Our Top 4 Takeaways from DevLearn 2018

A team of Artisans recently attended the eLearning Guild’s DevLearn conference in Las Vegas. DevLearn is the largest learning technologies conference in the Learning and Development industry, and this year’s event didn’t disappoint. While there was a noticeable focus on new technology—including augmented reality and virtual reality—it was clear that existing trends like micro-learning, video-based learning, and standards like SCORM-based LMS support are alive and well.

Here are our top four takeaways from the conference.

Growth in xAPI and cmi5 Adoption

After five years since the official release of  xAPI, both xAPI and cmi5 are growing in adoption. These standards go beyond just tracking completion and scores—they allow for tracking more robust data that helps us better measure learning.

Many Learning and Development (L&D) departments are beginning to recognize that they need more data to prove their value, and as organizations look to track more than completion status and basic scoring, we expect these standards will continue to grow in popularity.

New Learning Management Infrastructure Trends

While the adoption of new standards appears to be growing, according to recent Learning Platforms research conducted by the eLearning Guild, the LMS is still the predominant learning platform. But, with the growth seen in the adoption rate of xAPI, new types of learning platforms are becoming more prevalent. Learning Record Stores (LRS) and Learning Experience Platforms (LXP) have both experienced growth in their adoption rates. The Guild research suggested that of those surveyed, the following represented the breakdown of organizations using, acquiring, and considering purchasing such systems.

What’s more interesting is how LMS, LRS, and LXPs are being used together to support activities that span Training, Work Support, and Professional Development. Specifically, 48% of those surveyed reported they are using a combination of platforms to support their Learning and Development efforts. It’s clear that organizations are beginning to rely more heavily on a variety of platforms and formats for educating their employees. Artisan E-Learning has experience creating content from microlessons to interactive infographics suitable for these types of platforms.

Growth in Augmented and Virtual Reality

Both Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are also gaining popularity in the Learning and Development space. The good news is that this growth is quickly making these emerging technologies more approachable.

Tools like Trivantis’ CenarioVR make it possible for organizations to create 360-degree-video-based VR experiences for their learners. Having a wide variety of VR hardware—ranging from cardboard and smartphone-based solutions, to dedicated headsets and PC systems—has made it more affordable for organizations to implement immersive VR experiences.

We saw examples of using AR as an instructional support tool—in the form of mobile apps and platforms. In one particularly interesting example, interactive graphics were overlaid on a live camera view to illustrate how to diagnose issues with, or how to service and replace, plumbing components.

Although these technologies haven’t fully gained mainstream adoption, the possibilities continue to emerge and show promise for the future. It’s clear that AR and VR won’t be suitable for all learning applications, but they provide a compelling solution when used for the right subject matter.

Continued Growth in Video-based Learning and Microlearning

Even with the emergence of new technologies and platforms, it was very apparent that there continues to be widespread adoption of video and micro-learning in organizations’ Learning and Development efforts.

There were many sessions that focused on the use of these approaches, all of which seemed to be well attended. We also saw many examples of video-based learning and micro-learning at DemoFest.

Having seen so much interest in and examples of these instructional approaches, it is clear that these trends are very much alive and well.

Let’s Talk!

Are you interested in exploring the possibilities of these new and different approaches to e-learning? We’d love to discuss your interests and help in building your perfect learning solution. Contact us to start the conversation.