In the digital era, the demand for eLearning keeps evolving at a rapid pace. 

Did you know the global eLearning market is likely to reach USD 848.1 billion by 2030? Yes, you read it right! 

A primary reason for this growth is the convenience offered by online learning to the masses. eLearning not only makes educational resources more accessible to individuals but also allows them to learn at their own pace. It also has the potential to significantly lower training costs compared to the traditional approaches. 

However, with so many educational organizations and educators embracing eLearning, the competition in the market is quite steep.

To successfully thrive in the industry, educators and organizations need to be well aware of emerging trends. In this article, you will explore the most exciting eLearning trends for 2024 that will change and develop the ed-tech landscape. Let’s dive in!

10 eLearning Trends You Must Know

1. Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence, that is AI, has become a buzzword in recent times. Like all other industries, it has also impacted the education sector. An increasing number of eLearning platforms are leveraging AI and bringing about a significant change in the way we learn.

AI helps enhance the learning experience of users by delivering them deep search functionalities and personalized suggestions. Moreover, it can offer tools to meet the learning disabilities of individuals. 

The AI technology makes learning easier and more fun for the students. With the use of Chatbots, it can provide students with quick answers to their questions. 

On the other hand, artificial intelligence also proves to be beneficial for teachers. It saves a great deal of time and effort as creating courses, quizzes, and content translation becomes easier.  This makes the lives of both instructors and learners simpler.

2. Cohort-based learning

Cohort-based learning is an innovative approach that fosters a sense of collaboration among the students. It effectively addresses the social isolation that learners experience in self-paced online learning environments.

Here, the students are grouped into small learning communities or cohorts, encouraging better engagement and interaction among the learners. Moreover, it enhances the overall learning experience of the students.

Synchronous learning sessions are a key feature of cohort-based learning. It allows the guide and students to interact in real-time. Such sessions pave the way for better discussions, immediate feedback, and clarification of doubts. Also, it makes learning experiences more engaging and dynamic.

Another appealing feature of this trend is collaborative projects and applying their learnings to real-world situations.  This enhances critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. 

Other benefits of synchronous learning sessions include peer support and feedback, community building, and dedicated mentors or instructors.

3. Gamification

Implementing games is the best way to make learning more fun and interesting for students. It transforms boring content into exciting and easy-to-digest formats that learners can easily grasp.

To deliver interactive and engaging experiences, eLearning platforms include game elements like quizzes, points, leaderboards, and badges. Such techniques can provide learners with an immersive environment and boost their competitive spirit. Moreover, it can promote active learning and enhance the engagement level of students.

In addition to making learning enjoyable, gamification can provide instant feedback to the learners. As a result, it enables them to continuously improve their skills and stay ahead in the competitive era.

4. Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality

The use of AR and VR technologies is one of the most important eLearning trends for 2024. The core aim is to deliver immersive learning experiences to the students. Graphics overlays, an explorable interface, and 360-degree visuals are among the top applications of the technologies in the sector.

While augmented reality adds digital elements and enhances real-world experiences, virtual reality takes the learners into a completely digital environment. It allows learners to better understand complex concepts and enhances their retention rate. 

The adoption of AR and VR technologies proves to be ideal in situations that demand special understanding, practical skills, and sensory immersion. For instance, it allows medical students to perform virtual surgeries or enables aspiring pilots to learn how to tackle flight emergencies through simulation.

5. Adaptive learning

Adaptive learning refers to an education style in which resources, projects, assignments, and activities are tailored to students’ individual needs. It focuses on creating an effective learning path and allowing students to learn at their own unique pace. 

The custom learning plans offer a greater sense of autonomy to students. Also, it helps boost the confidence of learners. 

6. Microlearning

In today’s fast-paced world, the attention span of individuals has significantly reduced. As a result, students find it challenging to grasp lengthy concepts. That is where microlearning comes into the picture.

Today, eLearning platforms are introducing short and focused learning modules. They break lessons into easy-on-the-stomach, absorbable bites. Such an approach perfectly aligns with the lifestyle of modern learners and offers them digestible information.

For instance, instructors break a 2-hour long lesson into four 30-minute sessions. It ensures learners remain focused and understand all that is being taught. Microlearning ensures greater retention and yields better results.

7. Social learning

Social learning leverages the base components of group dynamics and human interaction applying them to the latest technological era. Class-wide chatrooms, online forums, and file-sharing platforms are a few examples of social sharing. 

Social learning allows learners to interact with multiple individuals at the same time. As a result, this increases the likelihood of finding someone with the same learning style as theirs. It allows them to understand the concepts better and ensures greater knowledge retention.

Social learning allows learners to connect with the instructors and learn at their convenience. In this approach, students get a chance to brainstorm and share ideas with their peers. It helps increase their attention and engagement level, thereby enhancing their overall performance. 

8. Mobile learning

With the increase in the use of smartphones, more and more learners want to access educational content on mobile devices. That is why eLearning platforms are increasingly optimizing their content for smartphones. 

Mobile learning offers optimum flexibility and convenience to learners, without compromising on interactive and engaging learning experiences for students. 

The mobile-friendly interfaces ensure that the learners can easily access the content via any smartphone, irrespective of the screen size.

9. Continuous learning culture

In online learning, promoting a continuous learning culture is becoming one of the most popular eLearning trends for 2024. With rapid changes in the industry and the development of technology, lifelong learning proves to be a necessity. 

Therefore, the eLearning platforms are likely to offer resources and courses to support constant learning. It will enable individuals to improve their knowledge and skills and remain up-to-date and relevant. Moreover, it supports better career growth and allows you to find lucrative opportunities in the ever-evolving job market.

10. Hybrid learning

Some individuals enjoy learning in the classroom setting, while others prefer learning online. Hybrid learning, one of the most enduring eLearning trends of 2024, combines online learning and face-to-face classroom training and offers a better experience. In short, it provides the learners with the best of both worlds. 

Hybrid learning provides students with more opportunities to work on their doubts and get clarity on various complex concepts. Wondering how? Students get access to the instructor-led modules in the class as well as online (via Learning Management Systems), enabling them to go through the same topic and resources repetitively, enhancing the overall learning experience of students.

For the teachers, this technique enables them to understand the strengths, weaknesses, and level of understanding of each learner. As a result, the instructors are better positioned to implement necessary changes in their teaching techniques to ensure better outcomes.

Final Words

The eLearning industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Therefore, staying well aware of the latest trends in this sector is the need of the hour.

By now, you must have a good idea of the top eLearning trends for 2024. Mobile learning, microlearning, hybrid learning, the use of AR and VR, and the adoption of AI are among the notable trends in the eLearning industry. 

It is time to leverage these trends and remain ahead of the curve. It will allow you to thrive in the sector and reap the best benefits. 

About The Author: Harikrishna Kundariya

Harikrishna Kundariya is the Co-founder, Director, & Marketer of eSparkBiz Technologies – an excellent Software Development Company. He is also a notable IoT, ChatBot & Blockchain-savvy Developer. His 12+ years of profound experience enables him to create Digital Innovations for Startups & large Enterprises.