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What is e-learning?

When you think about e-learning, you might picture something, as we’ve already mentioned, such as a formal online course or a MOOC. But you can use e-learning for continuing education, professional development, and in conjunction with traditional, in-person learning methods. E-learning can include any time you share educational material electronically or digitally, such as pre-recorded videos, articles, discussion forums, and more.

E-learning and distance learning are sometimes interchangeably used since e-learning is a crucial component of distance learning. E-learning strategies allow students to access material remotely from a different location or time than their instructors, but the resources are not exclusive to distance learning.

Benefits of e-learning

E-learning offers a variety of benefits to all learners and the organizations they work for, whether it involves earning a degree, gaining a new certification, or improving workplace and technical skills. These include:

Accessibility: E-learning allows employees and administrators to learn new skills from anywhere, as long as they have an internet connection.

Flexibility: Learners can complete many e-learning opportunities at their own pace, allowing staff to fit learning into their lives with the time available.

Lower cost: E-learning programs can be less expensive than their on-campus counterparts. Plus, learners save money on commuting costs.

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As technology continues to change and adapt, so do e-learning strategies. A few e-learning trends to be aware of include the use of artificial intelligence for chatbots, as well as adaptive learning, microlearning, gamification, and mobile learning.

1. Artificial intelligence

One example of how you can use chatbots for e-learning is the language learning app Duolingo, which uses chatbots to provide students with natural conversation practice in the language they are learning. Chatbots are also used to provide training programs that feel more like a natural conversation than a lecture.

2. Microlearning

Microlearning—learning larger concepts in small, digestible sections—is an increasingly relevant aspect of e-learning. With challenges in finding and retaining qualified employees, companies increasingly use microlearning to provide on-the-job training. Microlearning in the workplace can include infographics, interactive ebooks, whiteboard animation, podcasts, articles, videos, short games, quizzes, or other interactive media to help engage learners in novel ways.

3. Gamification

4. Adaptive learning

Adaptive learning is a trend emerging from artificial intelligence, where AI adapts the material to the learner’s progress and needs as a learner progresses through the material. Adaptive learning analyzes where learners are competent and need more work, presenting materials personalized to their learning needs. This is a more efficient learning method because staff members spend time on the concepts they need to study instead of losing time to concepts they do not need to review. Using adaptive learning, large enterprises can offer personalized learning experiences to a large workforce with different learning styles and areas of competency.

5. Mobile learning

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Article sources

1.McKinsey. “Demand for online education is growing. Are providers ready?” Accessed November 21, 2023.2.Class Central. “Massive List of MOOC Platforms Around the World in 2023.” Accessed November 21, 2023.3.Global Market Insights, “E-learning Market Trends 2023 - 2032.” Accessed November 21, 2023.4.GSMA Intelligence. “State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2022 Report.” Accessed November 21, 2023.View all sources

1.McKinsey. “Demand for online education is growing. Are providers ready?” Accessed November 21, 2023.2.Class Central. “Massive List of MOOC Platforms Around the World in 2023.” Accessed November 21, 2023.3.Global Market Insights, “E-learning Market Trends 2023 - 2032.” Accessed November 21, 2023.4.GSMA Intelligence. “State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2022 Report.” Accessed November 21, 2023.

1.McKinsey. “Demand for online education is growing. Are providers ready?” Accessed November 21, 2023.

McKinsey. “Demand for online education is growing. Are providers ready?” Accessed November 21, 2023.

2.Class Central. “Massive List of MOOC Platforms Around the World in 2023.” Accessed November 21, 2023.3.Global Market Insights, “E-learning Market Trends 2023 - 2032.” Accessed November 21, 2023.4.GSMA Intelligence. “State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2022 Report.” Accessed November 21, 2023.

2.Class Central. “Massive List of MOOC Platforms Around the World in 2023.” Accessed November 21, 2023.

Class Central. “Massive List of MOOC Platforms Around the World in 2023.” Accessed November 21, 2023.

3.Global Market Insights, “E-learning Market Trends 2023 - 2032.” Accessed November 21, 2023.

Global Market Insights, “E-learning Market Trends 2023 - 2032.” Accessed November 21, 2023.

4.GSMA Intelligence. “State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2022 Report.” Accessed November 21, 2023.

GSMA Intelligence. “State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2022 Report.” Accessed November 21, 2023.

This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.