Exploring Current eLearning Trends for New Online Degree Programs
Scenario:
You have been appointed the senior instructional designer for your institution. Your institution is going to create
a series of new degrees that will be delivered online, and you have been asked to present your ideas about
current eLearning trends to your superiors.
Instructions:
Write a 3- to 4-page explanatory essay in APA format addressing the items below. Separate title and reference
pages should be included. A minimum of three scholarly references should be used to support your work.
1. Discuss the growth in eLearning and why you feel it is popular.
2. Pick one current trend or issue you think will be critical for the institution to consider as they develop their
new eLearning initiative. Explain why this trend or issue is important and how the institution should address it.
3. What technology would you use to develop content for the course? Describe what type of content you would
develop and how the technology you chose would support it. How do the technology and content support current
eLearning theories and best practices for eLearning?
Exploring Current eLearning Trends for New Online Degree Programs
Introduction
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, eLearning has emerged as a prominent force, transforming the way we deliver and consume knowledge. As the senior instructional designer of our institution embarking on the creation of new online degree programs, it is crucial to understand the growth of eLearning, identify critical trends, and leverage technology to develop engaging and effective course content. This essay will delve into the growth of eLearning, discuss a critical trend for consideration, and propose technology solutions that align with eLearning theories and best practices.
Growth of eLearning and Its Popularity
The growth of eLearning can be attributed to various factors that have contributed to its popularity. Advancements in technology, increased internet accessibility, and the demand for flexible learning options have fueled the expansion of eLearning. The popularity of eLearning stems from its:
Flexibility: Learners can access educational content at their convenience, enabling self-paced learning and catering to diverse schedules.
Cost-Effectiveness: eLearning eliminates the need for physical classrooms and printed materials, reducing costs for both institutions and learners.
Scalability: Online courses have a global reach, allowing institutions to accommodate a larger student base without geographical constraints.
Engagement: Interactive multimedia elements, gamification, and social learning features enhance learner engagement and retention.
Critical Trend: Microlearning
One current trend that is critical for our institution to consider in developing new eLearning initiatives is microlearning. Microlearning involves delivering content in bite-sized, focused chunks that are easy to consume and retain. This trend is important as it addresses the modern learners' preferences for short bursts of information and aligns with their limited attention spans and on-the-go lifestyles. To incorporate microlearning effectively, the institution should:
Segment Content: Break down course materials into small modules or lessons that focus on specific learning objectives.
Utilize Multimedia: Incorporate videos, infographics, quizzes, and interactive elements to enhance engagement and reinforce key concepts.
Promote Application: Include scenarios, case studies, and real-world examples to encourage practical application of knowledge.
Technology for Developing Course Content
To develop course content that supports microlearning and aligns with eLearning theories and best practices, I recommend utilizing a learning experience platform (LXP) such as EdApp. EdApp offers a user-friendly interface for creating interactive microlearning modules that can be accessed on various devices.
Content Type: Bite-sized lessons with interactive elements, gamified quizzes, and immediate feedback loops to enhance retention and engagement.
Technology Support: EdApp's platform allows for easy content creation, personalized learning paths, and analytics tracking to monitor learner progress. This technology aligns with cognitive load theory by presenting information in digestible chunks and promoting active learning.
Best Practices: The use of spaced repetition techniques, gamification elements, and personalized feedback in EdApp supports learner engagement, knowledge retention, and application of skills, in line with best practices for eLearning design.
In conclusion, incorporating trends like microlearning and leveraging technology solutions such as EdApp can elevate the quality of our online degree programs by offering engaging, personalized, and effective learning experiences for our students. By embracing these strategies, our institution can stay at the forefront of eLearning innovation and meet the evolving needs of today's learners.