E-learning, or electronic learning, is the delivery of education and training through digital platforms. E-learning has been growing rapidly in the past decade, as more people access online courses, programs, and resources to enhance their skills and knowledge. E-learning is also transforming the way educators and learners interact, collaborate, and create.
But what does the future of e-learning look like? What you’ll see in 2024. This is a big question, and of course, you’re curious to know that, right? But your wait ends.
Read this guide to find the e-learning trends to watch in 2024.
- Personalized and Adaptive Learning
Personalized and adaptive learning is a trend that will make e-learning more fun and effective for you in 2024. It means that you can choose what, how, and when you want to learn, and the e-learning system will help you learn better by adjusting to your needs and goals, siad Anna Haris, Marketing Manager at Online MFT Programs.
With personalized learning, you can select the topics, formats, and pace that suit you best. You can also set your own learning objectives and track your progress.
Cole Vineyard, CEO and Founder of Teach Simple, shares, “With adaptive learning, the e-learning system will monitor your learning behavior and outcomes, and change the difficulty, feedback, and support that you get. The system will also recommend the best learning activities and resources for you.”
Personalized and adaptive learning will make e-learning more enjoyable and rewarding for you, as well as more accessible and relevant for everyone. You will learn more efficiently and effectively, as well as more confidently and comfortably. You will also overcome some of the challenges of online learning, such as isolation, boredom, or frustration. Personalized and adaptive learning will make e-learning a great experience for you, said Travis Kliever, Global Business Development Advisor at RemotePad.
- Gamification’s Ascendance
Gamification is the use of game design elements and principles to create engaging and enjoyable learning experiences. It is one of the most popular and effective trends in e-learning, and it will continue to evolve and innovate in 2024 and beyond.
Andy Gillin, Attorney at GJEL Accident Attorneys, explains, “Gamification will leverage the latest technologies and developments to enhance the learning process in various ways. For example, gamification will incorporate more immersive and realistic technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality, creating lifelike and interactive learning environments.”
Gamification will also utilize more advanced artificial intelligence and data analytics, providing personalized and adaptive feedback and guidance to learners. Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Ingredient Brothers, said, “Gamification will integrate more social and collaborative features, such as chatbots, voice assistants, and online communities — fostering communication and cooperation among learners and instructors.”
Gamification will not just be about adding points, badges, and leaderboards to e-learning courses. It will be about designing learning experiences that tap into the intrinsic and extrinsic motivators of learners, such as curiosity, mastery, recognition, and achievement, adds Danny Jay, Marketing Director at SOLVED Consulting.
- The Rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The most influential trend in e-learning is artificial intelligence (AI), the technology that enables machines to perform tasks, adds Danny Jay, Martynas Žvirblis, Manager at VPSForexTrader. AI is transforming various industries, including e-learning, by creating more personalized, efficient, and engaging learning experiences.
AI will continue to evolve and innovate in 2024 and beyond, leveraging the latest technologies and developments to enhance e-learning. For example, AI will incorporate more immersive and realistic technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality, creating lifelike and interactive learning environments.
Sumeer Kaur, Founder of Lashkaraa.com, said, “AI will utilize more advanced natural language processing and speech recognition in 2024 — enabling more natural and conversational interactions between learners and instructors.”
AI is a reality that is reshaping the e-learning industry. Sebastian Membrez, CEO of Onno, says, “By offering more intelligent, adaptive, and student-centric educational experiences, AI will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of e-learning.”
- Microlearning
One of the emerging trends in e-learning for 2024 is microlearning, a learning strategy that uses short and focused content to deliver information and skills to learners. It is based on the idea that people learn better when they are exposed to small chunks of knowledge that are relevant, engaging, and easy to remember, adds David Martinez, VP Enterprise & OEM Accounts at Cybernet Manufacturing.
Microlearning can be delivered through various formats, such as videos, quizzes, podcasts, images, and text. Microlearning is especially suitable for the modern learner, who has a short attention span, a busy schedule, and a preference for mobile devices. Michael Hess, Tech Expert at Code Signing Store, adds, “Microlearning can help learners to access learning opportunities anytime and anywhere, and to achieve their learning goals in a flexible and efficient way.”
Microlearning is expected to become more popular and prevalent in the future, as it can address the challenges and needs of the changing learning environment. Some of the factors that will drive the growth of microlearning are the influence of social media platforms like TikTok, the availability of online resources like Google, and the demand for interactive and personalized learning experiences.
Saba Mobebpour, CEO at SPOCKET, shares, “Microlearning can also benefit organizations and educators, as it can reduce the cost and time of training, improve the retention and transfer of knowledge, and enhance the performance and satisfaction of learners.”
- Mobile Learning
Mobile learning is an e-learning trend that involves using mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, to access educational content and resources. It enables learners to learn anytime and anywhere, without being limited by location or time. Maria Mercieca Imbroll, Team Leader of Corporate Services at CSB Group, said, “Mobile learning offers more flexibility and convenience for learners, as they can customize their learning pace and schedule, according to their preferences and needs.”
The mobile learning market is projected to grow rapidly in the future, as more people own and use mobile devices, and as more e-learning platforms and applications become compatible and accessible on mobile devices. Khashayar Shahnazari, Chief Executive Officer at FinlyWealth, says, “Mobile learning can enhance the productivity and performance of learners — as it can provide short and focused learning modules that can be easily remembered and applied.”
Mobile learning can benefit educators and organizations as well, as it can lower the cost and time of training, as well as increase the reach and engagement of learners. It can support various learning modalities, such as synchronous, asynchronous, blended, and hybrid learning. It can also promote the diversity and inclusivity of the learning environment, as it can accommodate different learning styles, abilities, and backgrounds, adds Emily Rapoza, Marketing Manager at Library Science Degrees Online.
- AR & VR
One of the most exciting and innovative trends in e-learning for 2024 is the use of AR and VR technologies to create immersive and interactive digital environments. AR stands for augmented reality, which overlays digital information or objects onto the real world, enhancing the user’s perception of reality. VR stands for virtual reality, which creates a fully simulated environment that the user can explore and interact with, using a headset and controllers, adds Gerrid Smith, CMO of Joy Organics.
AR and VR offer various benefits and applications for different domains and industries, such as education, entertainment, health, and tourism. Lisian Ajroni, Marketing Specialist at The Greene School, shares, “AR and VR can also provide engaging and interactive learning experiences, using game design and storytelling elements to motivate and educate learners, as well as immersive technologies to simulate real-world scenarios and challenges.”
AR and VR can also enable more social and collaborative interactions among users, using online platforms and tools to facilitate communication, feedback, and peer learning, as well as to create a sense of community and belonging.
Robert Smith, Head of Marketing at Psychometric Success, shares, “AR and VR can complement and enhance traditional face-to-face learning, using a mix of online and offline methods and activities to create a balanced and effective learning experience. They can also strive to reach and accommodate more diverse and disadvantaged learners — using inclusive design and universal accessibility principles to ensure that the digital experiences are fair, equitable, and accessible for all.”
- Social Learning
Social learning is an e-learning trend for 2024 that involves learning from and with others, using online platforms and tools to facilitate communication, feedback, and collaboration. It can enhance the learning experience by providing learners with opportunities to interact with peers, instructors, experts, and mentors, as well as to share their knowledge, opinions, and experiences, said Anton Lau, CEO of VisitDominicanRepublic.
Social learning can also foster a sense of community and belonging among learners, as well as promote the diversity and inclusivity of the learning environment.
Tia Campbell, Director of Marketing at Practice Reasoning Tests , shares, “Social learning is expected to become more widespread and influential in the future, as more learners and educators recognize the benefits and value of social interaction and networking in online education.”
Some of the factors that will drive the growth of social learning are:
- The rise of social media: Social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, have become an integral part of the lives of many learners, especially the younger generations. These platforms can be used to create and join online learning communities, where learners can access and share educational content, as well as engage in discussions and debates with other learners and educators, said Ethan Keller, President at Dominion.
- The demand for soft skills: Soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving, are essential for the success and employability of learners in the 21st century. Jonathan Rosenfeld, Founder & Attorney at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC, explains, “Social learning can help learners to develop and improve these skills, as they learn to communicate effectively, collaborate with others, and solve real-world challenges.”
- Blockchain and Credentialing
Blockchain and credentialing is an e-learning trend that involves using blockchain technology to secure and streamline the processes of issuing and verifying educational credentials. Martin Seeley, CEO of Mattress Next Day shares, “Blockchain is a decentralized and transparent system that records and stores data in a distributed network of computers — making it immutable and verifiable. It can ensure the integrity and validity of educational credentials, such as diplomas, certificates, and badges, by preventing fraud, forgery, and duplication.”
Blockchain and credentialing is expected to become more widespread and influential in the future, as more learners and educators seek to validate and showcase their learning outcomes and achievements.
Some of the factors that will drive the growth of blockchain and credentialing are:
- The demand for lifelong and informal learning: Learners will pursue more continuous and self-directed learning throughout their lives, using online resources and communities to learn from various sources and contexts. Kevin King, Founder & CEO at Anytime Baseball Supply, said, “Blockchain can provide learners with a secure and portable way to store and share their learning records and credentials, as well as to earn recognition and rewards for their learning achievements.”
- The need for skills verification and employability: Employers will require more evidence and verification of the skills and competencies of potential and current employees, especially in the digital age. Blockchain can provide employers with a reliable and efficient way to access and verify the educational credentials of candidates and employees, as well as to match them with suitable job opportunities, adds Ritika Asrani, Owner and Broker of Century21 St Maarten Real Estate.
- Collaborative Learning
Collaborative learning is a future trend in e-learning that emphasizes the importance of learning with and from others. It is based on the idea that learning is a social process that can be enhanced by the interaction and cooperation of learners. Olivia Rutman, Founder & CEO at Kids Care Finder, shares, “Collaborative learning can foster a sense of community and belonging among learners, as well as promote the diversity and inclusivity of the learning environment.”
Collaborative learning can be implemented in various ways, such as group projects, peer feedback, online discussions, and cooperative games. Collaborative learning can also be supported by various technologies, such as online platforms, tools, and applications that facilitate communication, collaboration, and coordination among learners.
Micajah McGregor, Chief Editor at FanFest, shares, “Collaborative learning can improve the learning outcomes of learners. It allows them to learn from their peers’ perspectives, experiences, and expertise, and to get constructive feedback and guidance. Plus, it can increase the interest and involvement of learners, as they can participate in meaningful and authentic learning activities.”
Collaborative learning can help learners to develop and improve soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. And it can boost the confidence and self-esteem of learners, as they can express their opinions and ideas, as well as receive recognition and support from their peers, said William Westerlund, SEO Expert at Tradeit.gg.
Wrapping Up
E-learning is the use of digital technologies to deliver, support, and enhance learning and teaching. It has become a popular and convenient way of learning for millions of people around the world — especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some trends that you can watch in 2024.
- Personalized and Adaptive Learning
- Gamification
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Microlearning
- Mobile learning
- AR & VR
- Social Learning
- Blockchain and Credentialing
- Collaborative Learning
These trends reflect the changing needs and preferences of learners and educators, as well as the emergence of new technologies and standards. They also offer various benefits and opportunities for different domains and industries, such as education, entertainment, health, and tourism. E-learning is a dynamic and evolving field that has the potential to transform the way we learn and teach in the future.
