The future of corporate e-learning holds potential in reshaping the landscape for the learning and development department, says Sameer Nigam

The growing relevance of the digital world has pushed modern corporations to stay ahead of the curve. From learning needs and habits to learning behaviour, Modern corporates are incorporating huge changes at their workplaces. But the onset of the pandemic made it necessary more than ever. Corporations have had to pivot to work-from-home models almost overnight and become more receptive to the uncalled change to brave through the pandemic and its aftereffects. Especially in these uncertain times, it became imperative to invest in up-skilling of the workforce and leveraging technology-aided e-learning solutions to get things done.

As corporates enabled e-learning during this pandemic, employees became more adaptive to learning curves. Learning and development were accessed efficiently, and still, effectively maintained productivity while supporting social and physical distancing. With e-learning, the knowledge gap between conventional employees and modern workers blurred out and witnessed the beginning of a new decade of ample opportunities, the latest technology, and further innovations.

The future of corporate e-learning holds immense potential in reshaping the landscape for the learning and development department. So, what does the new normal corporate learning look like? Here are some e-learning tools that are going to make the future bright.

Video-based learning: Learnings based on video is seen as a more interactive experience in the training process as they are faster and effective in understanding the learning. The increasing use of social media and mobile learning has also captivated the need for video-based learning tools. This builds connections and community that can increase productivity even when working apart.

Micro-learning: The adoption of micro-learning is growing slowly. Organisations are incorporating shorter video formats for learning as more social, mobile, interactive, and user-friendly learning is demanded. The tool makes it easier to create quick, accessible training for employees right when they need it the most and encourage them to apply the learning immediately.

Learning or Mobile-based learning: Unlike conventional training methods, mLearning provides numerous benefits such as flexibility, scheduling, access to more content, etc. Also, it offers an enhanced experience to the learner including chat features, and audio/videos, the option to record information, better assessments, etc. Many organisations are already unleashing their potential as the mobile learning industry is expected to grow 10X in the coming times.

AR and VR-based learning: Building real-world opportunities; AR and VR-based learning are considered as the future of corporate eLearning. With working from home posing difficulties in providing on-the-job training, VR and Augmented Reality (AR) tools are deploying complex environments and cases to the employees to ascertain their real-life reactions and learning's based on it.

Game-based learning: With more and more organisations working towards building an immersive learning experience for their employees, game-based learning tools are assisting them in combining businesses and training in an immersive way. As an alternative to the traditional tool of learning, this tool increases engagement and motivation amongst employees while also throwing real-world problems through game designs.

AI based learning: These futuristic learning tools are a great indicator for employee performance analysis. AI is assisting the modern workforces to identify skills they want to apply at work. AI and learning automation are helping corporates in delivering performance-driven and ROI-inclined solutions and also enabling them to upskill the workforce.

Undoubtedly, the above-discussed sought-after e-learning tools are going to re-invent the whole process of corporate e-learning while also making it relevant for the new-age workforce. Digital learnings are here to stay and the use of e-learning tools and advanced technology will enable corporates to maintain a productive and healthy workforce. Going forward, corporate learning will be more about bringing learning to the learners than learners to the learning.

The writer is CEO & Co-founder, Stratbeans