In 2016, online learning trends indicated that the eLearning market had reached an astounding $20.85 billion in revenue in the US. New learning industry trends indicate that the global market for online learning will surpass $243 billion USD by 2022.
For education, COVID-19 also had a significant impact on online learning trends, with 50% of parents reporting that their children had moved to remote learning in fall 2020. In the corporate world, 93% of businesses expressed a desire to adopt online learning for their professional development initiatives, a need that multiplied when the workforce moved to remote work due to quarantine restrictions.
Combined with the need for remote resources, eLearning continues to rise in popularity as an effective method for learning and is now one of the most common forms of instruction in both the corporate and higher education industries. As the market evolves, business professionals and educators must stay up-to-date with the latest eLearning trends to inform themselves on the best techniques and practices for ensuring online learning success.
eLearning Trends in 2021
The latest online learning trends reveal that more individuals and businesses appreciate the convenience and efficiency of eLearning platforms. Along with its increased use, 43% of businesses report that eLearning has led to a substantial increase in revenue in 2021. To reap these benefits, eLearning professionals should be aware of the latest eLearning industry trends:
- Increased video-based learning: Online courses feature video to a greater degree than before, with video accounting for 80% of all online activity. With 58% of people reporting that they rely on video to learn new skills, it’s important to ensure that eLearning video is fully accessible. Captioning tools like those provided by Verbit are being used by professionals to ensure eLearners can have an equitable learning experience.
- Decisions Based on Analytics: eLearning platforms use analytics to learn about user data, engagement metrics and performance results. Professionals regularly use these analytics to help them make important business decisions that help empower learners, allowing them to consider feedback and engagement activity from learners in real-time.
- Significant Mobile and Cross Device Use: In 2021, mobile devices contributed to 54.8% of global website traffic. eLearning professionals are now focusing their efforts on making their platforms accessible for multiple device types and operating systems to encourage more on-demand, on-the-go learning opportunities.
- Fast-Paced Courses: Research has shown that digital learning is 60% faster and yields higher retention rates than in-person learning. Faster-paced ‘microlearning’ courses are rising in popularity, with companies using this form of instruction reporting quicker onboarding times.
2022 Trends in eLearning
As businesses move into Q4, industry trends can help inform the business plans that professionals are crafting for 2022. User engagement is one of the main challenges that eLearning platforms face. It’s therefore important to be aware of current online learning trends as well as incoming trends for 2022, as they help inform professionals on business practices that can help keep student engagement and retention levels high.
Upcoming eLearning industry trends for 2022:
- VR and AI Instruction: Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are gaining popularity in eLearning, empowering users by giving them personalized learning paths and the power to make decisions while they learn. Professionals note additional benefits they have for employee training, as well as report them as effective tools for reducing work-related injuries by 43%.
- Gamification and Interactive Learning: Gamification is a teaching method that uses game-design principles and techniques to engage learners and increase learning comprehension. The eLearning tactic has been shown to increase student accuracy rates, particularly for students who are more introverted.
- Greater Focus on Accessibility: Delivering accessibility and ease-of-use are critical online learning trends that will continue to impact eLearning. As more video is used, accessible closed caption services and AI transcript software are becoming essential tools for providing Deaf and hard of hearing audiences with equal access online.
The Future of eLearning
Online learning holds great power in the education industry, empowering users to have both flexibility and control over their learning. Tools like AI, captioning and a focus on providing accessible, adaptive learning techniques will be pivotal for most eLearning businesses in the future.
To improve the eLearning process with greater accessibility and technology tools that drive engagement and inclusion, reach out to Verbit. Useful eLearning tools like captioning, transcription and audio description can significantly help eLearners and eLearning platforms succeed, leading to a win-win for all.