4 Trends for Online Learning in 2019 Blog Feature

4 Trends for Online Learning in 2019

As we start pushing forward into 2019, digital transformation is still the name of the game. From engaging consumers to measuring results, digital disruption will continue to impact the business landscape, encouraging organizations to seek out innovative solutions as they look for ways to achieve their goals.

These innovative solutions will be particularly important when it comes to enhancing outdated education and training programs, as professionals are proactively seeking engaging, on-demand platforms to learn and obtain new skills in order to get ahead. 

After a look back at some of the top online learning trends of 2018, here’s a sneak peak at some of the themes we believe will be hot in 2019 as the growth of online learning continues to accelerate.   

Watch and Learn

From recorded lectures to step-by-step instructional videos, video will continue to grow as one of the strongest delivery methods for online learning. Learners are turning to video to gain comprehensive and quick knowledge on new topics. This year, video will make up 80% of all web activity worldwide.  

While Google is an obvious source for consumers and learners to search for copious amounts of video content, the question around how organizations can drive ROI from their expansive video libraries through effective learning programs is key. Leveraging a comprehensive learner success platform to manage, track, and deliver such valuable content is proving to be the most effective way to do so. In fact, according to eLearning Industry, 78% of associations are already utilizing online learning platforms to deliver their video content.  

2019-online-learning-trends-video

Blended Learning Is the New Norm

The gap between online learning and live instructor-led training is quickly closing. While classroom settings provide valuable experiences to observe, imitate, and interact, experts believe that blended learning is now the new norm. Providing learners with multiple formats to obtain information is an effective way to increase accessibility, while also allowing organizations to reach and impact a larger group of learners. According to a recent Gartner study, effortless learning experiences have the greatest impact on learning application. Professionals across industries who once had to travel for conferences or lengthy training sessions to clock certification hours, can now turn to online platforms for webinars, lectures, and other social activities to achieve their goals. Allowing learners to prep at their own pace, when and where it’s most convenient, will yield higher engagement and overall success.  

The Fun Continues

Gamification was a prevalent and important engagement driver for learning programs in 2018. As social learning continues to gain popularity, organizations are realizing the power of game-based learning to increase engagement. Collaboration through leaderboards and competitive badges are encouraging learners to interact and strive for excellence.  

Gamification has also proven to improve retention rates and application of subject matter, making learning more fun, attractive, and, ultimately, efficient.  

Less Building, More Buying

The question of whether to build versus buy enterprise learning software is a common question popping up across teams. When assessing the total cost and risk of taking on and managing software development projects, the thought of building a comprehensive, scalable platform from scratch is less realistic as the demand for digital speeds up. Organizations are also realizing the importance of providing an exceptional learner experience above all else, and the option of turning to the experts is increasingly attractive.  

We’re ready to help bring these trends to life in 2019. Subscribe to our blog for insights and trends to help guide your learning strategies this year. Cheers to 2019!

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