Future of Online Training: Innovations and Trends

Article by Vinit Sharma / Updated at .22 Apr 2024
10 min read
Future of Online Training: Innovations and Trends

Online training is vital for individuals and organizations to stay updated. Nowadays, people want online training that is personalized, flexible, and engaging.  As technology advances, online training will have more innovative and exciting possibilities.

To give the best learning experiences, it's important to keep up with the latest trends.

This article discusses online training innovations and trends to watch out for. Some of the innovative online training practices are:

  • Virtual and augmented reality
  • Short games,
  • Social learning
  • AI/ML.

If learners and businesses know these new things, they can stay competitive. Then, they can reach their learning goals easier.

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Training

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) training are new ways to learn. They both make you feel like you're there, but they work in different ways to teach you things.

Students in virtual reality

To showcase the advantages of using VR and AR training, a well-crafted pitch deck can be helpful. VR training creates a simulated environment that learners can explore and interact with. It is also a valuable tool for training individuals in dangerous locations. For instance, it can train pilots or to simulate medical emergencies.

AR training is a method that superimposes digital information in the real world. This method can help learners to comprehend and execute tasks. It is an effective tool for training individuals who need to hire knowledge. For example, it can assist individuals in repairing machines or assembling items.

The benefits of VR and AR training are many.

These technologies can make learning fun and interactive. They motivate learners and help them to remember & apply what they have learned. VR and AR training can also provide learners with a safe environment to practice. 

Examples of companies and industries already using VR and AR training:

Several industries are already using VR and AR training to significant effect. For example, Walmart teaches workers with pretend VR store training. Medical students can practice surgery with VR and AR without hurting actual patients.

Ford uses VR training to teach employees how to work with the company's latest car models. Ford created a VR simulation that mimics the assembly line environment. This lets employees learn how to fit car parts without any risks. With VR, Ford provides a safe place for employees to practice and get better at their jobs.

The military has been using VR and AR technology to train soldiers for combat. VR can simulate complex situations and give soldiers an immersive experience. It helps them get ready for real battles. Also, AR can provide helpful information to soldiers in real time. Using these, soldiers can improve their skills and prepare for dangerous situations.

VR and AR technology become cheaper. This allows more industries and schools to start using them for training.

Gamification and Microlearning

Gamification and microlearning are two new exciting ways of online training. These become very popular in recent years.

Gamification refers to the use of game-like elements in non-game contexts to motivate. This also helps to engage learners.

Rewards like badges, leaderboards, and points can motivate learners to meet learning goals. Microlearning means giving short and interesting learning content. Gamification and microlearning are two new exciting ways of online training that have gained popularity in recent years, fostering workplace recognition and engaging learners through the use of game-like elements and short, interesting learning content.

Virual reality classroom

The benefits of gamification and microlearning are many. Here are some of the key advantages of gamification and microlearning:

Benefits of Gamification:

  • Increased Engagement: Gamification is a way to make learning more fun and engaging. It incorporates elements like points, badges, and leaderboards. These features motivate learners to stay engaged with the course.
  • Better Retention: Gamification makes information more memorable and interactive. Gamification gives learners real-life experience by integrating simulations, challenges, and scenarios.
  • Personalization: Gamification allows learners to customize their learning experience. Learners can customize their learning based on their preferences, interests, and skill levels. This personalization increases their sense of ownership and investment in the learning process.
  • Immediate Feedback: Gamification provides learners  immediate feedback on their progress and performance. Once they understand their weaknesses, they can adjust their learning strategies.
  • Collaboration: Gamification promotes cooperation and social learning. This is by allowing learners to compete or work together in teams. This collaborative environment fosters communication, teamwork, and peer support.

Benefits of Microlearning:

  • FlexibilityMicrolearning offers flexibility by breaking down complex topics into small modules. Now those modules can access at any time and from anywhere. This flexibility allows learners to fit learning into their busy schedules.
  • Improved Retention: Microlearning helps learners to keep information better. This is by focusing on one topic at a time, through repetition and practice.
  • Higher Engagement: Microlearning is more engaging than traditional classroom learning. This is because it is interactive and accessible through various devices. Smartphones, tablets, or laptops are some examples.
  • Cost-Effectiveness:  Microlearning saves time and money compared to traditional classroom training. It is an effective way to train employees. This approach is especially beneficial for organizations with a large and dispersed workforce.
  • Continuous Learning: Microlearning encourages continuous learning. This is by providing new skills and information to learners. Continuous learning promotes lifelong learning. It helps organizations stay competitive in a changing business environment.

Examples:

  • Duolingo:  Duolingo is a fun way to learn a language. They use games to keep you motivated. They also reward you with points, badges, and streaks when you finish lessons.
  • IBM:  IBM has a program that helps its employees learn new things. They do this by offering short and focused training on many engaging topics.
  • Deloitte: Deloitte created a fun training program for new employees. This program uses game-like elements. The program allows new employees to explore the company and their departments. It's like a scavenger hunt!

When companies use short lessons in their training, employees tend to be more engaged. This can help them learn better, remember more, and become more skilled.

Social Learning Platforms

Social learning platforms are online tools that help collaborative learning. These platforms allow learners to share knowledge with peers as well.

Social learning platforms allow learners to connect with each other. Also, they allow sharing ideas and giving feedback. Online training programs are becoming popular due to the use of mobile learning technology.

Virtual reality experience and activities during lessons

Benefits of Social Learning Platforms

Social learning platforms have the ability to promote collaborative learning.

Social Learning Platforms let learners collaborate on projects, share ideas and promote teamwork. This helps them understand complex topics better and remember more information.

Another benefit of social learning platforms is their ability to increase engagement.

Learning is more interesting and fun when learners can share their knowledge. This helps learners get more involved in learning and feel motivated to take part in the program.

Organizations can use social learning platforms to improve their online training programs. Edmodo is a popular social learning platform. It connects students with teachers and other students worldwide. Edmodo provides a safe and secure online environment for learners. It allows learners to connect, share content, and engage in discussions.

Yammer is also a popular social learning platform designed for corporate training.

Yammer lets learners collaborate in real time. Learners can share information and knowledge and access personalized learning material. It can use alongside popular business tools such as Microsoft Office 365. This makes it easy for organizations to integrate it into their daily work.

Another example is LinkedIn learning. LinkedIn Learning is a famous online learning platform. It offers many courses and resources to learners. With this platform, learners can connect with experts and peers. They can also join groups and share their knowledge and experiences. In the realm of online training innovations, the landscape of medical education is also evolving. Notably, the availability of online Medical Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degrees has transformed the way aspiring healthcare professionals learn. These programs leverage virtual reality, gamification, microlearning, and artificial intelligence to provide personalized and engaging medical education. The integration of MBBS degrees into online platforms is contributing to a more accessible and effective future for healthcare training.

Social learning platforms can be helpful for online training. The reason is that they promote teamwork and make learning more interesting. They also provide personalized learning materials. These learning materials can be educational videos, infographics, or any other form. Social learning platforms can help organizations make their training programs more engaging.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

AI and ML are important for online learning. They can help personalize the learning experience for each student.  They analyze data and find patterns that can make learning easier and more effective.

AI and ML programs can analyze information about a learner's progress. These programs analyze what they like to learn and how involved they are in their education. This helps them give advice to both the student and the teacher.

How do AI & ML personalize the learning experience?

AI and ML can personalize the learning experience through adaptive learning. The learning content tailors to each learner's knowledge, needs, and learning style.

Algorithms track the progress, interests, and goals of learners. Based on that information, it creates learning plans that are unique to each person.

Robots in virtual reality

AI and ML can give instant real-time feedback to learners and coaches.

AI and ML can analyze a learner's performance and behavior. Based on that, it provides instant feedback and suggestions to both the learner and coach.

Additionally, chatbots can help learners get answers to their questions. Coaches can use data analytics tools to gain insights into how their learners are doing.

Examples of companies already using AI and ML in their training programs:

Several companies are already using AI and ML in their online training programs. For example,

IBM Watson Education uses AI to personalize the learning experience for each learner.  The system looks at the learner's progress, how they learn, and what they're interested in. It then uses this information to suggest personalized learning paths and recommendations.

Coursera uses a technology called machine learning. Machine learning analyzes how learners are doing and gives them feedback right away. This helps both learners and instructors see how well the learners are doing. Duolingo also uses a technology called AI and machine learning. They use this technology to personalize language learning for learners. It looks at how well the learner is doing and adjusts the content to fit their level and style of learning.

Conclusion:

The article discussed how the online training industry is changing with new innovations.

Online training now offers various new methods. Online training now offers various new methods. Some of the examples are:

  • Quick lessons
  • Personalized learning
  • Games
  • Virtual and augmented reality
  • Social learning
  • And artificial intelligence.

These ways are changing how people learn and how trainers create courses.

To stay relevant, it's crucial to keep up with the latest trends and technologies. Trainers must adapt to learners' changing needs with new tools and trends. They should also explore new ways of presenting their content to make it interesting.

This is because it can reach many people to offer an interactive learning experience. For this to continue, there needs to be a constant effort to improve and adapt to change.

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