Emerging Trends In Corporate E-learning

Abstract

E-learning is playing a very important role in the digital era. It has the potential to change the whole organizational system. The level and impact of E-Learning vary in our life from stage to stage. The purpose of this paper is to outline and discuss the current status and the emerging trends in Corporate E-learning in Delivery, Learning and Content. The research showed that there is plenty of available technology and E-learning tools that support the learning process.

Keywords: E-learning, Trends, E-Learning Market

I .Introduction

E-learning is now becoming a widely accepted method of training and education within schools, colleges and organization. E-Learning is a term covering a wide-set of applications and processes, such as web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual class room, and digital collaboration. It is a formalized teaching and learning system specially designed to be carried out remotely by using electronic communication. It includes the delivery of content via the Internet,

intranet/extranet (LAN/WAN), audio-and videotape, satellite broadcast, interactive Tele Vision (TV), Compact Disc (CD) – Rom, video conferencing, websites and emails.

Modes of learning

Asynchronous Learning Asynchronous mode of E-Learning includes taking a self-paced course, exchanging e-mail messages with a mentor, and posting messages to a discussion group about a course topic.

Synchronous Learning A real-time, live, instructor-led online learning event in which all participants are logged on at the same time and communicate directly with each other as well as the instructor. Communication occurs at the same time between individuals and information is accessed instantly. Examples of synchronous E-learning include real-time chat, and video or audio conferencing.

II.E-Learning Market

The Introduction of technology-enabled learning that helps organizations train human resource is driving the growth of the global E-Learner market. These training modules offer continuous and effective learning at an optimal cost and provide customized course content that meets the specific requirements of end-users. The advent of cloud infrastructure, peer-to-peer problem solving and open content creation will help to expand business opportunities for service providers in the global E-Learning market.

Vendors are also focusing on offering choices on the course content at competitive prices to gain a share in the global E-Learning market. The exponential growth in the number of Smartphone users and internet connectivity across emerging markets is driving the E-Learning market in these regions. The introduction of cloud-based learning and AR/VR mobile-based learning is likely to revolutionize the E-Learning market during the forecast period.

Major vendors are introducing technology-enabled tools that can facilitate the user engagement, motivate learners, and help in collaborations, thereby increasing the market share and attracting new consumers to the market. The growing popularity of blended learning that enhances the efficiency of learners will drive the growth of the E-Learning market.

The global E-Learning market is projected to see compound annual growth (CAGR) of 10.26% between 2018 and 2023, reaching a total market size of US$286.62 billion, up from US$ 159.52 billion in 2017. Continued growth is the result of, at least in part, strong demand for flexible learning technology solutions in the corporate and academic sectors.

III. Objectives of the Study

The study has been undertaken to achieve the following objectives:

1. To study the current status of E-Learning.
2. To study the modern trends and practices in E-Learning and development.

IV. Research Methodology

The study is conceptual in nature. Hence, a secondary source of data mostly comprising journals, research publications, and internet has been used to achieve the stated objectives.

V. Top Corporate E-Learning Trends for 2018 in Delivery, Learning, and Content

Business learning has changed dramatically in the last two decades. From a standardized, classroom-based, instructor-led framework, organizations can now take advantage of a host of digital tools to create a new kind of learning experience. These tools can make training interactive, virtual, mobile, and available on-demand by the student. A Learning Management System (LMS) with robust capabilities can help a company build a training library, to ensure that employees are prepared with the skills and knowledge to meet current and future challenges.

Perhaps, as in most companies, employees in different departments or positions have different needs, requiring a mix of content and of delivery systems. Technology can help connect E-Learners in many ways. It can help to customize training for individual needs (beginner to advanced), appeal to different types of learners (visual versus experiential), and can be created for dissemination at the learner’s convenience, eliminating many costly scheduling issues.

There are many advantages of eLearning compared to traditional, classroom-style training. It has higher levels of student engagement, offers a lower-cost, effective solution with faster delivery, and with a comprehensive Learning Management System it makes tracking, certification, and reporting easy and accurate. Let’s take a look at the top corporate eLearning trends for 2018.

Trends in Delivery

2018 promises to be an exciting year of advancements in eLearning, particularly as technological advancements are translated into new, better methods of delivering training throughout the organization.

1. Video Instructor-Led Training (VILT)

While instructor-led training (ILT) is still a preferred method of delivering training to employees, video-based ILT (VILT) is on the rise. Video and audio equipment required to make a quality training video is becoming less expensive and is readily available. In fact, with the correct audio enhancement, a quality video can be produced and edited on many types of smartphones.

The advantages of VILT are many. There is no limit to the number of employees who can take part in video-based training, and they are not limited by physical location or schedule availability. VILT training sessions can be viewed at any time, and on a video-enabled LMS system, employee participation can be noted and tracked for reporting purposes. Also, with VILT you can be sure that each participant receives exactly the same information.

In traditional ILT classes, a small variation in the presentation could result from using different presenters, or stem from a question asked by a participant in one session but not the other. These inconsistencies could lead to future problems with the message or information meant to be conveyed by the training. Ultimately, assurance that you are sending a consistent message to all participants is a positive aspect of VILT.

2. Interactive VILT

Another exciting aspect of video-based training is the rise of interactive video-based learning. Interactive videos might feature a live instructor, interacting with students in an online, geographically diverse setting. Essentially, this is an instructor-led class that can accommodate live learners in different locations, without the need for on-site arrangements.

Alternatively, a recorded video may be created that incorporates a branching scenario, where a participant can make a choice at a certain spot in the presentation. This allows for the benefits of pre-recorded VILT, while still engaging the student by incorporating letheir participation in the content delivery. It is important for corporate training and development managers to ensure that their eLearning or LMS has functional video capabilities.

As video and interactive video continue to be a preferred method of content delivery, both from the educator and the student side, harnessing the power of recorded, live, and interactive video learning will be a powerful tool in corporate eLearning.

3. Gamification

Turning eLearning efforts into a game for participants is an emergent approach to instruction that is gaining traction throughout the eLearning sphere. Gamification has the power to engage students and encourages continued participation using the elements of gaming (points, achievements, and scoreboards), the mechanics of gaming (moving through levels, scoring, and avatars) and game-based thinking.

In 2016, the game-based learning market reached $2.6 billion, while projected growth figures estimate that it will reach $7.3 billion by 2021. Used properly, gamification of eLearning applications can help to increase engagement and illustrate progress toward a goal, while creating challenges and meeting them helps to instill and reinforce a sense of accomplishment specifically connected to training and development. In one study, 89% of people surveyed said that they would be more engaged with an eLearning application if it had a point system, while 80% said that they would be more productive if their organization was more game-like. An additional 60% said they would be motivated by leader boards and increased competition among students. Gamification can be applied in different ways to motivate people with different types of reward systems.

4. Podcasts

Podcasts are appealing because they are inexpensive to create and distribute, and offer similar benefits as video-based learning, but are even more portable and accessible. Additionally, as podcasts of all kinds grow in popularity, it is likely that your employees are familiar with the basics of the podcast format.

5. AR/VR

Augmented and Virtual Reality offer exciting new ways to deliver training to E-learners. Virtual Reality, in particular, has been a technology to watch for many years now. However, recent advancements in technology are making AR and VR technologies that are accessible and increasingly cost-effective.

Trends in Learning

6. Adaptive / Personalized / Customized learning

Adaptive learning is the result of taking a learning module from an existing library and customizing it for different companies, or departments, or jobs within those companies. Often, a learner will take a pre-training assessment to determine where, within the module, the greatest need for training lies, and then the module is personalized to focus on the areas where learner knowledge is weak at the outset. Personalized learning then addresses the specific needs of the learner, making the best use of training time by providing a focused, individualized experience. In this way, customization down to the individual level is achievable, but in a cost-effective, modular framework.

7. Artificial Intelligence

One method that can be used to create adaptive, customized learning is by using artificial intelligence. With AI, educators can understand employee behaviors and predict training needs by recommending content based on this understanding. AI can be used to create a chatbot or learning wizard that can recommend training content based on new projects, teams, career development paths; both current and future development needs.

Using AI to anticipate training needs and make recommendations on modules available in the LMS to answer those needs is one way that learning and development will become more individualized and responsive, and ultimately of more value to the organization.

8. Microlearning

Microlearning is one of the top trends in learning for 2018 and beyond. The concept behind microlearning is the understanding that human concentration and focus is limited, and that breaking down information into smaller pieces and spacing it out can lead to higher rates of engagement and retention.

Microlearning condenses the actual dissemination of necessary information into 90-120 second sessions formatted as videos, visuals, slides, or exercises, followed by quizzes with instant feedback.

9. Social Learning

Social learning is education that is collective, making it a group experience or shared activity. Incorporating social tools to your LMS is one way to take advantage of social integration as part of the learning experience, creating engagement and reinforcing training materials with active participation and discussion.

All of these methods are used to improve communication between participants so that they have several avenues to discuss materials and potentially collaborate on assignments.

10. App-Based / Mobile Learning

Mobile devices, including tablets and smartphones, are becoming more important to employees off and on the job. Preparing your eLearning strategy to ensure that content is available and can be completed on mobile devices will be vital to the future of eLearning.

Mobile learning is a key method of reaching and engaging millennials, in particular – an entire generation of digital natives that are most comfortable accessing information and managing their daily activities in the digital environment. Mobile learning is poised to meet the training needs of millennials as it can be structured to accommodate microlearning, and is responsive, easy to access, and available at the user’s convenience. With device-based mobile learning, it will also be easy to access social learning applications such as chatbots, forums, intramail, and other types of participative discussion and reinforcement groups.

The benefits of mobile learning (m-learning) are well-known for organizations both big and small, especially as it relates to improved knowledge retention and increased employee engagement. Already, mobile learning is being used by nearly 47% of organizations worldwide, clearly reflecting the increased acceptability of the modality and why it is viewed as the future of learning. Markets and Markets forecast the global mobile learning market to reach $37.60 billion by 2020, growing at a CAGR of 36.3%.

11. Self-Directed Learning

In a self-directed learning environment, the students take the initiative and responsibility for their own learning. Self-directed learning makes students more motivated and goal-oriented, as well as rewarding independence and self-discipline, two characteristics of successful employees in almost every position.

Trends in Content

Just as eLearning systems and technology are changing, the types of content that are the focus of eLearning are evolving as well.

12. Work-Life Skills

Work-life balance is important to employees, Poor health caused or aggravated by work-life imbalance, affects medical costs and PTO. Employee turnover increases, a further cost to the company. Work-life balance is a high priority for employees.

The 2017 Mercer Global Talent Trends Study showed that 53% of employees want their company to increase focus on employee health and wellness, while 56% are looking for more flexible work options. However, studies have shown that a company that values work-life balance benefits from increased worker productivity, reduced turnover, increased engagement, and greater employee motivation, commitment, and loyalty.

One way to reinforce your organization’s commitment to work-life balance is to offer training in this area: to employees, on how to achieve it, and to managers, on how to support it. As companies are confronted with the cost of a stressed, burned-out workforce, work-life skills training will continue to grow in importance.

13. Leadership and Management Training

Across all industries, functional and departmental silos are breaking down, as the focus of strategic management and strategy implementation becomes more project and team-based. This requires a different kind of leader. The 2017 Mercer Global Talent Trends Survey also found that the number one skill gap according to CEOs is in leadership. Top management is concerned about finding future leaders to manage growth and make organizations successful. To address the skills gap in leadership and management, content related to building future leaders will be a high priority in development in 2018.

VII.Conclusion

The objective of this paper is to outline the emerging trends in the growth and development of e-learning. E-Learning will continue to grow in our organizations. In expectation of this growth, the governments, business companies, and professional associations can start focusing on applications and the effective and efficient implementation of E-Learning and can experience the greatest benefits that E-Learning has to offer now and in the future.

Now more and more companies are recognizing that in a competitive environment, upskilling of existing employees is to the benefit of the organization as a whole. Training and development are an important part of the modern company’s strategic growth plans. The overarching trends in corporate Learning are to take continued advantage of technology, to make development opportunities more accessible and tailored to the learner.

Current and future trends show that organizations that want to retain skilled employees need to provide for ongoing development and educational opportunities. Many organizations measure the return on investment for training activities. E-Learning has become an essential tool and its evolution, spurred by the trends outlined in this report, presents an exciting foundation upon which to build tomorrow’s learning initiatives.

References

Books:

1. Ling, Lee Kar (2007), “Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Conceptual Skill Training: A Quasi-Experimental Approach”, Himalayan Publication, New Delhi, pp. 76-82
2. Philips, J. J (2004), “Handbook of Training Evaluation & Measurement Methods”,McGraw Hill. (1st Ed), India, Gulf Edition, pp. 96-110
3. Dawe, Susan (2003), “Determinants of successful training practices in large Australian firms”, National Centre for Vocational Education Research, 9-59. Kalyani Publisher, New Delhi, pp. 66-68

Journal & Articles:

1. Deepali Pande, Dr. V. M. Wadhai, Dr. V. M. Thakre(2016), “Current trends of E-learning in India”, International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395 -0056 Volume: 03 Issue: 01.
2. Snezana Jokic, Marjana Pardanjac, Erika Eleven, Savina Durin(2011), “Training and Development of employees through e-learning”, Metalurgia International Vol.XVI.
3. Soumendra Bhattacharjee (2017), “Modern Trends and Practices in Training and Development: An Overview”, Book: Redefining Business Vision Issues & Challenges, Vol 2 Marketing and Human Resources.
4. Sunil Kumar Sharma, Javed Wasim, Dr. Jamshed Siddiqui (2014), “E-Learning in India”, International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Engineering & Technology (IJARCET) Volume No. 3, Issue No. 1.

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