E-learning growth ‘set to rise to £35 billion by 2023
The market for e-learning just keeps growing and growing, according to various research and sales figure surveys especially since a pandemic was declared in 2020. A survey by Ambient Insight Research has showed that the worldwide market for e-learning products was $32.1 billion (£20.5 billion) in 2010 and is expected to rise to $49.9 billion by 2015. We can assume that this figure has been exceeded if indeed people are paying for the courses.
Products and methods of online learning that were deemed the most successful in sales rates included “how to” videos, step-by-step interactive guides and course notes which have multi-media inserts and annotations which directed learners to other resources. Writer for Gadget magazine, Andre Joubert of MWEB Business said that he thinks the availability of media-rich, interactive e-learning content on the internet – and the advent of uncapped, business-strength broadband connectivity is changing the face of e-learning. He based his analysis on South Africa, but his principles apply worldwide as global sales figures show. We noted from our research that Mr Joubert said: “E-learning has long been recognised as offering considerable advantages over conventional classroom-based training when it comes to training employees and management quickly, efficiently and conveniently. So what about the Virtual Classroom? We saw 2012/13 as being the breakthrough year for virtual classrooms, as organisations move on from webinars (which are increasingly commonplace) to more interactive environments offered by virtual classrooms. Training through online learning is now widely available on the internet and can be beneficial to anything from flower arranging, PowerPoint presentations through to health and safety. Soft skills is now becoming the new hard skills and offering mobile training and advice through e-learning are valuable to many people and a range of businesses globally.
Citing many benefits of the virtual classroom, such as convenience, relevance, immediacy, affordability and ease of use there is a lot to be said for instructor led training. According to research by Key Note, instructor-led training represents the largest sector of the market, although e-learning teaching – which includes blended learning – showed the highest growth over the review period between 2005 and 2009.
Mobile Learning forging forward. A 2009 research report summarised that they thought mobile learning could be a “maybe just maybe”, In 2010 a definite trend was being recorded and in 2011 they saw mobile learning as a major driver for the growth of the e-learning market. The driver is not one of simple learning enhancement and support but driven by a requirement for portability and availability made possible by smart phones and tablet devices, the learning “additionality”. The PC might still remain key to many learners for some years to come but I believe that the call for mobility, flexibility and the trends to workforce mobility will win the day. We are particularly taken with the concept of second screen learning, in that learners will use mobile devices i-pads, smart phones etc… in conjunction with other forms media such as skype, bluetooth and appliances imbedded in a variety of devices such as the TV, car or even on your fridge. I do not see mobile learning as a straight replacement to existing genres, and accordingly I do not advise organisations to rush headlong into mobile learning solutions because they can be an expensive option if not properly planned out.
So are remote workers becoming over whelmed and fatigued with online work
Research commissioned by LinkedIn, in partnership with the Mental Health Foundation in 2020 found that three quarters feel it has the potential to negatively impact employees’ mental health by causing burnout and anxiety.
LinkedIn also surveyed office workers and found 86 per cent say they feel the need to prove to bosses they are working hard and deserve to keep their jobs.
On average, those working from home are racking up an extra 28 hours of monthly overtime since lockdown began. It equates to nearly four days’ work.
HR professionals fear they will lose staff who may be forced to take time out of work due to this burnout, as well as increased anxiety and loneliness. Fifty six per cent fear lower team morale.
Chris O’Sullivan from the Mental Health Foundation, said: People working from home during these unprecedented times are at a greater risk of burnout due to the high stakes environment we find ourselves in both globally and personally.”
Tip:
Whilst mobile working and learning is exploding around the world, we think there is a growing market for the blended learning workbook which could add to helping them focus and relax outside of what is becoming a gruelling regime.
10 Reasons to study by Workbooks:
1. Workbooks help you independently study.
2. They spark some interesting discussions.
3. Workbooks make it easier to make notes and references.
4. Workbooks can help with critical thinking skills.
5. Workbooks help fill in educational gaps.
6. Workbooks have inclusive materials to aid blended learning.
7. Workbooks make revising or referencing easier.
8. Workbooks make it easier to resource recently read information.
9. Workbooks are transportable and study can be achieved in bit sizes