posted: 12.05.2020 07:50

What are the next steps in eLearning?

Distance learning is one of the sectors currently most heavily invested in digital technology. The emphasis is on enhancing the experience of one taught through interaction, enjoyment of the learning process, immediate delivery of information, and learning content, as well as efficiency.

We live in a time when the statement “job for the whole life” is not valid. People are changing jobs and careers more and more frequently, and a great deal of focus is placed on formal and non-formal education programs as quickly and efficiently as possible. Also, the focus is on the so-called Work-life skills such as leadership, management, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills.

Five eLearning trends that will define the eLearning industry in 2020 and the years ahead:

  1. Learning Experience Platform – LXP

Unlike classic Learning Management Systems, LXP provides a personalized learning experience by integrating and consolidating formal and non-formal learning. Some companies have already created brand new LX platforms that combine peer-generated content, interactive media, and learning management. These platforms are fun, engaging, and relevant to the trainees.

  1. Analytics and attendance reporting

Learning analytics is used to analyze student behavior and enhance training. There are many tools available for analytics, some of which are integrated into the learning management systems themselves, down to separate programs that specialize in that purpose.

  1. Big Data Analysis

When viewed from the eLearning perspective, “Big Data” is all the data collected during a student interaction with the system that includes their activity and achievements. These are datasets whose volume is beyond the capabilities of traditional databases for collection, management, and processing. Analysis of large datasets helps in structuring and presenting data in a convenient format. By monitoring the activities of each student, we can personalize the learning process and adapt to its current level of knowledge. Also, by analyzing data we can constantly solve problems that occur in the learning process and improve it.

  1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in eLearning

There are multiple applications of artificial intelligence in learning and opportunities to enhance the eLearning experience. In the simplest terms, we can think of it as a virtual teaching assistant. The advantage of virtual mentors is that they are available to students at any time and through any device to provide assistance and information. There is the ability to merge cloud-based LMSs with AI robot assistants that can even teach in homes, move on their own, track their environment and movements. Students can interact with them aloud to resolve doubts instead of typing questions over the computer. Accessibility, speed, efficiency, and personalization are only a small part of the benefits that are expected from the introduction of AI into the learning process. By analyzing the vast amount of data, artificial intelligence will not only make learning platforms more attractive but will also provide companies and educational institutions with information to make training more effective.

  1. AR, VR, and MR for more interactive eLearning

Virtual and augmented reality have traditionally been used more for gaming and film experiences, but their application to learning is growing. Virtual reality is used to teach the complex skills of high-risk tasks and perform complex procedures. Augmented reality is used to stimulate just-in-time learning. For example, the ideal scenario would be for a student who wants to learn more about a tool, technology, or site, using a QR code, scans an object, and automatically gets more information about it. As prices for portable glasses and headsets fall, it is anticipated that various organizations will start investing more in researching this technology. Mixed reality (MR) is often referred to as hybrid reality, and it connects the merging of the real and the virtual world to create new environments and visualizations in which physical and digital objects coexist and communicate in real-time. Mixed reality is the overlay of synthetic content in the real world, so we have an example of surgeons covering virtual ultrasound images on their patients while performing surgery. A key feature of MR is that synthetic and real content can react to each other in real-time.

Technologies like AR / VR / MR and AI are very exciting, but still far from full potential. Learning is a lifelong process, and we need to adapt that process to the time we are in, which involves applying the technologies available that can help us advance the learning process. The computer will never replace the actual teacher, but it can help the teacher make the learning process more fun, interactive, and personalized experience for each student.