Six e-learning trends for 2021 and beyond
It’s been called the future of learning and education, and with the pandemic e-learning has become more important than ever. Even before COVID-19, the e-learning market was estimated to grow to $315 billion by 2025. With nearly all education and training courses now taking place remotely, it’s almost certain that this figure will peak sooner than predicted.
For businesses and educators alike, the ability to offer e-learning has become an increasing necessity. And how remote training is provided differs from in-class sessions. This can be challenging enough when you are creating a course for English speaking students only. However, oftentimes, the e-learning modules need to be translated accurately into several languages to ensure the team has a complete understanding of the material.
This article takes a look at e-learning trends and how a language service provider (LSP) can help you deliver top-notch training in virtually any language.
E-learning is trending
Although the first computerized training course was developed in the 1960’s, it wasn’t until the 1990’s that it began to gain a foothold. What are the reasons? Aside from e-learning being a more cost-effective and flexible training method, technology advancements have made it a growth industry. In addition, we’d be remiss to not mention, the tech-savvy millennials and Gen Zer’s that are now in the workforce.
Our countdown of e-learning trends begins with technology.
1. Immersive Technologies
Technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) are beginning to make an impact on the e-learning environment. It’s a well-known fact that people learn by being fully engaged, and what better way to provide training than to immerse the student in the desired environment.
2. Mobile Learning
With the majority of the world’s population owning at least one mobile device, mobile learning is accessible, regardless of the location of the employee or student. This portable, affordable and easy-to-use training method simply moves training, such as web-based from an in-office computer to a laptop, tablet or mobile phone in the field or at home. Given the freedom of learning on-the-go, we wouldn’t be surprised if immersive technologies begin to merge with mobile devices.
3. Microlearning
By providing bite-sized-learning modules, employees and students are able to not only quickly gain the knowledge, but will retain what they learned better. This easy-to-consume method of training can be delivered via numerous vehicles, including computer, mobile and video – making it an effective and flexible training technique.
4. Video
Keeping the trainee engaged is paramount, and video-based learning provides the interaction and appeal workers and students desire. This approach to training enables you to distribute training to a wide audience quickly and effectively, improves content consumption and increases retention rates.
5. Artificial Intelligence
As mentioned above, artificial intelligence is making its way into the e-learning environment. AI uses algorithms to collect data on the worker’s or student’s strengths, weaknesses, interests and proficiency, enabling you to personalize learning modules to make them more relevant,
6. Gamification
Gaming provides an appealing vehicle that increases training effectiveness and retention, while motivating the learners to exceed training benchmarks. Many times businesses and educators incorporate incentives such as gift cards, points, badges, etc. into the training to foster competitiveness both on an individual level and between peers.
Regardless of the training techniques you choose, chances are the content will need to be translated into one or more languages. Even in companies that employ primarily English speaking workers, what about the employees whose first language isn’t English? While they may have a working knowledge of English, the time it takes for them to consume and understand the material can put them at a disadvantage. And don’t forget, the most successful e-learning programs are in the local language.
If you’d like to learn more about how BURG Translations helps you ensure high quality e-learning translations, contact us today.
