eLearning Trends in 2020 to Realign Remote Workforce Training Strategy

 This year, the COVID-19 crisis has reset the trends leaving HR leaders and L&D teams to rethink the way they manage and train the workforce. In this article, I list 18 eLearning trends highlighting their relevance in the changed workplace dynamics.

Background

Every July, I relook at the eLearning Trends and Predictions I released in January to ascertain how my analysis and recommendations panned out. Training remote learners and driving performance gain over distance is the new reality. So, I re-examined my original list against these pressing needs of today.

1. Even though the overall impact of the crisis is still unfolding, it has clearly redefined the workplace in the future. With an increase in work from home, it has led to a need to have an Agile and Flexible Digital Workplace. Organizations need to create a digital workplace that can easily move from 100% in office to 100% working remotely.
2. As a result, Rapid Virtual Training Transformation needs to be undertaken to provide online training for remote learners. Face-to-face trainings must move to a predominantly Online/Self-paced/Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT)/Blended mode that can be consumed remotely.
3. Also, a long-term plan to engage remote learners – with multi-pronged approaches to connect, reinforce, challenge, and nudge toward continuous learning must be drawn up.

This article lists 18 eLearning trends highlighting their relevance in the changed workplace dynamics. I have grouped them as:

1. Trends that are in the spotlight (“must have”) trends to offer remote learning.
2. Trends that equip remote users to learn quickly, apply the learning effectively, and get access to relevant content and just-in-time learning aids.
3. Trends that foster continuous learning.
4. Trends that help you deliver engaging, high-impact, and immersive Virtual Learning experiences for remote learners.
5. Trends that help you assess the impact of remote training and aid you in maximizing the ROI.

eLearning Trends in 2020

Given the large number of trends, I have logically grouped them into 5 sections.

• Section 1: In the spotlight – “must have” trends to offer remote learning
• Section 2: Trends that equip remote users to learn quickly, apply the learning effectively, and get access to relevant content and just-in-time learning aids
• Section 3: Trends that foster continuous learning
• Section 4: Trends that help you deliver engaging, high-impact, and immersive Virtual Learning experiences for remote learners
• Section 5: Trends that help you assess the impact of remote training and aid you in maximizing the ROI

Do take a look at each one next…

Section 1: In the spotlight – “must have” trends to offer remote learning eLearning Trends in 2020 – Mobile Learning

With changed workplace dynamics, training delivery must cater to remote learners and Mobile Learning is the way to go – Accelerated by what learners need today, this trend continues to be on top.

This trend will continue to be the Belgian Malinois  mode for online training delivery as well as to supplement facilitated or Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT).

You can use it to meet the entire spectrum of your training needs, including Formal training, Instant/Just-in-time learning aids, Informal learning, Self-Directed Learning, as well as Social or Collaborative Learning.

This is a “must have” trend and will continue to see accelerated adoption in 2020.

eLearning Trends in 2020 – Mobile Apps for Learning

A close cousin of Mobile Learning—Mobile Apps for Learning—provides the flexibility to learn anywhere, anytime.

Their real impact can be felt when they are used to offer Performance Support Tools to provide the required on-the-job support. They can be easily updated and deployed quickly, and you can easily push relevant Notifications to the learners. You can also personalize the assets for each learner (based on pre-tests or surveys).

They can be used to offer both Formal as well as Informal learning. Both Microlearning and Gamification techniques can be used very effectively to offer Gamified learning featuring a series of Microlearning nuggets. These can be easily Personalized (based on the learner’s role, region, proficiency, or interest).

With the ability to personalize and offer learning journeys from a distance, Mobile Apps for Learning are an “absolute must to invest on” in 2020.

eLearning Trends in 2020 – Virtual Training – Conversion of ILT to Blended or Fully Online Learning

With remote working and social distancing at play, classroom training/ILT is not a feasible option right now and organizations must undertake a rapid Digital Transformation.

A notable part of this conversion exercise is to determine how to convert the fully facilitated or Instructor-Led Training (ILT) to a Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT), a Fully Online mode, or a Blended mode. Depending on the budget and time frame for conversion, you can pick from Rapid development to Semi-custom or high-end fully custom designs.

However, the prevailing trend to transition to Virtual Training is a journey, where the elements of training should gradually shift from primarily Instructor-Led Training (ILT) to Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT), a blended mode and, ultimately, to a Fully Self-paced Training mode.

With benefits that include the flexibility to learn remotely, capability to scale quickly, ease of personalization, as well as acceptance of your multi-generational workforce support, this trend is a “must have” in 2020.