The rapid rise of digital
In 2017 our survey found that while digital learning was on the rise, organisations continued to place importance on face-to-face learning programmes, with 92% delivering L&D strategy in the classroom compared with 86% via digital avenues.
Twelve months on, it was clear that various aspects of digital content were the rising stars with interactive video and mobile apps having significantly increased in favour year-on-year by 14% and 12% respectively.
Not only that but the use of online learning experience platforms had doubled in popularity from 2017 to 2018, while custom made and learner-generated video content was on the rise.
Personal development is key
Over recent years, there have been a number of key changes in responses year-on-year. However, one thing that has remained at the forefront of our findings is personal development with soft skills and leadership is consistently hailed as prize assets within the workplace.
Our 2017 Learning Index saw a huge jump in the number of organisations who were happy to deliver soft skills via e-learning compared with previous years. These skills, such as leadership, communication and customer service, remained the key focus of L&D programmes in 2018.
Video content is vital
In 2017, video was the clear front-runner when it came to which tools were being used by L&D professionals, overtaking e-learning for the first time. This trend continued in 2018 with respondents sighting cost, accessibility and greater outreach as the key advantages of video.
The type of video content being used also provided a fundamental indication of how digital learning is set to progress, with the use of bespoke, custom-made video increasing from 19% to 24% year-on-year.
What is next? Our 2019 Learning Index is set to provide yet another snapshot of the online and video learning landscape. You can help us deliver that insight – and be in with the chance of winning a £100 John Lewis voucher – by completing this year’s survey here.
