Jessica joined RWA in 2018, having graduated with a First Class Honours degree in Film Studies. Her role as a content designer involves developing new and engaging e-learning modules as well as assisting in the creation of articles for Insight.
E-Learning Trends and Developments 2024
Searching for new and engaging methods to manage learning and development can be a challenging task, as the same topics tend to crop up year after year. Occasionally, there are breakthroughs that push the boundaries of conventional methods, however, there is no magic solution that can transform learners into experts in their roles overnight. To achieve the desired outcome, both trainers and trainees must utilise a variety of techniques to get to where they need to be.
The key to a successful learning plan balances a variety of different tools and methods, which can then be tailored to the individual in a way that also compliments their learning styles and pace.
Below are some of the most popular trends and developments to keep an eye on for this year Whilst these trends may have been around for some time, it is expected that they will continue to be relevant throughout 2024 and beyond.
- Immersive Virtual and Augmented Reality
This one has been slow to reach wider audiences due to its requirement for headsets or top-of-the-range hardware, but it is a trend that should not be ignored. VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality) are already being applied in medical practices to help patients before and after procedures. Schools are also utilising VR headsets in the classroom to provide students with immersive, decision-making scenarios that help them to explore difficult subjects such as knife crime or domestic violence.
Imagine applications within the insurance sector- VR would unlock the ability to assess a car for a motor insurance claim in a virtual 3D space or walk around a commercial property to assess its security measures- without stepping foot out of the office!
There are endless possibilities for the kinds of training that VR and AR offer, but, as mentioned above, it does come with its drawbacks. . The technology is still in an experimental stage and would require specialists to develop the software and provide the training, especially for more obscure or niche subjects. Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see how this trend develops in the next few years.
- Learning together
As humans, we innately seek social interaction. A common issue people experience with e-learning is feeling isolated. Social Learning provides a solution to this problem, and many content-driven platforms are increasing social learning features. These improvements may come through social media-style communication, which encourages users to share their activity and combine knowledge or
alternatively, take the form of collaborative tools that enable user-generated content to be created, resulting in relevant and focused learning materials.
Virtual group seminars are another outcome of this trend, which use poll tools and chat rooms to engage learners and facilitate further discussions on the training provided.
- Gamification
Interactive scenarios, mini-games or quizzes allow users to feel more included in the learning experience by taking an active role in the subject they are trying to learn. Reward schemes and leaderboards can also promote friendly competition within firms and make learning more of a social event. These interactions can be combined with VR and AR technology to further enhance the learning experience.
Moderation is key with any learning style, however. Trainers need to strike a balance which allows learners to retain knowledge from these games and not come away remembering only the game itself!
- Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (A.I.) is becoming increasingly common in many sectors, and the insurance industry is no exception.
A.I. chatbots are already being used to improve customer service and make it easier for customers to get the information they need, such as answering common questions and providing information about insurance policies, premiums, and coverage.
A.I. technology within educational environments can significantly enhance the capabilities of trainees and trainers alike, whether that’s streamlining assignment and feedback tasks, identifying patterns in learning styles to recommend courses to learners, or assisting in adapting content with a wide range of accessibility.
- Data Analytics and Smart Curation
Data collection and curation is not entirely new within e-learning, however, it is only in recent years that it is being used to meaningfully enhance the learning journey.
This involves the collection of user data, which the A.I. would then use to analyse habits, learning methods and patterns and, combined with effective curation and cataloguing of e-learning content, it could then recommend the most relevant content, formats, and pace to craft a truly adaptive learning experience.
A training plan which changes based on user learning and constantly evolves to meet development needs would provide employees with a truly flexible learning schedule and employers with maximum return on investment.
To see examples of some of these methods listed, The Aviva Development Zone contains a combination of tools to assign, track and manage learning.
If you’re not already signed up to the system, see what e-learning can do for your firm and visit: https://www.mydevelopment.zone for a free 14-day trial of the Aviva Development Zone.