The internet is the hub for all of the latest trends in all industries. Companies have proven to be increasingly comfortable and confident in their utilization of new technology for their employee training needs (on-site and eLearning). To this end, new types of available learning techniques are evolving as are innovative support tools such as: mobile learning, micro learning, on-the-job training, etc. Click here to learn more about online training program options!

Mobile learning is being hailed at the next big thing in e-learning. Its basis is after one undergoes traditional remote training, the trainees can then continue their training in at anywhere and at anytime to either round out their skills or put them to the test using any digital platform. Studies prove that 70% of e-learning tool users access such training tool content via their smart phones.

Micro learning is made up of training modules that last only up to five minutes through the use of sound, imagery, as well as written content and video content. This type of learning also works with mobile devices and is perfect for those short on time to commit to training. This e-learning trend offers training content geared to a specific objective with immediate benefits to the user.

On-the-job training allows the trainees to learn from their work station. As a result, the employees no longer have to leave their work station in order to be trained. The trainees can then, with the consent and support of their employer, mesh their day-to-day functions with their training program. This can lead to immediate integration of new techniques into their work day, the opportunity of gaining certificates and diplomas and even strengthen one’s professional network.

Social learning taps into trainees desire to share their experiences and know-how through new technologies via a company’s social network, for example. In addition, the trainee can collate, structure and share the knowledge that exists within a given company. It is more efficient and less costly to leverage internal skills and knowledge. Social learning can serve to nicely complement existing training program modules.

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are online training programs that are made available to anyone who is based on the transmission of knowledge and interactive learning. Another common term now used is COOCs (Corporate Open Online Courses) which are simply a business version of MOOCs. Companies create tailored content according to their own needs for online training which encourages an exchange of information between the trainer and trainees.

Augmented learning as a type of e-learning based on augmented reality. In this case, trainees follow their training program within a virtual reality context (3D) which is the use of computer-generated images and objects generated in a real environment. Trainees interact with these objects in order to gain new skills or learn new concepts. This is an option that suits many segments of the market. Augmented reality users are poised to rise from the 60 million mark worldwide of 2013 to over 200 million in 2018.

There is no denying the meteoric rise in popularity of eLearning given all the developing technologies on the horizon. New digital tools open up a whole world of possibilities catered to training employees to help them reach new heights in productivity. The personalization and collaborative nature of these training program options will serve to make these tools indispensable in the eyes of their users and companies alike.

Caroline Irrmann, web editor