Future is such a profound word. Its intriguing and mysterious, but as far as technology goes futuristic things happen almost every day. Borrowing Ray Kurzweil words, “Our intuition about the future is linear. But the reality of information technology is exponential, and that makes a profound difference. If I take 30 steps linearly, I get to 30. If I take 30 steps exponentially, I get to a billion.”
There is also a “Technological turnover is leading to a skills half-life of just 2.5 years for any given role – meaningthe skills you need to do your job will soon become obsolete.”
We know that eLearning has evolved almost in a similar pace. So, what are we looking at say 5years down the lane? How do we find the future? Let us tell you this gazing into the crystal ball or tarot reading doesn’t really work and predictive analysis is still under construction. But, we do have something else. An In-house Soothsayer who sees and knows it all. Here’s the list we got of trends, tools and technologies to look out for in the coming years.
1. Micro Learning - We have mentioned this over and over. Micro eLearning is the next big thing. Corporate Learners with less time, and even lesser desire to learn need something short and precise instead of the long explanative versions of eLearning. Micro eLearning in form of short videos, bite-sized nuggets and just-in-time information is just what they need in the coming years.
A report also states that, “Microlearning can yield an average of4-5 learned takeaways from a series.”
2. Rapid eLearning Development - Authoring tools are and will continue to gain prominence in development of eLearning. Not only does it offer reduced time to market, easy accessibility of readily available templates (eLearning brothers for instance) is another perk. These days authoring tools also offer increased interactive design, responsive multi-device output and the latest addition-interactive videos too.
Though not a huge number to brag about yet, “48% organizations use Rapid eLearning Tool”, according to recent studies.
3. Informal Learning - Learners today like to have control in their hands. In other words, training can no longer be spoon-fed. The future of eLearning lies in creating a learning ecosystem and not just on eLearning content. Social and collaborative learning, knowledge sharing are all parts of learner centric Informal learning. Learning 3.0 has just triggered this, and in the years to come we envisage a lot more of learner-driven learning.
According to Peter Caseboe (2010), “By far the most frequent and effective learning activity is having a frequent chat with a colleague. 82% of managers will consult a colleague at least once a month, and 83% say it is either very or fairly effective as a means of helping them perform their role when faced with an unfamiliar challenge.” “In terms of the most frequently used methods of learning to support a manager, our survey showed the top five to be:
- informal chat with colleagues
- use of search engines
- trial and error
- on-the-job instruction
- use of professional literature.”
Wonder what that implies to the L&D departments?
Apart from these our Soothsayer also foresees VR, AR & Gamification to go a long way too. We can’t help wondering what Google Lens holds in store for eLearning and would surely be exploring the wide possibilities.
Interested Much?
Keep Reading. And do share your views on the future of eLearning too.
