What emerging learning format will most influence L&D in 2024?
Throughout 2023, Intuition launched a series of polls to our online audience. We asked various questions on different topics such as learning strategy and learning preferences. One specific area we looked at was ‘the year ahead’. We wanted to gain an understanding of our audience’s opinion on what they expect in business in 2024. In the below poll, we asked the question: What emerging learning format will most influence L&D in 2024?
Emerging learning formats: The drive of technology
In professional development, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for individuals and organizations alike. As technology continues to advance, new learning formats are emerging to enhance the way professionals acquire knowledge and skills.
Emerging learning format: Virtual reality/augmented reality (VR/AR)
Virtual reality and augmented reality technologies have been steadily gaining traction in various industries, and their potential impact on professional development is significant.
Some 13% of respondents believed that VR/AR would be the leading learning format in 2024. VR/AR offers immersive experiences that enable professionals to simulate real-world scenarios and enhance their learning through interactive and engaging environments.
Benefits of VR/AR in Professional Development
- Realistic simulations: VR/AR allows professionals to practice skills in realistic virtual environments, such as medical procedures, engineering simulations, or customer service scenarios.
- Remote collaboration: VR/AR technologies can facilitate remote collaboration and provide opportunities for professionals to work together in virtual spaces, regardless of their physical locations.
- Safe experimentation: VR/AR enables professionals to experiment and make mistakes in a risk-free environment, facilitating learning and skill development.
- Enhanced engagement: Immersive experiences captivate learners’ attention and increase engagement, leading to more effective learning outcomes.
Emerging learning format: Gamification
Gamification, the application of game elements and mechanics in non-game contexts, is another emerging learning format that garnered significant attention in the poll, with 32% of respondents endorsing its potential in professional development. By integrating game-like elements, such as points, badges, leaderboards, and challenges, gamification makes learning more enjoyable, engaging, and motivating.
Advantages of gamification in professional development
- Increased motivation: Gamification taps into individuals’ intrinsic motivation and competitive spirit, driving them to actively participate and excel in learning activities.
- Skill reinforcement: Through gamification, professionals can reinforce newly acquired knowledge and skills by applying them in simulated scenarios or solving challenges.
- Social interaction: Gamified learning often encourages social interaction and collaboration among professionals, fostering a sense of community and peer learning.
- Immediate feedback: Gamified learning platforms provide instant feedback, allowing professionals to track their progress and identify areas for improvement in real time.
Emerging learning format: Micro-learning
Micro-learning, characterized by short, bite-sized learning modules, is gaining popularity as professionals seek convenient and time-efficient ways to acquire new skills.
The majority (48%) of respondents believed that micro-learning would have a significant impact on professional development in 2024.
Key features of micro-learning
- Concise and focused: Micro-learning delivers information in short bursts, usually ranging from a few minutes to 15 minutes, focusing on specific learning objectives.
- Flexibility and accessibility: Professionals can access micro-learning modules anytime, anywhere, using various devices, making it ideal for just-in-time learning.
- Personalized learning paths: Micro-learning platforms often offer personalized learning paths based on professionals’ interests, needs, and skill levels, ensuring relevant and targeted content delivery.
- Continuous learning: Professionals can engage in micro-learning regularly, allowing for continuous skill development and knowledge retention over time.
Summary
- As we look ahead to 2024, emerging learning formats are poised to shape the future of professional development.
- By embracing these emerging formats, professionals can stay competitive and adapt to the evolving demands of their industries.
- Harnessing the power of technology and innovative learning approaches will evolve the way professionals acquire and apply knowledge in the years to come.
