eLearning is changing the way we build a workforce. Docebo’s 2019 eLearning trends report revealed that 68% of employees prefer to learn while on the job rather than on their own time. Nearly 60% prefer to learn at their own pace. Online and mobile platforms can facilitate both needs by presenting greater flexibility in the way employers present training material to employees. It is cost-effective and adaptable, making the possibilities nearly limitless.
As we begin 2019, companies should be keeping an eye on what’s happening in the eLearning industry. Even if you do not sell a service or product that is directly related to education, this will affect you. It will affect the way you onboard new hires and keep seasoned employees up to speed. It will add value to your training budget and allows you to produce workers that are happy, satisfied, and knowledgeable – which will help your business thrive. What trends should you be monitoring this year?
The Bigger You Are, the More Important Analytics Becomes
The concept of analytics isn’t a new one, but it is a driving force in 2019. The need for detailed data analysis increases with the size of the organization. Analytics made up 42% of the top priorities among small businesses, falling just four points behind social and collaborative tools. Mid to large-size organizations, on the other hand, ranked data analytics at the top with 51% and 56% respectively. Analytics can shed light on what’s working and what isn’t, making it a valuable resource across industries.
Social Learning is Here to Stay
It seems like only yesterday that social learning was considered a thing of the future. Human beings like to socialize. It is necessary for growth and development. It seems only natural that we would incorporate that into our learning process. Around 60% of companies currently use social learning. An impressive 87% of employees believe that it is essential to use social knowledge sharing.
It’s important to note that between 70% and 90% of learning on the job occurs informally. Social tools expand the possibility of informal learning through discussions and activities. Teams can collaborate and build off their collective knowledge. They can also reach out to other groups to incorporate the expertise of individuals who may not be a part of their department or team. According to Towards Maturity, 98% of organizations are making moves to support the sharing of in-house, user-generated knowledge.
Artificial Intelligence Helps Push Content Created by Users
Building on the idea of wide-spread social content creation and sharing is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to curate material. By implementing advanced algorithms, organizations can improve the social learning experience. AI can be used to present content to an audience that will find it interesting. This can increase engagement while spreading the information and increasing the potential for it to be shared elsewhere.
An algorithm can be used to analyze content and learning patterns of individuals instantly. This allows the AI to determine which pieces would be more likely to engage each learner, user, or participant. The more content and activity the AI can analyze, the better it will get at choosing the right material to share with each audience.
eLearning Helps Close Skill Gaps to Save Businesses Money
The diversity available within the eLearning space has created numerous opportunities for businesses to save money. This ongoing trend will continue into 2019 and beyond. Current platforms offer more than quizzes and webinars. There is an emphasis on the use of real-life scenarios as part of the training process. Simulations allow trainees to improve skills without putting themselves, others, or resources at risk.
Gamification and learning paths also assist with closing skill gaps. They create an environment that encourages workers to continue learning. According to an IBM report, skill levels that are linked to business value can produce around $70,000 in annual savings with a 10% productivity increase among well-trained teams. As many as 80% of managers stated that effective training is essential to project success.
By closing skill gaps, eLearning can also help prevent extended job vacancies. A CareerBuilder report revealed that leaving roles unfilled for a long period of time costs companies almost $1 million each year. This is the result of a 45% productivity loss, 39% lower morale, 29% inability to grow, and a 26% revenue loss that comes with the vacancy. Training staff to meet challenges and grow in their roles helps with retention which is the best way to keep financial losses at a minimum.
Learning Platforms vs. Traditional Learning Management Systems
The LMS has been around for years and originally adopted a linear approach to education. The platform would present courses that learners could take. It was rigid and harder to integrate into other cloud applications.
Today, the classic LMS has evolved into modern learning platforms. These are more fluid and flexible. They encompass both formal and informal training to give the learner a better overall experience with more opportunities to engage and be engaged. Knowledge libraries can be built with the participation of learners. Information can be exchanged through social apps. Experts become more accessible as part of the system. Learning platforms also allow for a continuous workflow. They are easier to integrate and support a wide range of use cases including customers, partners, members, and franchises.
eLearning Prepares Businesses for the Arrival of the Generation Z Workforce
Millennials may be the most talked-about generation in recent years. The reality is that there is a younger generation poised to enter the workforce. Gen Z includes individuals born between 1996 and 2011. They will make up over 20% of all working adults by next year.
Trainers and managers need to prepare for employees who are well-versed in the digital world. Gen Z uses their tablet or phone an average of once every seven to eight minutes. They thrive on innovation and originality. They are identified as the first truly digital generation, having grown up during a time when computers, tablets, and smartphones were found in almost every home.
eLearning presents a way to connect with this new, ambitious workforce. They will adapt easily to social and internet learning methods. Over 60% of them already share knowledge and collaborate online. They are ahead of the digital game and understand the value of technology when it comes to success and personal growth.
This year promises to be a big one for eLearning. Whether you run a small business or a big corporation, you need to get on the tech bandwagon if you want your organization to reach its fullest potential. Not only can it help companies train highly skilled workers, but it can also cut operating costs and allow an organization to be agile in changing markets. eLearning is one trend that has caught on and won’t be going away in 2019 or for years after.
