E-learning: What trends are we seeing in 2017?

Six months into 2017, the trends that are likely to dominate e-learning for the rest of the year are probably already in full swing. Here we take a look at the top three.

Believe it or not, we’re already a month away from being half way through 2017. While there have been many changes in the UK in terms of Brexit, snap elections and royal announcements, in the e-learning industry, there have also been advances in technology and learning.

Six months into the year, it is likely that the trends we are seeing at the moment will dominate the e-learning industry for remainder of the year. Here we take a look at the most popular themes.

Bespoke online training courses

As we move forward, technology in general is becoming much more personalised, tracking our movements online and storing data that gives insight into our interests. When it comes to e-learning, self-paced online courses are allowing learners to work at a time and in an environment that suits them.

Self-taught courses are now utilising technology so that learners are matched up with virtual mentors that complement their learning style. Industry experts believe that by offering flexible courses and on-demand help from expert mentors, the STEM diversity problem the UK is currently experiencing could be reduced.

Companies like Virtual College also offer the service of working with companies to build training courses that are completely unique to that business or organisation.

Incorporating video

While video is by no means a novelty to the e-learning industry, it has, in recent months, becoming increasingly popular by starting to explore its full potential. Video has the power to engage, cater to different learning styles and act as the predominant tool for learning.

Video is increasingly being used by teachers to record classes, lectures and seminars, so that no one misses out on live sessions. This provides learners with new opportunities, helping to close the achievement gap by giving all students, regardless of their location, access to a great e-learning experience.

Using robots as tools

Many fear that the introduction of robotics to the classroom, could replace the need for human interact and therefore lead to the loss of jobs. However, instead of fearing robotics, we should utilise them.

Robots are gradually being used in classrooms and can actually help teachers demonstrate the point they are making and introducing the latest technology to young learners.