“Education is a basic human right.
You need to learn in order to survive: you had to learn to walk, to call your parents, to multiply numbers, to brush your teeth, speak a language, use your phone, do your job, and thousands and thousands of other things.
Learning is democratic by definition. It cannot be owned, it cannot be stopped, and it belongs to us all.
We do believe that also learning technology and access to it should be as democratic as possible. It’s in our common DNA, your DNA”.

The Exact Learning Solutions Team

In the rapidly evolving landscape of education, the  digital Learning industry stands as a beacon of transformation, offering unprecedented opportunities for learning beyond traditional boundaries. With the global eLearning market poised for exponential growth, it’s imperative to recognize that the democratization of educational software is not merely an option but an urgent necessity. Failure to embrace this democratization risks leaving vast segments of younger companies or startups stranded on the shores of inadequate resources, while only a privileged few navigate the seas of quality education. Let’s delve into why democratizing access to eLearning software is pivotal in ensuring equitable educational opportunities for all.

The Global Growth of Digital Learning in 2024 (and its price)

Data Snapshot: According to recent projections by leading market research firms, the global eLearning market is on a trajectory of remarkable expansion. By 2024, it is estimated to reach a staggering 219+ billion USD. Such growth isn’t confined to a particular region; rather, it’s a global phenomenon, reshaping the dynamics of education across continents. As this tide of eLearning swells, it brings with it both promise and peril. Without inclusive access to the tools and platforms that underpin this digital revolution, the promise of quality education risks becoming an exclusive privilege rather than a universal right.

Of course this massive growth is not all roses, as we are also facing some less exciting consequences that come with this fast-growing learning industry, stemming from technological constraints/ dangers, socioeconomic disparities, pedagogical considerations and, not least, the drastic decrease in attention spans and the need for an higher level of technological literacy.

Let’s try to analyze some of the greatest challenges we can pinpoint right now:

Quality of content:

Ensuring the quality of content and instruction poses a significant challenge in 2024, particularly amidst the transition from traditional to digital learning materials. Crafting engaging, pedagogically robust eLearning resources that align with educational objectives requires meticulous curation and instructional design expertise. Additionally, maintaining the relevance and currency of content in swiftly evolving industries remains an ongoing struggle for eLearning providers.

Digital literacy and the skills gap:

Participation in eLearning necessitates not only access to technology but also proficiency in digital skills. A substantial number of learners, including both students and educators, lack the necessary skills to navigate digital platforms, utilize online resources effectively, and critically assess information. Bridging this digital skills gap is imperative in 2024, demanding a global effort to enhance digital literacy across all age groups.

Access to technology and connectivity:

In many regions worldwide, particularly in rural and economically disadvantaged areas, reliable Internet connectivity and access to suitable devices remain elusive. This digital divide perpetuates inequalities in educational opportunities, impeding the equitable dissemination of quality learning experiences.

Student involvement and motivation:

Sustaining student engagement and motivation within the online learning environment remains a persistent challenge for educators and eLearning platforms alike. In 2024, devising strategies to combat distractions, foster community, and encourage active participation necessitates innovative teaching methods and interactive learning experiences. Moreover, addressing diverse learning preferences and individual needs continues to be a complex endeavor within the eLearning domain.

Privacy and data security:

The surge in digital platform usage for eLearning in 2024 brings forth heightened concerns regarding learner data privacy and cybersecurity. Educational institutions and eLearning providers must adhere rigorously to data protection regulations and implement robust security measures to safeguard sensitive information from unauthorized access, breaches, and cyber threats.

How to Counter the Challenges of Digital Learning in 2024

As simple actors of the eLearning industry, and business in general, there are many issues regarding income disparity or access to education that are out of our reach and are competence of governments and institutional systems.

Regardless, we can still do our best to offer better price points, simplifying software interface for better accessibility etc. But where we can have a true major impact is on the nature of services and the content: apparently there’s still a huge mismatch between what the learners want and what they get.

A recent study titled “The State of Online Corporate Training in 2024: Key Insights for Businesses and Organizations” highlights this significant disparity between the offerings of Learning and Development (L&D) professionals and the preferences of employees. Bridging this gap necessitates a shift in training approaches towards methods that better engage and empower learners.

Let’s examine the training formats that are not resonating with learners and explore alternatives for achieving better outcomes.

Common corporate training programs typically include:

Online courses

Virtual sessions

Training videos

Quizzes

Screen recordings

However, these formats are not favored by learners. For instance, while 77% of training programs consist of online courses, only 47% of learners enjoy them.

While these formats remain essential in eLearning, it’s important to supplement them with other activities to meet the needs of learners effectively.

Training Formats Preferred by Learners in 2024

According to the research, employees now prefer:

Microlearning

Face-to-face training

Role-play simulations

VR and AR activities

Let’s delve into each of these formats and their effectiveness:

Microlearning:

Microlearning breaks down courses into bite-sized chunks, focusing on single learning objectives and taking only 5–7 minutes to complete. It resonates with learners who cite busyness and changing information consumption habits as reasons for preferring shorter formats.

Face-to-Face Training:

Traditional training sessions conducted in person, often incorporating lectures, hands-on activities, and group exercises, remain popular among employees. Companies increasingly adopt a blended learning approach, combining online and in-person sessions for optimal engagement.

Role-Play Simulations:

Role-play simulations offer interactive learning experiences, allowing employees to practice skills through trial and error. They are versatile and applicable across various training scenarios, enhancing engagement and knowledge retention.

VR and AR Activities:

While immersive VR and AR training experiences are highly engaging, they remain limited by cost and complexity. However, for critical skills training, such as pilot training, they offer unparalleled effectiveness.

Consider Other Factors for Effective Training:

In addition to choosing the right formats, addressing challenges such as weak interactivity, monotony, and passive learning is crucial for successful training initiatives. Furthermore, clearly defined training goals and audience identification are essential for maximizing training effectiveness.

By understanding learners’ preferences and addressing these factors, organizations can create more impactful training programs that effectively meet the needs of employees.

Conclusions

The eLearning market is big, and it’s getting bigger. The temptation of growing fast, or to be the first to do new exciting things is strong, but above that we need to focus on the sustainability of the industry. How can we make sure no one is left behind? How can we make sure we are prioritizing people needs above the mere growth? Apart from ideology, there are structural aspects in a growing market that needs to be considered and pondered.

This is not just about what we stand for, it’s about the need to give to everyone the right tools to operate in a fast-growing market, where there’s space for everyone and we can’t afford to leave anyone behind.

Sources:

– Online Education Market Research Report Information By Component (Laptop, Mobile, PC), By Software (Worldclass, Courseplay, Yuja), By Learning Type (Chat, Voice, Video and Live Streaming), And By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, And Rest Of The World) –Market Forecast Till 2032 by Ankit Gupta