trend of using analytics software will permeate the training function as well, in the new year. Roy Saunderson, in his article What happens when you add big data to L&D? believes the proper analysis of enormous, unstructured learning data can provide valuable insights that help deliver better training.
4. Successive Approximation Model (SAM)
Successive Approximation Model (SAM) will be the preferred e-learning development model in 2017. Various factors such as flexibility in the creation of online courses, possibility of all stakeholders taking an active part, and most importantly, the ability to minimize risks will make this online course development model the choice of companies in the new year.
5. Automated E-learning Development
It is a well-known fact that companies want online courses to be developed fast and cheap. A new training trend, automated e-learning development, will create ripples in 2017. Companies will use software applications that can automate e-learning development activities such as creating online assessments and learning games, to tide over the ever shortening development timelines and reducing budgets.
M-learning Trends that Will Dominate 2017
1. HTML5-based Authoring Tools
With the phenomenal growth in the use of m-learning, the demand for authoring tools that can produce HTML5 output will hot up in 2017. The possibility of developing responsive e-learning courses using HTML5 will only fuel this online learning trend.
2. Responsive Online Courses
The trend of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) will gather speed in 2017, and this will inevitably drive the demand for responsive e-learning courses. Already, a number of e-learning development software such as Storyline and Lectora have acquired device-agnostic online course development capabilities and other tools will follow suit.
3. Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality
Various companies are already using Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) based e-learning applications, and this trend is only likely to gather momentum in 2017. The success of products such as Pokémon Go has accelerated the demand for AR-based content, while the reducing prices of headsets is making VR-based learning applications more accessible.
4. Wearable Devices
Wearable computing has drawn the attention of many people in the online learning world, and interest in this fast-growing trend is not going to subside in 2017. The potential of wearable learning devices to enhance performance is immense, and this is making them one of the most discussed L&D topics.
5. Mobile Learning Apps
It is common knowledge that mobile learning applications are used extensively by companies. This trend shows no signs of slowing down in 2017. The mobile app market is likely to grow at an astounding 270% between 2015 and 2020, and this massive growth is a clear indication that demand for mobile learning apps will not reduce.
LMS Trends that Will Create a Profound Impact in 2017
1. Personal Learning Environment
The new year will see Learning Management Systems (LMSs) metamorphosing into Personal Learning Environments (PLEs). LMSs of 2017 will integrate various learning platforms such as blogs, social media, and videos to provide comprehensive, tailor-made learning experiences. This will boost the trend of learners setting their own priorities and harnessing the full potential of formal and informal learning content.
2. Full-fledged Talent Management Systems
Another important development in the learning management arena is the transformation of LMSs to integrated talent management systems. The report E-learning Market Trends and Forecast 2017-2021, published by Docebo, states that this change is accentuated by the fact that learning management touches every aspect of the talent cycle.
3. Enhanced Social Learning Capabilities
We all know that the last few years have seen an explosive growth in the use of social media and this trend will only continue. Many companies have leveraged the power of social media for training, and others are likely to tread the same path. According to a study by Brandon Hall Group, 43% of companies intend to use social learning tools in 2017. This would give a fillip to LMSs with better social learning abilities in the new year.
4. Tin Can API
Tin Can API (or xAPI as it is also known), the successor to SCORM, is likely to make more inroads in 2017. According to Docebo, while current rates of Tin Can API adoption are relatively low, the API is expected to become a game-changer in the near future. You need to remember that the learning standard has evolved rapidly since its evolution, and there is no reason why this trend would reverse in the new year.
5. Cloud-based LMSs
Cloud computing tops the list of technological trends that will transform the e-learning landscape in 2017. An increasing number of companies are going for cloud-based solutions, including Learning Management systems (LMSs). Cost-drivers are the moving force behind the growth of cloud-based learning technologies. Unlike “traditional” LMSs, cloud-based applications need not be installed on a computer. This eliminates the need for expensive online learning infrastructure, reducing L&D costs.
These online learning trends will play a key role in revolutionizing the L&D universe, paving way for better corporate training. Hope you liked this post. Which trends do you think will rock the learning landscape in 2017? We’d love to know.
