The landscape of the learnt environment is always changing in response to how we prefer to digest information. Long gone are the days where paperback workbooks are the preferred choice for learners. Nowadays, we are innovating online learning platforms, creating simulated work environments and more. So here are the top 6 trends in the learning environment:

 

1. Infographics And Interactive Infographics

Infographics are a visually engaging, colourful way to break down a complicated subject into concise segments. They can be included with other types of content delivery as well – a video segment or eBook could include an infographic to support, redeliver, or clarify pertinent information.

Infographics support microlearning when a trainer needs to compare and contrast data, to connect concepts, or to explain a complex process.

2. Virtual reality and simulated environments

Put on a pair of VR googles and suddenly you’re in a kindergarten with little children or digging a hole on a construction site. We haven’t yet seen the full potential of virtual reality in the education space but that’s what is most exciting…the best is yet to come!

3. eBooks

eBooks are easily delivered, convenient, and familiar to learners. They are device-agnostic, can be incorporated around other tasks, and are already broken down into digestible content through chapter structures.

Engaging, interactive elements can also be inserted into an eBook. Videos, end-of-chapter quizzes, and knowledge checks, interactive infographics – even animation can increase learner engagement with eBook content.

4. Animation

The use of animation, including animated videos, whiteboard animation, and kinetic text-based animation is on the rise in eLearning. Animation can be used to add humour or entertainment to content while driving increased learner engagement.

Animations are particularly effective in simplifying complex ideas and setting the tone for content in a highly accessible way. Animated content is also extremely memorable, increasing retention as well as engagement.

5. Mobile Apps

Microlearning is agile, easily produced, and concise, making it ideal for mobile learning (also known as mLearning). mLearning is a natural evolution of eLearning, making training material available to users on their own devices at their convenience.

mLearning is focused on learner mobility and provides a platform for learner interactions that can happen much faster than through traditional methods. Share content, feedback, and discussion points possible in near-real time.

 

6. Gamification

Despite the name, gamification does not refer to inserting games into eLearning content. Rather, it is the application of game thinking in a non-game context. In this case, training and development. Traditional training exercises in microlearning are made into a larger game, such as completing enough material to earn a badge.

Gamification can result in better learning experiences and outcomes, and is a great source of instant feedback so that content effectiveness can be measured immediately, during the training itself.