06 Jan Digital Learning Trends for 2020

At the start of a new year and a new decade let’s look at where we and the eLearning industry are headed in the coming year. 2020 is certain to be an exciting year for digital learning but what trends do we foresee? Here are some you should watch out for.

Learning Experience Platforms

Our first eLearning trend for 2020 is the Learning Experience Platform (LXP). Consider how Netflix revolutionised TV watching with on-demand access to video content powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) recommendations, the Learning Experience Platform aims to recreate this for learning content.

The LXP draws learners in through targeted content and social media marketing. It also offers AI recommendations based on previous history and other data. The mobile first interface supports all kinds of content, including podcasts, microlearning, and videos as well as access to organisational specific eLearning materials in SCORM or xAPI, off the shelf eLearning course catalogues, and other resources. While some organisations are moving away from their existing LMS to a new LXP, others are providing LXP functionality through an add-on to their current set of learning technologies.

Learning Experience Design

Learning should be experiential, engaging, impactful, and designed with the learner in mind. Advances in cognitive science show us that learning doesn’t happen through instruction but through experiences. In 2020, we will see more organisations incorporate this understanding in their learning design to deliver engaging, interactive and collaborative learning experiences for their talent.

Learning Experience Design (LXD) leads to a more learner centered design. While Instructional Design has traditionally followed the ADDIE model, LXD utilises elements of UX and UI and is often achieved by including elements of the design thinking process. A well designed course that is relevant to both learner and the organisation’s requirements which is delivered in an engaging and stimulating way, reduces dropout rates amongst learners as they are immersed in the course content and see real value in the skills they are developing.

Microlearning

The trend of microlearning is set to continue in 2020. Microlearning offers learners bite-sized pieces of  educational content. Microlearning is being used by many organisations as a way of delivering learning and skills development to learners in short, specific bursts. It appeals to the learners as it offers what they need when they need it.

Big Data

Personalised learning has been a discussion topic at many industry events lately and 2020 will see that continue. Digital learning can be tailored completely for the individual learner when it is informed by data about that learner and the competencies required to do their job.

When a learner takes an online course, AI systems collect data about them and their behaviour. Machine learning can gather this data and facilitate the creation of a learning path that is tailored to the individual’s preferences, learning needs and ability.

User Generated Content and In-company Development

User generated content is becoming more popular. The technologies are available for Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to create multimedia rich resources including video and interactive content. 2020 will see L&D teams embrace more eLearning content developed by their own SMEs. Many organisations are investing in and putting in place the required policies and templates to enable L&D, SMEs and trainers to create their own digital learning content. Many organisations are also offering a range of Instructional Design and learning technology training courses to ensure that their staff created resources are of high quality and on brand. Excellent content curation skills by L&D will ensure that content targets the specific learner needs.

Beyond 2020

There are many other technologies that provide great opportunities for learning such as virtual, augmented, and mixed reality technologies. These have not quite hit mainstream as yet but the technologies are improving, the barriers to entry are reducing and learner readiness is increasing.

All in all 2020 looks to be an exciting year to be in the digital learning industry. At The Learning Rooms, we are looking forward to helping new and existing clients solve their learning challenges in innovative ways. If you have a prediction about the eLearning industry or a learning challenge you would like to talk about get in touch.