Designing Digitally
12/31/2018
With the distinct advantages of eLearning already becoming increasingly apparent within the workplace – particularly over the past decade – it’s perhaps little wonder that more and more companies are now adopting corporate eLearning.
Here is a snapshot of how eLearning has evolved in the past decades.
When home computers were on a rise in the early 90’s, the concept of virtual training came up. Learners realized the benefits of the online environment and embraced it. During this time period, eLearning designers started creating online learning content. Online courses reduced training costs and made learning easily accessible.
At the turn of the millennium, there was a technology boom. People started talking about concepts like Learning Management Systems (LMS), Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM), educational games, rapid development, and so on.
The first cloud-based LMS was introduced in 2008. After that, there have been continuous efforts to deliver LMS as a SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) offering. SaaS ensures that it is cost effective to rent the solutions instead of buying them. Learning designers find it convenient to develop content on the cloud instead of using desktop tools. The learner can access the online content anytime and anywhere, irrespective of the devices they carry.
Around 2010, rapid eLearning tools became popular in the market due to the ease of development offered by them. Mobile learning became the buzzword. Virtual reality (VR) and Augmented reality (AR) were introduced. Wearable technologies like Facebook’s Oculus, Apple’s AR glasses, and Google Glass, took eLearning training to the next level.
Topics that could be best-taught best taught face-to-face were available online with the help of AR and VR technologies. The classroom could be turned into the shop floor or the factory floor with ease. These technologies are best used for training where the learner needs a risk-free surrounding to practice their skills. Even if they make mistakes there are no real-world damage. The use of AR and VR technologies keep the learners hooked to the online learning experience.
ELearning is here for good. With the boom in technology and connectivity more opportunities for online training are opening up every day. Cloud-based learning is becoming more popular. Corporations will prefer microlearning modules accessible on mobile devices, as opposed to traditional learning. Learning designers realize the benefits of including gamification in their design and development strategy. The future of eLearning is promising. Adapting to this trend and encouraging newer training methods will result in a highly engaged workforce, increased productivity and increased profits.
At Designing Digitally, Inc. our experts work with the latest tools and technologies to build effective eLearning that addresses your learning goals.
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