E-Learning in 2024

Since the beginning of the current millennium, the e-learning industry has grown dramatically. We have seen major changes in the way we teach and learn, with new initiatives and technologies emerging practically every day.

In fact, e-learning has taken on a central role since the pandemic brought educators and students online, although the concept has been around for several decades. Although we have seen small returns to “normality”, technology continues to play a fundamental role in the education landscape.

What's next for e-learning? 2024 will be an important year in educational technology, with the industry expected to reach $74.80 billion in value in the US by 2024.

Let's take a look at what we can expect.

6 Trends in E-Learning for 2024

There are always new trends in teaching and learning, so it's no surprise that there's a lot to anticipate in e-learning in 2024. These are just some of the exciting ideas we can predict for this year.

1. AI is central

Artificial intelligence (AI) is affecting every sector and almost every profession, so it naturally plays a fundamental role in education. In fact, global AI in the education market

AI technologies are already essential for e-learning. They can be used to immediately score tests and offer individualized feedback. They can guide learning plans according to a student's level of mastery of specific concepts, allowing students to advance at their own pace. They can give educators an overview of students' progress, allowing them to design learning plans unique to students' abilities.

Take Duolingo, for example. This language learning platform tailors lessons around individuals’ strengths and weaknesses, helping them progress at their own pace – all thanks to AI.

And we cannot ignore the impact of ChatGPT. While there are fears that the powerful tool will be used irresponsibly, according to the American Psychological Association (APA), when combined with human instruction, it can encourage critical thinking and prepare students for the “real world.”

2. Gamification is on the rise

Gamification makes learning fun! For years, this teaching style has engaged students of all ages. In 2024, we will see this style of education take off, reaching new heights.

Gamification can be simple, using just pen and paper, but it becomes even more fascinating with technology. Today, there are several applications and platforms that involve games in the learning process. Duolingo, the example above, awards points and trophies for achievements in the app.

AI, of course, plays an important role in gamified learning approaches, but there are also many examples of educational platforms that gamify learning without it.

Consider examples like Google Read Along, which helps younger readers learn to read, and Brainscapes, which uses a flashcard approach that adapts to the student's abilities.

3. Personalizing Big Data Augments

Personalization and individualization are key when it comes to the learning environment. It has become obvious that educational approaches are not one size fits all. But many educators are tasked with teaching students a huge variety of learning styles and skills, so it is extremely difficult to meet the needs of each of them.

This is where big data comes into play. By leveraging learning analytics gleaned from information about individual learners and their styles, educators can assess how people interact with e-learning platforms, the pace at which they absorb information, and more.

From there, companies and individual educators can craft personalized learning plans that meet students' needs based on how they behave and their unique habits in the educational setting.

4. MOOCs help a variety of learners

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) started as a small project more than a decade ago. Now, it's hard to imagine the world without them. By engaging people in a wide variety of topics – from cryptocurrency to coding to journalism – people can learn virtually anything for a fraction of the cost of a college course, let alone a degree.

Coursera, Udemy, edX and Udacity are just a few examples of the many MOOC platforms that exist today and engage learners of all ages. Some courses are free, while others are relatively low cost. Sometimes they even lead to real credentials.

Although the popularity of these courses and platforms waned somewhat in the mid-2010s, the pandemic has seen a resurgence in MOOCs – something that will continue to increase in the coming year.

5. Video-based learning is augmenting or replacing in-person education

Compared to the super-modern, high-tech initiatives and advancements described above, video learning may seem like small potatoes. But simplicity is sometimes — often — the best approach, especially when it comes to education.

Videos have long been used as a teaching method. Now, we have even more teaching platforms, like YouTube, which offer free classes. During the pandemic, this has become an excellent resource for asynchronous teaching, especially as people need access from all corners of the world.

Many educators are using digital videos to enhance their in-person or synchronous online teaching as another resource that students can also access on an ongoing basis.

6. Immersive learning will dominate the scene

In the not-too-distant past, students had to “experience” events and circumstances by reading about them in textbooks. That is no longer the case. Today, technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) provide a means of immersing students in new worlds. This is a much more practical means of educating people, allowing them to truly understand by interacting, not just observing.

Now, mixed reality is entering the e-learning landscape and we will see it become much more prevalent in the coming year. This blend of real and digital worlds allows students to experience elements of both, completely immersing the student in an AR scenario.

Individuals can interact with elements of a manufactured world, allowing them, for example, to train for combat or perform a complex medical procedure in a low-risk context. Or students can get a taste of history, walk among dinosaurs or witness events from 100 years ago.

e-Learning: the time is now

Together and separately, these technologies and innovations have enormous potential to radically improve and transform the educational landscape and equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. 2024 is the year that will truly bring e-learning to the forefront of the world of teaching and learning.