Learning Strategies and Design Archives - Instancy Learning Platform and Social Learning Network

Augmented Reality for Training

Harvey Singh — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 12:19:41 +0000

Traditional course materials, such as presentations, videos, or eBooks, rarely meet all training requirements and cannot guarantee learning and knowledge transfer to workplace performance. Corporate trainers must develop new strategies and use the latest technologies to create and deliver employees’ high-quality content and maximize the transfer of learning

Augmented Reality (AR) is an innovative technology that can significantly enhance online training.

Augmented Reality (AR) enhances the view of the physical world or artifacts through digital augmentation that may include visual elements, sound, or other sensory stimuli delivered via technology. It is a growing trend among companies involved in mobile computing and business applications.

As per recent data, by 2024, there will be an estimated 1.7 billion mobile Augmented Reality (AR) users worldwide, a rise of 1.5 billion from the 200 million seen in 2015. In 2022, an estimated 1.1 billion mobile AR users will be there worldwide.

Augmented Reality is readily available on computers, mobile, and apps and is already gaining wide acceptance. Some examples include Snapchat Lenses that use AR technology to augment your selfies and AR apps that help you find your car in a crowded parking lot. Various shopping AR apps even let you try on clothes without leaving home.

Corporate learning and development organizations already use AR extensively. For example, companies such as Walmart and Chipotle use AR to impart employee training that includes a hands-on multi-sensory experience resulting in practical training and better results.

Augmented Reality (AR) allows learners to observe and interact with their natural surroundings in new ways. Learners can control and engage in real space by moving material with their finger, hand, arm, or body, rather than using a computer interface to explore and manipulate data.

Virtual Reality vs. Augmented Reality

Augmented Reality improves user experience using the current real-world environment seen through a mobile device camera. It overlays virtual or digital content to supplement the content displayed on the device screen.

Augmented Reality is intermeshed in the actual environment and does not require additional resources for the user experience.

On the other hand, Virtual Reality (VR) immerses users, allowing them to “inhabit” a unique environment developed and rendered by computers. Users can engage themselves in an animated scene or a snapshot of a real-world site that integrates into a virtual reality program.

Furthermore, the VR experience requires a specialized device that is head mounted. These devices cover the eyes completely and block the view of the natural world or surroundings. Users can look up or down or in any direction using a virtual reality viewer, which provides the perception that they are in the three-dimensional digital world.

Benefits of Using Augmented Reality

Augmented Reality gives training a whole new dimension. It allows users to experiment with and build 3D models and demos and learn about the various components or attributes of the objects. Consider a clickable 3D model of some manufacturing machinery. Learners can acquaint themselves with each equipment of element, learn about its characteristics, and practice specific tasks in a simulated environment. Augmented Reality can be beneficial to online training in many ways

Employee Recruitment

In studies, employee onboarding has been demonstrated to be directly linked to job satisfaction and employee retention. Employees are more likely to depart the company if there is no formal onboarding program. Organizations are looking into using Augmented Reality (AR) in employee onboarding to make the process more alive and engaging for new workers.

For example, Udemy, a renowned online learning platform, has a unique onboarding program (Udemy Go) that uses augmented reality technology to train and onboard new hires. The new hires are dispatched on a scavenger hunt to collect the most welcome balloons and take the top spot on the leaderboard. Through this pleasant and engaging method, the user learns by wandering around, asking questions, learning more about the organization, its cultures, etc. Additionally, learners can participate in the onboarding processes and activities using their smartphones.

Enhanced Decision-Making

The saying goes, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” We instantly absorb a vast amount and variety of information when we look at the physical world.

Similarly, an image or picture that superimposes information on the physical environment and puts it into perspective for us lessens cognitive distance. It reduces the cognitive burden while acquiring new knowledge and skills. That is why Augmented Reality is so effective.

When the physical environment we perceive around us is enhanced by a digital overlay of relevant data and guidance where and when it is needed, there is no better graphical user interface. AR replaces our reliance on out-of-context and difficult-to-process 2-D information on pages and screens with vastly improved overlays. So, AR enhances the ability to grasp and utilize data in the actual environment and aids decision-making.

On-the-Job Performance Support

Augmented Reality has various digital display systems that can be worn easily, and the user’s hands remain free. The benefit, in this case, is that the user can accomplish real-world tasks they may have never performed before or may lack enough prior skills.

The work instructions appear superimposed over the actual physical surroundings on whatever device is utilized. Installing new computer hardware, for example, might be a burden that requires numerous staff to take time away from their work to assist. The worker can utilize an AR-enabled gadget to direct their device’s camera at the instructions, which will appear over the actual physical place.

Ease of Collaboration

Collaboration with peers improves knowledge sharing, support, and motivation in a learning environment. Multiple users in an AR training scenario can view the same object and interact with that object at the same time. AR creates a path for coworkers to communicate more deeply and meaningfully. Peers can learn from each other by sharing their experiences and knowledge while interacting with digitally enhanced real-worlds and object

Support Soft Skills Training

In a corporate environment, soft skills are always vital. However, there has been an increase in the demand for soft skills in recent years. There is an apparent skill gap between what modern employees possess and what employers require in the workplace.

As learners behave differently in similar settings, traditional classroom training technologies have remained a one-size-fits-all approach to learning. Using Augmented Reality (AR) for soft skills training can assist learners in choosing their learning path, making it more relatable. As a result, the organization may expect to see more significant usage of AR technology in learning to train staff on soft skill training themes shortly. Virtual Orator, Speech Center, and Public Speaking Simulator are a few examples of smartphone apps and services that leverage AR technology to instruct learners on specific soft skill requirements.

Reduce Training Time

Early AR users such as DHL, the US Navy, and Boeing have already realized the value of giving step-by-step visual worker training on demand. AR enables education to be personalized to a specific worker’s experience or the frequency of errors. If someone makes the same error repeatedly, he may be obliged to use AR assistance until his work quality improves. AR has practically eliminated training time for new employees in certain types of work at some organizations and lowered the skill requirements for new hiring.

So Augmented Reality can help to provide clear step-by-step instructions to ensure that each employee can perform optimally. Augmented Reality modules also benefit higher-level staff who would rather spend their time elsewhere while ensuring their new hires receive a thorough training program.

Learner Engagement

AR technology is highly immersive as it is akin to the real world and includes various audio-visual aids. AR-based courses can make learning more engaging and immersive. Interactivity is useful in occupations requiring skill training and can be risky to practice in a real-world setting. Machinery operators, for example, can become familiar with the instruments and learn how to utilize them in a risk-free environment. Being actively involved in AR modules fosters motivation and a feeling of accomplishment, which helps to increase the pace of learning and encourages retention. AR books may also add interaction to dense texts and enrich them, making them easier to understand and learn.

Enhanced Learning

Due to the rapidly evolving technology, employers can create programs that allow users to aim their phone camera at a specific text in a training manual. Users can access extra materials or link AR resources to appear on their screens using those keywords. Enterprises can use this strategy to train personnel on specific products, services, or solutions.

AR instruction is also more effective than traditional techniques, according to research. According to Dr. Narendra Kini, CEO of Miami’s Children Health System, the AR learners had an 80 percent recall rate even after a year of training. Whereas through traditional learning, the learners only had a 20% recall rate after one week.

Conclusion

AR learning has significant potential in every sector, with benefits including time and cost savings. 30% of businesses have chosen augmented reality learning as their top target in the coming years.

With AR, one can take advantage of the latest eLearning trends and improve employee learning experiences. These modern technologies pave the way for more effective learning, knowledge transfer, reduced training costs, and lower risks—the decreasing cost of aid businesses in achieving a positive ROI. Thanks to AR and simulation-based learning, your personnel will also be ready and equipped to deal with any job-task requirements, solve problems and handle crisis.
At Instancy, we provide learning platforms and design customized learning content tailored to specific needs. Get in touch with us today!

The post Augmented Reality for Training appeared first on Instancy Learning Platform and Social Learning Network.

About Micro Credentials : A Snapshot

Harvey Singh — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 08:07:47 +0000

Unfortunately, Covid-19’s long-term consequence is a knock to the economy, notably the employee market. Individuals need to stand out in a competitive job market now more than ever, and micro-credentials help them do so.

Micro-credentials, which focus on in-demand talents, are a straightforward way for people to learn new skills, explain their knowledge, and stand out from the crowd. This article explores the concept of micro-credentials and how they can help you upscale your profile significantly.

What are Micro-Credential?
What are digital badges, and how do you get them?
How can You Acquire Micro-Credentials?
Benefits of Micro-Credentials
Which Skills Can You Acquire?

What are Micro-Credentials?

In simplistic terms, what are micro-credentials? The word is comprised of two root words: “micro,” which means “tiny,” and “credential,” which means “qualification.” As a result, the following is a fundamental definition of micro-credential:

Micro-credentials are certification-style documents containing a certified statement about a person’s competence in a particular field. After completing an online course or a learning path, a person can earn a micro-credential in a digital certificate or ‘digital badge.’ This innovative approach to education is gaining traction and is in high demand among professionals as more businesses are beginning to accept such credentials for employment purposes.

Micro-credentialing began with computer programming skills, but it has since expanded well beyond that. LinkedIn is a leading example that highlights different sorts of micro-credentials available. Coursera, too, offers micro-credentials such as Specializations, Professional Certificates, and Master Tracks. Professional Certificates, Micro Bachelors, and Micro Masters are available through edX.

What Are Digital Badges and How Do You Get Them?

A micro-credential is also known as a “digital badge” or “digital credential.” The names are frequently used interchangeably, even though there is a significant distinction between them. A digital badge is its diploma if a micro-credential is a smaller, more compact version of a full-fledged degree. The digital badge is a visual depiction of micro-achievement credentials.

It provides information about the learner, the badge issuer, the requirements for earning the badge, and evidence that the conditions have been met. It is shared on social media, included in resumes and professional profiles, and even stored in “wallets” of digital badges.

Badges have existed for as long as humans have been required to demonstrate their authority through their knowledge or skill proficiency. They have been related to visual proofs of substantial achievement in an organization for the past century. Scout merit badges and military challenge coins are two good examples. Collecting them satisfies basic human desires for accomplishment, esteem, and respect.

Badges as physical symbols of achievement transitioned to digital form after the millennium. So, how does one go about obtaining a digital badge? Complete the badge-representing micro-credential course. Any useful micro-credential can be earned in the same way. Depending on the qualification, they can take a few hours to a year to complete.

The learner first enrolls in the course and attends the classes. The most common method is blended learning—this mix of traditional classroom instruction, self-paced individual study, and some lectures and seminars. Read on to find out the various evaluation paths through which a user can earn credentials.

Micro-credentials have a narrower range than standard certifications such as diplomas or degrees that need formal instruction, but they are also more expansive than motivational badges. The following section explores the main differences between badges and micro-credentials.

How Are Badges Different from Micro-Credentials?

At the course level, a badge may be awarded to the learners informally. Most badges are unmoderated, and they are frequently related to the achievement of learning objectives and course outcomes.

On the other hand, an organization formally grants a micro-credential, usually by a recognized entity such as a human resources department or training institute. As a result, micro-credentials have more perceived value from a job or career perspective than a badge received informally with a course awarded by the course instructor.

Micro-credentials have been recognized within a business or an institute, if not a whole industry. Badges have value in the context of a course. A well-thought-out micro-credentialing program could help your organization establish itself as a leader in certifying people’s skills and knowledge in job roles and industry.

As a result, badges can motivate students to strive toward a specific objective. They are valid within the context of the course or training. The badges recognize achievement on assessments, such as in a compliance course where a student must achieve a perfect score on a quiz.

On the other hand, micro-credentials take a different approach, although they resemble badges. For their students, micro certificates might be a source of inspiration. Learners are motivated to improve a specific skill or gain knowledge to achieve a bigger upskilling goal that could be part of a more extensive program. Because they can indicate a learner’s skills in a subject or a skill area, they are helpful in workplace professional development and beyond.

Micro-credentials can also be achieved by demonstrating skill in a specific area. They place a focus on competence. Micro-credentials can thus be classified as badges. However, not all badges represent the worth of a micro-credential.

How can You Acquire Micro-Credentials?

It can take a few weeks to a year to earn a micro-credential. The training and evaluation path varies by qualification, but one or a mix of the following could be used as an example.

Tests, Assignments, and Projects – Initially, learners are expected to complete tests, assignments, and projects to demonstrate theoretical knowledge of the topic.
Lectures and Seminars — As part of your organization’s micro-credentialing process, you may incorporate a lecture or seminar component that exposes your employees to the newest ideas and research in the field
Present a Portfolio of Work in The Area — As part of the process, users may present a portfolio of work in the field to their team or direct report to demonstrate their skill set in the area.
Assessments — As part of the micro-credentialing process, an assessment component, such as examinations or practical exercises, may be included.
Conferences – As part of their exposure to skills, practices, and research in the subject, learners may have the opportunity to attend local or international conferences.
Demonstrate Skills in the Workplace — Finally, users may be requested to show that they can successfully apply their talents in the job.

Benefits of Micro-Credentials

There is no denying that micro-credentials have many advantages. These bite-sized courses are the perfect combination of industry and educators, and they are perfect for revolutionizing any learning program.

These are the main benefits that one can reap from micro-credentials:

Personalization for Employees
Micro-credentials allow employees to focus on a specific topic or job duties. Give your team members the option of picking a topic that interests them. Whether you are a large or small company, this allows you to personalize your training program easily. Rather than investing in an extensive, standard curriculum for departments or teams, you can tailor clustered micro-credentials to individuals to suit their career aspirations and duties. Your employees could wind up with their own set of micro-credentials tailored to their specific needs.

Tailored Learning Approach
Educators are constantly looking for new methods to generate revenue for their institutions outside of the standard course structure, and micro-credentials provide a unique opportunity to do so.

Micro-credentials enable educational institutions to collaborate with large corporations to develop a customized learning strategy. They help free up educators to do what they do best: build knowledge-driven courses, while businesses may benefit from courses tailored to their specific needs. Many educators create introductory courses on popular topics and then customize them for more extensive collaborations, saving even more resources.

Recognition
Employees like being recognized for their soft and hard skills, but describing, quantifying, and qualifying the skills and knowledge acquired on the job can be difficult. Traditional credentials do not provide a solution, but a micro-credential (for example) can be used to recognize an employee’s unique ideas over time by awarding a distinctive micro-credential.

Stackable in a Continuous Learning Proces

Micro-credentials can be stacked indefinitely. Learners can combine an individual micro-credential with a complete credential, such as a professional development certificate, to achieve full credentials in a more significant area of interest, such as agile project management. These credentials can also represent a single certification or one or more learning paths because they are stackable. For example, a micro certificate in written communication could lead to a more prominent certification in technical writing, proposal writing, or even marketing as a field.

A Methodical Approach to On-the-Job Training

Micro-credentialing provides an organized method for on-the-job training and development for you and your staff. Often, on-the-job abilities are not recognized or recorded, and they don’t appear on the employee’s record or CV. Micro-credentials flexibility and progressive nature mean you have a tool to give employees more structure and assessment in the skillset and knowledge they acquire in their role.

Training in Emerging Areas

Quickly training employees to fill emergent skill shortages can be critical in fast-paced company situations. Due to a unique market opportunity, technology, or product strategy, your company may need to tap into new skill sets that are not currently available. Traditional credentials can be time-consuming to implement, and they may not cover all the skill sets you need. Micro-credentialing allows you to quickly train individual employees in certain areas, allowing you to take advantage of growing market opportunities or respond to technological advances promptly.

Specialized Skillsets

Micro-credentials allow organizations to solve specialized skill gaps that regular credentials may not provide. You may need a staff member to apply interdisciplinary skill sets in a single function, or the skill gap you encounter may be particular to your organization. To teach your personnel, you may need a unique combination of micro-credentials.

Tracking Personnel Skill and Talent Development

Micro-credentialing can help you manage your people and corporate resources more effectively. Employee capabilities can be measured, as well as enterprise-level skills and knowledge. They can help you quantify capabilities for planning objectives and gather vital data about staff abilities. The information may be used to manage your HR supply, estimate resource needs and training gaps, and develop an effective HR strategy.

Micro-credentials give you a tool to examine and manage your most critical resource – your personnel – whether you are planning for annual peak seasons or long-term market trends.

You can design a bespoke program to meet this specialized skill set deficiencies using the flexibility of micro-credentials and the opportunity for a more granular approach to addressing skill demands. The program can be functional whether you need soft talents, hard skills, or a combination of both. You might want to teach an employee a variety of digital marketing and data analytics and provide them with opportunities to practice soft skills like problem-solving and emotional judgment.

Scalable and Personalized Training

Micro-credentialing is a highly scalable method of employee training. Rather than committing to a big-scale training program, whether you’re a large or small company, you can implement training programs in various segments. You may cut immediate expenses by pausing to evaluate the effectiveness of each micro-credential and then refine your strategy with more micro-credentials. Furthermore, a highly tailored approach to training may prove to be more beneficial for upskilling personnel than a broad-based, identical program for all team members.

Assists In the Discovery Of Talent

Micro-credentials can help you discover your learners’ hidden skills. Micro-Credentials assist in sharing skills and knowledge areas, allowing people inside an organization to know whom to contact for assistance. An individual’s digital portfolio could include micro-credentials in gamification or robotics. The individual’s colleagues and network are aware that they should approach that person for information or assistance. As a result, sharing this information as an organization can make it much easier to rapidly discover the right candidate for a specific area of expertise.

Encourages Life-Long Learning

Employees can earn micro-credentials, which are a fantastic way to keep them engaged. They are shareable demonstrations of personal accomplishment that can help you stay motivated. These physical proofs of on-the-job skills and expertise can be added to their personnel file and resume. Micro-credentials involve recognizing ground-breaking ideas and achievements that will be remembered for a long time. This kind of encouragement increases their prospects of moving up in the organization. Micro-credentials also highlight the job-seekers worth to potential future employers.

Which Skills Can You Acquire?

Employees can be trained in both soft and hard skills using micro-credentials. While formal qualifications emphasize complex abilities, soft skills such as leadership, problem-solving, and communication are also critical in the workplace. Organizations may fully use their workforce strengths by providing micro-credentials in both areas to employees on an as-needed basis.

Knowledge-based, or ‘hard’ skills, are learned through education and experience and are typically a mandatory talent that contributes to a role’s overall skill set.

The following are instances of hard skills:

Front-End Web design and development
Social Media Data Analytics Digital Marketing
Soft abilities

Soft skills are adaptable skills that may be applied to various vocations; they are just as vital as hard skills. Soft skills are critical in generating business outcomes; they contribute to team efficiency, implying that the formalization of soft skills through micro-credentialing could significantly change how a professional practice operates.

Soft skills include:

Self-Management or Teamwork
Service to Customers
Leadership Qualities
Customer Service
Problem-Solving
Critical Thinking

You will be introduced to a more organized form of learning and training by participating in the micro-credentialing process. Job-learned abilities are sometimes overlooked since there has never been a straightforward way to formalize this knowledge through a recognized certificate or ‘badge.’

Employees are given a systematic approach. They can easily measure and formalize the information and skills learned thanks to the opportunity to build on these talents via a cumulative outlook. Employees can grow in their current role and their professional careers by participating in this type of professional learning.

Conclusion

As a recognized source of certifications and certificates, Instancy believes that on-the-job training should be acknowledged through the means of various certifications and credentials. Through the power of instancy’s authoring tools, you can create your own branded certificates with the utmost ease. To discover more, Click here. We can also help your company create a customized training program that meets your needs, thanks to our well-demonstrated ability to integrate business, learn together, and provide adaptable assessment and recognition solutions. For more information on how we can collaborate with you, contact our team now.

Your learning business is unique. We configure the right learning platform solution that fits you like a glove.

The post About Micro Credentials : A Snapshot appeared first on Instancy Learning Platform and Social Learning Network.

The Ultimate Guide to Microlearning

Harvey Singh — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 17:01:34 +0000

What is Microlearning?
Principles of Microlearning
Why is Microlearning Important for Delivering Effective Learning?
Mobile Learning and Microlearning: A Natural Combination
Disadvantages of Microlearning
Best Practices for Microlearning
How to Build a Mobile-first Microlearning Content Without Coding?
Web-based Authoring Tool for Creating Mobile Microlearning

Are you tired of scrolling through the extensively long paragraphs present on the vast eLearning courses to seek a simple snippet of information? Do the endlessly running words make you even more confused about your original query?

Fret not as microlearning is the go-to solution for these problems. This article explores the various facets of microlearning and how it fuses effortlessly with Mobile Learning. It also offers an overview of the best practices which one should follow for microlearning.

What is Microlearning?

Essentially, the whole concept of microlearning focuses on creating bite-sized information in small learning units so that the data can be conveyed in a hassle-free and easy manner while keeping the learner engaged. Microlearning is accessible on any device ranging from desktop computers to smartphones. However, microlearning is more conducive for mobile consumption.

Mobile users prefer to access content for short bursts of time while they are on the go. Simultaneously, it is an imperative mode of eLearning as it can help the learner to provide a broad overview or outline about the topic. It is also highly engaging as it uses various audio-visual aids to retain the learner’s attention. Some of the most popular formats used for microlearning are:

Small phrases or paragraphs ( text)
Illustrations and photographs (images)
Short Videos (audio and visual aids)
Speech snippets, music, or voiceovers (audio aids)
Tests, Quizzes, or Games (retention

One can select a preferred mode and simplify a topic through microlearning. Due to its visual appeal, it also attracts a large audience and engages the learners. It is a highly effective tool while imparting compliance training or skills training. The core information is presented in a defined way to the learner quickly to render clarity about a topic. It is also crucial to ensure that this format of learning should align with the topic seamlessly. For example, it is good to choose various illustrations and photographs when one explains the issue of biodiversity or evolution. It will help the learner to co-relate the concepts with various visual aids and aid seamless learning.

So, we can summarise the importance of microlearning through the following points:

It is less time-consuming and can help to create a large amount of content swiftly.
It is inexpensive and needs only a handful of resources and instructors.
It is a versatile tool that can cover a variety of topics.
Due to the presence of various audio-visual aids, it’s much more engaging than regular learning content.
It helps the learners to retain the information for a more extended amount of time.
It’s more user-friendly and provides learner flexibility.

Principles of Microlearning

Certain aspects are common and should be kept in mind while designing a microlearning module. By keeping these factors in mind, one can build a practical microlearning module that will ease the process of learning:

Microlearning follows a focussed approach and targets one particular topic. It is specific in nature and concise, following set and distinctive learning objectives.
Information is conveyed in short bursts and is usually brief. The topic is generally covered in under five minutes.
Accessibility and flexibility are vital components of microlearning, as this application aims to facilitate learning from anywhere. It does not restrict the flow of learning to a particular device; instead, it gives complete flexibility to the learner.
Microlearning juxtaposes various media formats, including images, audio clips, podcasts, etc., to create a more interactive sphere for the learner.
Through the use of Space Learning, learners can retain the information in a better way. Integrating space learning will help to enhance and improve the learning experience.

Why is Microlearning Important for Delivering Effective Learning?

In recent years, microlearning has picked up momentum and has become a popular resort for learning, implementing, and training learners worldwide in different fields. The main benefits of microlearning in the context of learning are:

Affordable: It is highly pocket-friendly to develop microlearning courses as it requires fewer resources and few instructors. It does not need specialized tools to create and allows the construction of the software with ease.

Extremely engaging: Due to various multimedia and audio-visual aids, microlearning is exceptionally appealing and engaging to the learner in contrast to the usual aids of eLearning.

Retention: Microlearning engages various senses and is, therefore, helpful for the learners to retain over time. It also helps the learners to keep note of the crucial pointers and understand the topic well.

Applicability: Microlearning is easy to incorporate for learning or training in workplaces as it helps to understand and retain the topics in a simple manner. Due to increased retention, the topics and principles learned can be easily applied on the job or while undertaking a task.
Flexibility: Microlearning can be accessible from everywhere as it is also available in mobile learning. Learners can use it as per their ease and schedule without being constrained.

Microlearning is undoubtedly paving the way to make learning a fun-filled and futuristic alternative. The users can enjoy added flexibility and retention while learning a new task or assimilating further information.

Mobile Learning and Microlearning: A Natural Combination

Nowadays, everything and anything is possible through a click of our fingers. Mobile learning is no exception to that rule. A whole gamut of information ranging from various subject areas is readily available to users, irrespective of bounds. Thanks to the ever-evolving technology, one does not need to rush to a nearby computer system to gather information for academic or non-academic purposes. Attaining knowledge through various sources is available in the palm of one’s hand by a mobile device and the presence of the internet.

It also enables flexibility as one can use mobile learning and access content easily, even on the go or in remote areas. It helps the learner to assimilate knowledge after working hours or at one’s own convenience and comfort. Thus, it isn’t surprising to know that according to Techmark, an average user checks their mobiles 221 times and touches them over 2000 times in a single day. Hence, learning increases exponentially through the usage of mobile phones.

According to Google, a large majority, i.e., 80% of the world’s population, uses smartphones. Millennials comprise the primary global workforce and are one of the most prominent contributors to evolution and development. Statistics show that nearly all millennials, i.e., 97% own and use mobile phones. So, a considerable chunk of the population uses their mobile devices to seek solutions or find information. Thus, learning through mobile gives access to an unlimited reservoir of information through various sources and experts.

The advantages of mobile learning are as follows:

It is a flexible tool and offers a wide variety of sources for learning.
It is an appropriate platform for individual or group learning.
It provides users complete control and feasibility to access their material according to their own time.
It is a highly interactive medium and helps to retain the attention of the user.
It provides access to various multimedia tools to develop a deeper insight into the topic.
The user can access the material even from remote locations and according to their schedule.

Disadvantages of Microlearning

Microlearning has simplified eLearning. However, its shortcomings cannot be overlooked. The main disadvantages of microlearning are as follows:

Microlearning provides a brief outlook about the selected topic and is not ideal for subjects that require in-depth information or complex knowledge.
Microlearning enables the learner to cover only one sub-topic and hence limits the area of knowledge.
Microlearning is interactive and uses various forms like gamification and other forms of media. A particular topic might get distracting as the learner might want to overdo it even though they have already understood the topic at hand.
Microlearning can raise challenges about structure and organization. A complex topic has to be divided into multiple bits. Therefore, it requires precision and a structured approach.

Best Practices for Microlearning

Despite posing particular challenges, microlearning is beneficial in aiding learners to retain knowledge effectually. The best practices for designing a microlearning module are:

One Focal Point: Since microlearning modules provide information about a particular area of knowledge, it is mandatory to have a central learning objective to ensure that the learner stays on track.
Understand the Target Audience: Understanding the learners and their specifications is essential before designing the content. They should find the content relatable and easy to comprehend.
Inclusion of Multimedia: Including various tools like images, music, games, etc., ensures learner’s engagement and improves retention.
Mobile-Friendly: One of the main objectives of microlearning is that users should assess it from any corner of the world. Therefore, the content should be mobile-friendly to allow complete flexibility in time or place to the learner.
Personalization: The content needs to have relevant topics for the background of the learner. This factor will enable the user to have self-paced learning at ease.

How to Build a Mobile-first Microlearning Content Without Coding?

Microlearning is a powerful tool that enables a person to learn with ease and flexibility from anywhere. It is necessary to build a microlearning course according to the needs and specifications of the learner and target audience.

The fundamental aspects that one should keep in mind while designing a practical microlearning experience are:

Determine the learning material: The content should be carefully chosen and should cover the critical areas of the topic to deliver bite-sized information to the learner efficiently.
Division of learning content: Microlearning predicates the concept of breaking a substantial chunk of knowledge into smaller and simpler units for consumption. Each branch of microlearning carries information that covers one learning objective at a time.
Learner-based approach: The microlearning modules must be created in an easy-to-understand language and include the vital points. It should consist of the terminology which is pertinent for the learner and their background.
Inclusion of multimedia: Microlearning is highly engaging and holds the attention of the learner. One should include various audio-visual aids to provide clarity and engage the reader.

Regular Updates: Information evolves with time. It’s pertinent to develop the content or information with the latest ongoing trends to keep learners up to date with the current happenings.

Web-based Authoring Tool for Creating Mobile Microlearning

Creating a mobile micro-learning tool enables the user to access learning from even the remotest location or the comfort of their home. Although, the question arises how should one go about the entire process?

Instancy also offers the unique feature to convert pre-defined page templates into highly engaging eLearning content. One can convert PowerPoint slides or Word documents into eLearning content. Furthermore, one can add various multimedia objects like pictures, videos, and audio clips to enhance the experience to a whole new level.

Instancy offers seamless integration with a Learning Management System and thus enables the learner to exercise complete flexibility through any device ranging from desktop to mobile. Instancy provides authoring tools that are mobile responsive and additionally also help to track learners’ progress.

Through the ‘no developmental’ code tool, the mobile application includes a range of functions, including discussion forums, gamification, knowledge sharing, and chat. It helps the learner to go beyond the existing sphere of knowledge and attain holistic information.
Instancy is also a unique platform that offers learning and assessments in offline mode. It also helps to track one’s progress as it stores learners’ progress across various platforms. Its automatic synchronization with multiple devices helps the learner to be on the right track.
Instancy gives complete access to multimedia content like video, audio, and various podcasts enabling a user-friendly and engaging experience.
Uploading and sharing documents, including spreadsheets and PDF is an effortless process as the learner can access any learning material on the go.

Instancy provides a wholesome approach to elevate learning to a whole different level while integrating the best user-friendly experience with efficient tools to enable an integrated approach towards learning. Click here to get started!

Summary

In a nutshell, microlearning refers to knowledge that is concise, clear, and presented in bite-sized learning units. Microlearning content is brief, as denoted by the term “micro,” but it must be able to stand alone as a single unit of learning. Microlearning content may now be readily created using a web-based authoring tool like Instancy without the need for specialized coding skills. By combining microlearning and mobile learning, you’ll receive improved learner engagement, participation, knowledge retention, and learning completion rates. Learners can improve their abilities on the go, and the microlearning courses can be used as a short reference guide to refer to any information at any time. As a result, microlearning is unquestionably here to stay.

Grow and retain more members with a learning management system that supports courses, instructor lead training, and social learning.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Microlearning appeared first on Instancy Learning Platform and Social Learning Network.

11 Reasons Why an LMS Will Help Make Your Trade Association Successful

Harvey Singh — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 15:53:13 +0000

Introduction

Trade associations are organizations that represent the interests of their members, typically in a specific industry. Trade associations serve many functions, but the most important is to educate and create awareness among members about regulatory changes and developments. Also, today’s newest technology may become redundant after a few months in this fast-paced world where practically everything changes at breakneck speed.

For trade associations, education cannot be left to chance; they need to be constantly educating their members. Members might not have time to stay up to date on new regulations or get the necessary training for their jobs.

So what can trade associations do? Trade associations can turn to Instancy learning platform, an all-in-one platform to create, deliver, manage blended learning programs including webinars, podcasts, and eLearning courses, certifications, credits and more. Instancy Learning Management System and mobile learning apps provide a convenient way for trade association member benefits without having to take any extra time out of their day to keep up!

You may wonder why you need to adopt a Learning Management System for your association and your members.

One can never be fully aware of all the training resources that different departments have if you don’t have a centralized and organized place to host your learning resources – like an LMS.

That means there’s a good chance training programs or courses in your association’s learning portal will be reproduced. Consider how much time and effort it will take to manage them manually. This mismanagement will result in a lack of ownership, the absence of processes and standards, and the presence of obsolete courses on the portal.

With the use of a Learning Management System, these challenges can be readily resolved.

Associations need a modern learning infrastructure to aggregate, curate, organize knowledge and educational resources. They also need to empower their members to contribute to this dynamic knowledge.

They need to make this knowledge engaging and deliver it in ways that is best suited for the learning needs and preferences of their audience

Modern and innovative learning management systems and tools can help tremendously achieve this objective. Let us further delve into this concept and understand the basics of an LMS and its features for associations.

What is an LMS?

According to Fortune Business Insights, the global LMS market was valued at $8.76 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow to $38.10 billion by 2027 with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 19.7% during the forecast period.

In the context of associations, learning management platforms encourage members to advance their skills and knowledge by providing them with valuable certificates that can help them advance their professions and access new prospects. They specifically include several features tailored to the needs of membership groups.

Why Do You Require an LMS for Your Association?

Any association’s primary goal is to bring together individuals or groups with similar interests, purposes, or professions from various industries. Associations require a top learning management system (LMS) for members, partners, and other stakeholders to stay up with the evolving ecosystem, regulations, standards and build skills for career progression, among other things. The main reasons to have a robust LMS for your association are as follows :

1.Increases Non-Dues Revenue

A well-designed LMS can ensure that associations can sell their training courses and material to members and non-members simultaneously for non-dues revenue generation. Members can easily acquire courses and other association items with discounts and vouchers to begin learning. Administrators can configure and set up products (LMS deliverables) and automate LMS integration processes, eliminating data silos. Using e-commerce connectivity, course and certification exam costs can be added to the non-dues revenue. Non-members can be charged a price to access specific learning resources, generating an additional non-dues revenue stream.

Using the right LMS platform can help in continuous data monitoring and calculate your growth trajectory and make data-driven decisions to boost member engagement and build a better member community when you can monitor and analyze your metrics in the most optimum manner.

2.Centralized Repository

It’s time for an LMS if you’re managing your learning content using a combination of spreadsheets, Google docs, questionnaires, videos, and calendars. If you’ve ever utilized a system like this to organize your learning resources over a long period, you understand how time-consuming it can be. You’re probably in need of a centralized storage system for your digital instructional resources. A good LMS also allows you to reuse your materially optimally over some time.

3.Flexibility in Learning

Selling your online courses or certification materials through a learning management system could help you generate non-dues revenue. Prices for courses can be set individually or based on membership tiers. Members in your highest level may have free access to all your courses, while those in lesser tiers may have to pay for more in-depth content.

The finest LMS software supports a wide range of material types, making it simple to construct online courses that include text, videos, live webinars, and assessments to determine how much knowledge members retain.

4.Enhances Membership Experience

An LMS can be set up to deliver relevant, engaging content on several topics related to a profession’s numerous diverse tasks.

Covering such a wide range of topics in a traditional training environment might be difficult with limited time and space. An LMS, on the other hand, can readily handle a wide range of topics, courses, and learning routes, giving members the freedom to choose what’s most important to their professions.

You can produce compelling training content for your members’ online and offline learning by selecting the correct LMS for your association. The quest for an association LMS was prompted by the need to educate members and provide them with on-demand, role-specific training.

These LMS are in high demand because they eliminate manual exports related to member data and reduces customization costs

LMS encourages professional growth and member loyalty, leading to significant rewards such as higher revenue and job prospects in the future. Hence, it helps to foster holistic development for the entire organization.

5.Certificates, Credit Tracking and Digital Badges

Members opt to enroll in a trade association to grow and improve their existing skills and knowledge. to track credits and certificates as they advance their professions and complete yearly accreditation criteria, so associations should keep that in mind.

Tracking is especially critical for associations in industries like:

The medical profession (nurses, doctors, therapists, etc.)
Education (professors, teachers, teaching aids, etc.)

Any enterprise classified as a trade (electricians, plumbers, etc.)

A trade association should choose an LMS that can give accreditation and certification in whatever format the members’ industry requires. Members should display digital badges or certificates on their social accounts and websites to showcase their achievements to the rest of the world. These certificates and badges will help them grow professionally and ensure the participation of new members.

6.Integration with your existing AMS

It is necessary to think about -How will the LMS fit into your current technological approach and integrate with the rest of your system?

Your association can use the LMS-AMS integration to seamlessly integrate learner data, generate training reports, and enroll stakeholders for onboarding and compliance training. As a result, more significant association LMS training is available, with actionable information to help fulfill sales targets while providing a better member experience. The AMS integration increases open communication, identifies learner pain points, and tracks and evaluates online and offline course sales.

The best practice in the case of LMS, for example, is to link it with your existing system so flawlessly that your members only need to log into your website to have access.

The integration makes it easier for your members to enroll in courses, and it also makes it easier for your member support team to answer more minor customer service queries.

7.Aids Social and Collaborative Learning

61% of associations say that networking with others in their industry is the most important motivation for members to join (Marketing General, Inc.).

Association members can participate in a mentor-mentee program to communicate with experts and share their thoughts, questions, and hypotheses which will help them to learn more effectively.

Discussion forums, real-time chat with experts, and various evaluations also help create a collaborative learning experience.

8.Built-In Authoring

Naturally, the members will want to take up the courses only if they find it helpful and appealing. When selecting an association LMS, make sure it allows your team to create and build courses from within the platform.

This way, you will be assured that your data is safe and presented appealingly and understandably.

What should your team be able to include with course authoring?

Videos and photographs provide visual interest.
Additional learning tactics can be achieved through games.

For diversity, use interactive drag-and-drop experiences.

You’ll see increased attendance in your courses if your LMS assists your team in creating the most functional course feasible while also keeping user experience in mind.

9.Provides Micro and Macro Learning

Since everyone’s leading hectic lives, it’s tough to develop a practice of attending classes or taking up online modules regularly. Associations can allow people to test out online learning in bite-sized chunks, referred to as microlearning, and progressively prepare them to commit to a more significant commitment.

Many members choose bite-sized learning in the form of short videos or web stories since they are time-efficient, engaging, and valuable. They can’t take a standard course since they’re too busy. You may get them started with a few samples of bite-sized learning and short modules by integrating an LMS and keeping track of a learner’s progress. They can gradually follow the path of a learning pathway comprised of short modules. As members advance along the route, their desire to learn more will grow along with their sense of achievement.

10.Enables Remote Learning

A web- or cloud-based LMS allows members to access data at any time and from any location. Rather than attending training at a pre-determined, defined period that may clash with other duties, members can take required courses at their convenience.

Members can also access a choice of training courses from any location, on any computer or mobile device, with the correct LMS.

Mobile-based learning gives the members the flexibility to access content from any location. Offering a platform outside of the classroom and utilizing a blended learning experience, on the other hand, can allow participants to learn on their own time. They can also be given reminders and held accountable for their learning outcomes in various ways.

11.Keeping up with the Latest Trends

A great LMS can help your members to provide frequent updates and news regarding their industries. The current events directly impact every profession in a significant way. Updated articles, web stories, and videos presented through the LMS platform can help the members to be in pace with the changes happening around them in terms of the latest technology or evolving practices.

Through discussion forums and the presentation of various ideas, associations can also encourage varied members to present their experiences and thoughts they have acquired over a period of time.

A Robust LMS Solution for Associations

Instancy provides a robust cloud-based learning platform and system integration services so that association training team can create, deliver, and manage all the blended learning programs to grow and retain your association members. 

A modern learning experience platform (LXP) ensures that association members can access content on websites, mobile apps, or business collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams. Social learning and networking is embedded within the Instancy LXP. An integrated content management system enables association members and experts to contribute content ranging from microlearning, videos, virtual classes, assessments, learning paths, and more.

Instancy LMS suite also helps trade associations deploy a branded learning ecosystem to help you scale up the training to remain ahead of the curve.

Conclusion

In order to grow and retain members, associations must adopt the best tools and infrastructure that improves knowledge aggregation and dissemination at speed and scale. A modern LMS can go a long way in enhancing the knowledge workflow, content reuse, blended learning, data tracking, and reporting, automating administrative learning tasks such as notifications. In the days ahead, new technologies such as Web 3.0 and artificial intelligence are expected to advance learning personalization further, data privacy, enhance user experience. Stay tuned.

Grow and retain more members with a learning management system that supports courses, instructor lead training, and social learning.

The post 11 Reasons Why an LMS Will Help Make Your Trade Association Successful appeared first on Instancy Learning Platform and Social Learning Network.

How to Create Microlearning Using the Instancy Microlearning Editor

Harvey Singh — Wed, 29 Dec 2021 10:15:54 +0000

It’s easy to feel overburdened trying to wrap your head around a huge amount of new information. It’s much more effective to break down learning materials into chunks, consumable segments. This approach is called microlearning. It provides learners with the flexibility to learn at their own pace and grasp essential information in short periods. Let’s dive deep into how you can start using microlearning to your advantage.

Microlearning is a learning approach that focuses on small doses of training material that learners can comprehend quickly. When designing microlearning content, break down each topic into small key parts of segments. Express each part succinctly. Learners won’t be as likely to engage with your content if it’s all text. Incorporate various media types such as text, video, audio, graphics, animations, and diagrams. Add quiz and other interactions to keep your audience engaged and search for more useful nuggets of instructional content.

To create content using Microlearning Editor:

Enter all the Metadata Details for the microlearning content item and click Save. You are now in the Microlearning Editor. You’re presented with a mobile phone size canvas; start adding pages or frames and add multimedia elements using the left panel. As shown below, you can add/delete pages, add/delete topics, text and multimedia elements, etc.

Add Pages and Topics – Topics and Pages are hierarchical organizational components of a microlearning course. Topics are the top-level organization structure for your course. Pages are the next level down from topics. A course can have many topics and each opic can have multiple pages. Elements like text, multimedia, and widgets can be added to the Pages.

Expand a Topic and add a Page. Give a Title or the name to a Page.

Add Text Elements – Select the Designtab and expand the Text and Media Drag and Drop the Text element onto the right pane. As shown below, you can copy and paste text here and customize the text properties.

Add Images from the image gallery – Visual cues can help learners remember information. Pictures also help explain or highlight a learning topic in a simple way. Plus, images can be used to make your content look visually appealing, helping to engage your learners more.

Add a new page and select the Design tab and expand the Media Drag and Dropthe Image element onto the right pane.

Double click on the Image component to open the image library and click on the Insertbutton to add the image to the Page.
- Library: The library shows the uploaded image files and clicks on the Insertbutton to add to the course.
- Upload: Click on the Uploadtab to upload image files in the local directory to the system and add them to the course.

Add Multimedia Elements like Audio Files – Audio files can be added to the learning materials, thus making your training material engaging for your learners. Select the Design tab and drag and drop the audio component for the left pane.

Double click on the audio component; the Media Library pop-up window opens.

Library: The library shows the audio files that are already uploaded files and click on the Insert button to add to the course.

Upload: Click on the Upload tab to upload audio files in the local directory to the system and add them to the course.

Add Video to a Page – Add a new page to the content item, select the Components tab, and expand the Media Drag and Drop the video element onto the right pane.

Select the video component and go to the Settings>Source Action Enable the Use embed codecheck box. Copy the Embed video code and paste it into the text box and click on the Update button.

Add HTML Blocks – HTML blocks are ready-made content layouts that make content development faster.

Select the Designtab and drag and drop the HTML Blocks component onto the right pane; it opens a pop-up window with a gallery of HTML Blocks. Select any HTML Block design and customize the content by adding the text and multimedia elements.

Please select a suitable block from the HTML blocks available and upload it.

Add the HTML Block and start adding the questions.

Import PPT – To begin with, PowerPoint file is all you need to gather the learning content for your microlearning course. If you already have a PowerPoint presentation, you can directly convert it into a microlearning course by importing it into the microlearning editor and converting the slides into microlearning pages.

Click on the Import and Export tab. Click on the Import> MS PowerPoint from the menu options.

Select the Import file option, browse the local folder to select a PPT, and click Save to upload the PPT file.

Note: All the other details can be edited as per the requirement.

Import Word – We can create content using Word documents. Select the title and click on Import/Export Tab.

Click on Import > MS Word.

Download the Template from the Source tab; once you have uploaded the questions, upload the Template using the Upload option.

Once the content is ready, click on the Preview button and generate the preview in the browser, iPhone, iPad, etc., to see the learner view.

Now go back to the content management system and Publish the content item. And then it can be assigned to the Catalog.

Assign :

To Set-Up A Free Trial Of The Microlearning Authoring Tool, Please Sign Up

The post How to Create Microlearning Using the Instancy Microlearning Editor appeared first on Instancy Learning Platform and Social Learning Network.

eLearning Trends That Will Dominate In 2022

Harvey Singh — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 07:33:40 +0000

Mobile Learning
Microlearning
Video Learning
Gamification
Social Learning and User-Generated Content
Artificial Intelligence
Augmented, Virtual Reality, and Metaverse
Adaptive Learning
Cloud-based Next Generation Learning Management System
Learning Experience Platform
Web 3.0 and Blockchain Technology
Big Data and Learning Data Analytics
Conclusion

Introduction

In the past few years, eLearning has increased in popularity. Now more than ever before, people prefer to pursue education and skill development at their pace and convenience. The transition from traditional or physical classroom-based instruction to digital learning is good for the learners and the eLearning business. The advancements in internet-based technologies and new learning methodologies have enhanced the learning experience.

The demand for eLearning and hybrid learning has hit an all-time high due to COVID-19 across corporate, academia, and other sectors. According to analysts, the market size for eLearning will surpass $320 billion by the year 2025.

Mobile Learning

The access to the internet and digital media via mobile devices and smartphones has surpassed personal computers by over two times. The revolution in mobile devices and apps has never been more critical in learning and development, especially in delivering eLearning.

With mobile learning, learners can consume content conveniently anywhere and anytime. Mobile learning personalizes the learning experience. The learners can easily switch between multiple devices and continue the learning process across sessions. This flexibility leads to increased engagement and completion rates, and learners return to review and revisit learning resources.

Mobile learning supports a culture of self-directed and continual learning and assists in keeping the existing knowledge base current and relevant. It also serves as a hub for other forms of immersive learning. It can include various features like microlearning and gamification, which help to enhance interactivity.

Mobile learning is versatile and is used for many types of knowledge and skill development. Multimedia content makes concepts come to life. Animation helps to make information more attractive and highlights the flow of modules. Quizzes and practice drills check learners’ retention levels, while various gaming elements make learning more fun.

https://stag2023.instancy.com/microlearning-editor/

Microlearning

Most people live a hectic life in a fast-paced world, chasing deadlines and achieving goals, yet one can acquire knowledge easily by microlearning. Today, practical training is obstructed by time and diminishing attention spans. Microlearning’s flexibility helps overcome these barriers.

Microlearning refers to quick learning nuggets or short bursts of learning content convenient for learners. Succinct learning morsels (2-7 minutes) substitute lengthy text in microlearning. These nuggets assist learners in achieving a specific goal in their learning journey. Microlearning helps to add value to the learner’s time who otherwise have hectic jobs.

Microlearning is very effective in corporate training. The strategy enables firms to give objective and valuable knowledge customized for each learner.

One can efficiently conduct microlearning via desktop, video, or mobile devices. The use of microlearning has increased and will only continue to expand in 2022.

Video Learning (VL)

A Wyzowl poll showed 69% of consumers watch videos to learn about new products and services (Wyzowl, 2021).

VL outperforms traditional eLearning as learners prefer videos that include demonstrations, explainers, interviews, and How-To’s over plain text instructions.

Video is more appealing, dynamic, and entertaining than text. These factors help retain the learner’s attention longer. It also facilitates the rapid dissemination of knowledge, increases content consumption, and improves retention rates compared to text.

The increasing use of interactive films is reshaping the eLearning sector. They increase learners’ participation through examinations and interactivities.

Video content is easily digestible and is delivered in segments as per the user’s convenience. The rise of 360-degree video is the latest trend that helps users gain an immersive experience.

Gamification

Learning is fascinating and consumable when it’s enjoyable.

Gamification refers to engaging game mechanics to increase learner engagement and retention rates in eLearning. Gamification has rapidly become a cornerstone of modern eLearning strategies. Enterprises now use gamification to boost learning effectiveness.

Gamification will reach its peak as income from game-based learning will surpass $28.8 billion by 2025 (Metaari, 2020).

Gamification enables learning designers to develop rewards or incentives which motivate learners to participate actively and complete the learning modules successfully. The motivation through a gift card or a monetary prize stimulates healthy rivalry among employees. Organizations use gamification to encourage people to improve their skill sets and abilities.

For instance, an online course can award learners with points or badges for completing modules. The objective is to motivate learners to outperform their peers’ performance benchmarks and increase training ROI.

According to research conducted at the University of Colorado, gamification users excelled on factual and skill-based assessments compared to users involved in traditional eLearning.

Gamification fosters an emotionally charged and rigorous learning environment in corporate training and eLearning. Gamified eLearning courses aid in the eLearning process and make course information more attractive to learners, increase motivation, and improve retention.

Social Learning and User-Generated Content

Social relationships have been an essential aspect for most individuals since childhood. In fact, even infants acquire basic information from their parents or the people surrounding them.

Social learning applies the fundamental principles of human interaction and group dynamics to the present technological era. The popularity of social media clearly demonstrates the human need to connect and share information and knowledge.

Social learning enables learners to share their knowledge, experience, and learning resources or digital content. It allows learners to connect with peers and experts and seek expertise and advice to solve problems.  

Collaboration has never been more productive, efficient, or smooth than with social learning in the digital realm through online forums, class-wide chatrooms, and file-sharing platforms. It is a process of learning that occurs in various settings, including casual talks, discussions, learning circles, and sharing sessions. 

Social Learning is cost-effective due to its organic nature. Social training is accessible, efficient, and appropriate for a workplace due to the rise of social platforms and sophisticated communication tools. Teammates can share insight and assistance from any location, including classrooms, homes, or neighboring coffee shops.

Evolving social learning applications increased the number of collaborative tools which will enter the battle for market domination. This form of instruction will dominate the business sector and eLearning.

User-generated content necessitates a centralized repository; it works best in a Learning Management System (LMS) designed to support social learning. Employees gather on one platform to discuss information, questions, and resources. Forums, videos, and images are how corporations can employ user-generated content within an LMS. The LMS sector is expected to provide more appropriate settings for this type of content in the future. 

By incorporating user-generated content into an LMS system, users can create current and relevant information to shed light on current challenges and difficulties. Social learning also distributes the ownership of responsibility to knowledge workers in a workplace setting. This augments the capabilities and learning resources provided by the corporate learning and development department.

Artificial Intelligence

The presence of AI in personal lives and homes is all too familiar with Apple’s Siri, Microsoft’s Cortana, and your text or voice-enabled chatbots, etc. AI has also found a place in eLearning and is expected to make big inroads into personal and professional skill development. AI-based learning guides students through courses and helps in learning predictions and on-the-fly customization. AI-powered learning systems analyze the learner’s strengths, weaknesses, interests, and competencies to personalize learning for each learner. Learners can use AI-powered learning using speech and natural language, and the system responds to learners like human experts. The Learning and development(L&D) team leverage AI-powered machine learning algorithms to recommend learning modules and assets based on the areas of interest of learners and job-based requirements for a customized learning experience. Meanwhile, enterprises with extensive knowledge repositories are leveraging voice-activated bots to streamline content searches. The bots use AI to explore critical materials quickly. Now L&D teams utilize intelligent robots to help children and learners with disabilities maximize their learning potential. The technology revolution will undoubtedly reshape the eLearning landscape in 2022 and beyond.

Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Metaverse

360-degree images, graphical overlays, and an explorable interface are a few eLearning features for augmented and virtual reality. Augmented reality (AR) allows learners to observe and interact with their natural surroundings in new ways. Learners can control and engage in real space by moving material with their finger, hand, arm, or body, rather than using a computer interface to explore and manipulate data. 

Whereas, Virtual Reality (VR) can transfer learners to different places and even different times due to its highly immersive nature. VR can assist in the recreation of a prior event and allow the user to immerse themselves in the situation as never before.

AR and VR elevate eLearning’s other aspects, including video learning, gamification, and mobile learning to deliver effective and engaging content.

AR and VR provide a real-world, engaging, and immersive online learning environment.

It provides flexibility in location and time for learners. Through Augmented and Virtual Reality, users can use smartphones to learn the languages, culture, and geography of other countries on the go.

Human resource departments can employ AR and VR to create online compliance safety training scenarios. This revolutionary technology allows learners to enter a virtual learning environment, interact with virtual aspects in real-world settings, and even prevent workplace accidents and injuries.

AR -VR technology-based learning can be integrated with learning progress databases and LMS system to track learners’ progress and performance and provides completion scorecards. Tracking performance helps the learners examine the recording, allows accurate self-evaluation feedback, and ensures progress.

Metaverse, a new technology, includes a hybrid of technological features such as Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in which users “live” and collaborate in a digital realm. It will revolutionize learning and open possibilities by visualizing and manipulating artifacts, spaces, and information to understand concepts holistically.

Adaptive Learning

Every learner has a unique approach to learning. Adaptive learning closes the gap between the learner and the program’s aims to achieve the best result.

Adaptive learning helps to customize materials, activities, projects, and assignments according to the needs of learners.

Adaptive learning has been merged with new technologies like AI and augmented reality which aids customization. Various tools like powerful analytics, confidence-based assessments, and pre-learning testing are helpful in adaptive learning.

Before the emergence of adaptive learning, learners had access to the same modules. This system omitted several crucial elements, such as learners processing content differently and having varying attention spans. So, it was difficult and time-consuming to achieve the desired results.

Then adaptive learning entered the picture and transformed corporate training. Adaptive learning facilitates the development of personalized learning activities for each user.

Adaptive learning relies on adaptive algorithms. It depends on personalized feedback to give knowledge tailored to each learner’s specific needs. As the name implies, this model relies on algorithms to determine the most effective training experience based on the user’s learning tendencies. This adaptive learning style directs learners down alternative learning paths based on their individual preferences and needs.

Adaptive learning ensures that each learner takes the most successful path possible. This way, the user enjoys the process and gets the most out of it. On the other hand, businesses can optimize resources consciously to achieve the highest possible return on investment in training. Over time, this trend will only grow in strength.

Cloud-based Next Generation Learning Management System

A LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report states that 57% of L&D departments will increase their spending on online learning in the coming year.

A cloud-based Learning Management System (LMS) is a platform for designing and distributing courses and administering learning programs for the extended enterprise. It enables businesses to store and track online training resources to improve efficiency. Data like exam scores or training time spent is easily accessible through LMS. LMS also includes monitoring tools for verifying courses taken, learners’ progress, and learners’ skill development areas.

Discussion forums in LMS systems enable teams to post questions and answers to common issues, share best practices, participate in debates, or inspire each other. Learners can discuss challenging problems or acquire experience through their lessons.

Real-time data is critical for the analysis of a learning program. LMS data promotes continual improvement for employers. Managers can track the performance of individual employees, and LMS enables them to determine the timing for additional support or attention to specific learners.

Learning Management Systems automate the learning processes, provide better data analytics and visualization, assist organizations in improving learning outcomes, and increase return on investment (ROI) in training.

Learning Experience Platform

The eLearning and corporate training industries have seen immense growth over the last half-decade. Lately, trainers teach eLearning using custom-built tools and technologies which enable highly individualized instruction.

The Learning Experience Platform (LXP) is a learning software application on the web and mobile devices with a tailored learning experience. LXP shows combined learning content from different sources, recommending and providing it via AI-assisted delivery across contact points like desktop applications, mobile learning apps, etc.

Learners are not bound to catalog content but can quickly seek out exciting content independently. An LXP creates enhanced personalization and expanded learning possibilities by integration with third-party platforms such as Google Services, YouTube, social media, and communication tools.

LXPs can provide highly adaptive, contextualized learning experiences based on a study of job performance, skill gaps, and on-the-job competencies using intelligent knowledge discovery (IKD).

Training delivered through an LXP is typically more:

Responsive
Relevant
Pervasive in delivery

Web 3.0 and Blockchain Technology

While Web 1.0 was about making information readily available through the internet or network or computers and Web 2.0 enabled users to create dynamic web applications like social media, the internet is evolving to the next phase called Web 3.0

Web 3.0 is an ’intelligent’ internet and will be based on a machine-based understanding of data, capable of digesting information with near-human-like intelligence. It is a breakthrough toward a decentralized web where humans and AI collaborate on content generation and decision-making. It will revolutionize sharing, storing, and moving data in the digital world. 

Online educators can use it for course building, learner support, evaluation, and record keeping.

Blockchain is a cornerstone technology within the evolving notion of Web 3.0. Blockchain can identify learners better while protecting their privacy and information in the eLearning industry. It also aids in funding education and recognizing high-quality work by users.

Businesses use blockchain technology to issue and store easily verifiable credentials and certifications. It helps in credit transfers between institutions and validating transactions and payments for content services supplied by individuals and organizations.

Big Data and Learning Data Analytics

Data collection, analysis, and reporting capabilities in LMS and LRS (Learning Record Stores) are becoming increasingly powerful, sophisticated, and far-reaching. Organizations find that data analytics, mining, and inferencing improve their learning programs, success, and job performance. Modern learning record stores track a large volume of learning progress data and help measure learning success.

Data from the LMS and LRS that is useful to the business include:

Participation: Are the students as engaged with the material as you had hoped?
Success Rate: Are your students performing as well in the assessments as you had hoped? The data will be summarized and presented in an easy-to-understand style by the LMS Learning Assessment capabilities.
Success Exposure Ratio: How much time does a specific topic require for your learner to grasp it?
Surveys: Gathering feedback from learners directly from the source is a fantastic approach to improving any learning module.

Conclusion

As technology advances, the variety and quality of content created should follow suit. All eLearning experts agree that we will observe or participate directly in content evolution and adaptation to new eLearning trends. Due to the emergence of these trends, eLearning has become a much more ubiquitous, dynamic, and participatory process for learners, learning developers, and managers. The year 2022 is expected to be the year of eLearning innovation and proliferation in the corporate, academic, and other spheres.

Your learning business is unique. We configure the right learning platform solution that fits you like a glove.

The post eLearning Trends That Will Dominate In 2022 appeared first on Instancy Learning Platform and Social Learning Network.

Using Voice Over for Your eLearning Course

Harvey Singh — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 14:54:53 +0000

Compelling audio narration enhances the instructional value of an online course. Audio content boosts user engagement and knowledge retention. While creating eLearning voiceovers does not seem like a stressful challenge, it is essential to understand that the benefits of narration for your eLearning course can only be achieved if your voiceover is carefully created and adds value to your eLearning experience. In this article, we take a close look at some invaluable tips for effective eLearning voiceovers.

Outline your eLearning voiceover. Pay particular attention to learning goals and objectives, ensuring you keep your eye on the flow of the script. Keep the general tone of the script consistent, so the narration flows seamlessly. Analyzing your target audience will aid in keeping the tone relatable and help establish an emotional connection.
Highlight your key ideas and emphasize the benefits. The key to transforming your eLearning course from just a collection of different modules to becoming a memorable learning experience lies in tying up the information in a meaningful and powerful way. This keeps the information relevant in a real-world setting and helps in establishing a connection with your learner. An attempt at understanding why your learner cares about the information offered will impact the tonality of the voiceover narration while highlighting the key ideas in the content.
Maintain relevant transitions. A seamless transition between modules, lessons, and ideas will facilitate perfecting your eLearning course’s flow. If the course steers towards a completely different concept, figure out a subtle yet creative way to navigate the transition.
Guide the student through the learning process. The narration voice and flow impact the learners. Make the voice both instructional and inspiring. This helps keep the learner motivated and encouraged. When narrated, emotionally charged stories and real-life experiences allow your learner to explore the relevance of your content to real-world scenarios.
Keep the narration voice distinctive and original. While all of us take pointers from the more experienced, it is essential to be mindful of keeping your narrative voice unique and distinctively yours and yours alone.
Create a natural and conversational script. Keeping the script natural and conversational makes your eLearning deliverables personalized and engaging. Deciding on the first-, second, or third-person narrative before preparing the script will help you stay consistent. The sentences should be concise while being both informative and authentic. Using one voice throughout will maintain a sense of relatability, especially if the content is not scenario-driven.
Watch the clock. Keeping the eLearning voiceover script concise keeps the lessons brief and engaging rather than long and boring.
Always do a test run. Despite the effort that goes into the fine-tuning of your script, it is important to do a test run to ensure a smooth and effective flow of your eLearning voiceover. This gives you a chance to make the necessary edits to any content that may be off-topic, irrelevant, or not in tandem with the tone of your eLearning content.
Provide audio breaks. An audio break helps the learner process and absorb the information without rushing to the next topic. The intermittent silence will help your learner transition from one topic to another and emphasize examining charts, graphs, data, or taking assessments that need the requisite attention.
Don’t let the audio steal the show. There are no prizes for guessing that the eLearning voiceover should work as an effective learning aid and not become the center of your learner’s attention. The voiceover should draw the learner’s attention to specific key points on the screen while engaging and involving the learner.
Block the ambient noise. Any extraneous noise in the background will take away the attention and focus from the main subject. Even when the recording is in a seemingly quiet space, edit out the white noise that can distract the learner. Multiple free audio editing tools are available to fine-tune the voiceover for your eLearning deliverables.

Audio lends life to your eLearning course and helps the learner complete the course. A professional narration explains the concepts and makes the course engaging. Carefully consider using both the audio and text. Keep the text on the screen to a minimum and consider offering the audio script as a text feature. Learners have different preferences. Some learners prefer to read while other learners prefer audio. By finding the proper narration for your eLearning course, you gain the ability to create a polished, organized, and complete eLearning experience.

This blog is originally published at LinkedIn on 9th Jun 2021

Your learning business is unique. We configure the right learning platform solution that fits you like a glove.

The post Using Voice Over for Your eLearning Course appeared first on Instancy Learning Platform and Social Learning Network.

7 Ways Artificial Intelligence is Changing the Way We Learn

Harvey Singh — Tue, 04 May 2021 08:37:00 +0000

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has evolved, emerged, and integrated into our everyday way of life. AI technology is being used to automate tasks by processing and analyzing information or data to recognize patterns, decision-making, enhance productivity, and maximize performance.

Artificial Intelligence is essentially a set of algorithms that can generate results without being explicitly instructed to do so. Some describe AI as a meticulous process of reverse engineering human traits and capabilities in a machine while, in parallel, deploying its computational abilities to surpass standard human capacity. It aids human capabilities in making advanced decisions with far-reaching consequences. Artificial intelligence is characterized by its ability to rationalize and take actions that are best suited to achieve specific goals.

Learning and development experts also strive to explore and implement AI to develop new training strategies and techniques. The most important way AI can impact the training, learning, and development sector is by assisting organizers in establishing more optimized and effective training methods and techniques. Here are seven effective ways of how AI can transform the way we learn:

1. Personalized Learning: While AI can be viewed as simply another feature of learning technology, using the true potential of AI calls for looking at personalized learning through a completely different lens. The presentation of personalized content will mandatorily accommodate personal preferences and learning styles for every individual learner, which would not be possible without Artificial Intelligence. Preparing AI to aid with personalized learning involves it being exposed to as many variables as possible, using a variety of input data. Learners need online resources that can fill gaps and help in achieving learning goals. Predicting outcomes, providing specific content based on the learner’s past performance and individual goals are ways of doing this. Targeted recommendations help build knowledge related to the learner’s skill gap in a personalized format. Some of the other benefits of personalized learning with the application of Artificial Intelligence are listed below:

Reduced Learning Time: Presenting personalized content to learners can help them achieve the learning goals much faster.
Engaging Content: AI analyses and proposes a learning program to each learner based on their past performances and objectives. This makes the learning pathway more immersive and engaging to the learner.
Automated Learning Process: AI can help construct a learning program where all data, programs, materials, schedules are based on the learner’s experience and preferences. The objectives are stored, tracked, and delivered.
Growing ROI: Faster, engaging, and immersive programs lead to better learning outcomes, thereby positively impacting the companies’ learning investment.

2. Adaptive Learning: With the coming of age of artificial intelligence in education, learning in current times is smarter, leaner, online, and global. With minimal dependency on physical location or tangible learning, material learning is redefined in its methodology. Adaptive learning platforms use Artificial Intelligence to understand the learner’s strengths, weaknesses, learning styles, and proficiency before providing them with the necessary learning resources and material. As we dwell on the subject of adaptive learning technology, there are specific key points to keep in mind:

The quality of educational content that is used.
How the AI-based platform identifies, assesses, and adjusts to the learner’s progress.
Tracking and calibrating performances and leveling up based on results.

With the evolution in human learning, customized learning systems are taking over conventional methodologies. The benefit of AI in adaptive learning is evident as more and more institutions are taking to orchestrated interactions.

The ‘recommender system’ used by AI and machine learning collates data across all learners in the learning system and tracks the learners’ past learning activities and competency requirements to recommend the best possible learning activity or content.

The learning sequence subsequently adapts to the skill and knowledge level while in parallel adjusting to the difficulty level of content or questions presented. Adaptive learning utilizes technology and algorithms for delivering customized learning programs to the learner. The advantage of adaptive learning techniques is that they reduce both the costs and administrative burden incurred with delivering content using traditional learning methods. A conversational interface is leveraged to gather information about user behavior and patterns to enhance the effectiveness in the process of learning.

3. Chatbots: Conversational AI-powered bots do much more than just converse. Designed to authentically simulate how a human behaves as a conversational partner, chatbots are used in dialog systems for multiple purposes. Education chatbots assist the learner by providing them with learning material on any topic that is both engaging and interactive. It helps them learn quicker through visuals, speech, or videos and helps with the evaluation of their responses to gauge their learning. An educational chatbot helps improve communication, improve productivity and minimize ambiguity from interactions. It keeps the conversations to the point and focuses on result-oriented interactions, thereby taking the learning outcome to fruition. A chatbot can assist the learner with the teaching and deploy blended learning to present learning activities that range from quizzes, games, simulations, and live tutor support to help the learner every step of the way.

4. Learning Content Analytics: Knowledge is no longer a static piece of information; it is a dynamic process that is continually changing and evolving. Data is necessary to feed algorithms. However, it is important to be able to transform any data that is collected into useful information. Natural learning processes (NLP) and speech-to-text can provide an everyday learning experience and aid in the learning process. NLP can be used to generate natural learning interactions between learners and learning platforms. Content analytics paves the way forward in assessing content, figuring out what does or does not work, thereby improving the quality of content. Content analytics offers more than just the source material to search engines. They aid in analyzing topics, the language, phrases, and style of the content provided for use.

5. Task Automation: Automating administrative work by deploying Artificial Intelligence helps educators focus on learning outcomes rather than administrative work and performing non-teaching tasks. Besides grading tests, evaluating homework, and reading essays, teachers are also responsible for preparing lectures, managing teaching material, drafting progress reports, etc. AI facilitates reducing the teacher’s workload by looking into the administrative tasks efficiently. Online exam software like ‘Proprofs’ can help create personalized exams and provide automated grading and results. Educators can use their time for greater involvement with the students.

A survey carried out by the University of Kansas throws light on the time spent by teachers on the tasks listed below:

Teaching 45%
Planning lessons 11%
Marking tests 9%
Carrying out administrative tasks 7%

The survey results indicate how the tutors are involved in multiple non-teaching tasks; a problem that could have assumed alarming proportions had it not been for Artificial Intelligence saving the day. The automation of administrative tasks has paved the way for institutions to minimize the time required to complete administrative tasks to spend more time with students. Software providers are continually upgrading methods of grading written answers and essays. The other department that is benefitting from Artificial Intelligence is the school admission board. Artificial Intelligence has brought about the automation of classification and processing of paperwork.

6. Smart Content: Simply put, smart content refers to content that is dynamic rather than static. Smart content can continually change and adapt dynamically depending on who is reading it. By this logic, the content can be targeted to the reader, creating a more individual and personalized experience. AI helps disseminate and break down textbook content into easy-to-consume smart study guides that include chapter summaries, true or false, multiple-choice practice tests, flashcards, etc. This also lends insights to the teachers to help them better understand student performance and deploy more effective personalized learning plans.

7. Secure Online Exams: Exams are an essential milestone for any student. Exams for the teachers assume the proportion of a logistical nightmare and require a lot of planning. Organizing and conducting exams for a large number of students can be a very daunting task. Secure online exams have gained broader acceptance in the recent past and have multiple advantages. An online exam comes with its set of checks that eliminate any chances of malpractice and human errors. Besides, pen and paper-based exams include a lot of coordination and manual work, both dreary and inclined to human errors. Online examinations can be conducted simultaneously across multiple locations. Upload the question paper on the system and store the digital format in an encrypted and secure manner. The evaluation process has also become a quick process, and in the case of objective questions, the results are instantaneous.

Benefits of AI for Students

24/7 Access to Learning: With AI, online access to learning without being linked to any one place is possible. Base schedules on the learner’s most productive hours, making the learning experience more effective and efficient.
Better Engagement: Individualized schedules, custom tasks, and personal recommendations lead to better engagement and heightened interest.
Less Pressure: Less pressure brings about less stress and more enthusiasm to learn. The availability of instant explanation by simply typing in a query has made personal progress come to the fore, reducing the pressure on the learner.

The academic world is rapidly embracing flexible digital and personalized learning by leveraging numerous applications of Artificial Intelligence. With greater accessibility to educational content through smart devices and computers, the dynamics of how people learn have gone through a complete transformation. Artificial Intelligence is the way forward to creating a unique personalized learning experience for the learner. Its benefits can certainly not be overlooked.

This blog is originally published at Medium on 4th May 2021

Your learning business is unique. We configure the right learning platform solution that fits you like a glove.

The post 7 Ways Artificial Intelligence is Changing the Way We Learn appeared first on Instancy Learning Platform and Social Learning Network.

Integrating LMS Within Microsoft Teams

Harvey Singh — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 17:32:29 +0000

Overview

A Learning Management System (LMS) is a web browser-based application that helps learning organizations deliver and manage online learning. It provides a portal and online course library to business professionals and students in educational institutions.

A modern LMS delivers much more than eLearning courses; It provides multiple forms or modes of learning including learning paths, virtual classrooms, assessments, certifications. In addition, an LMS also provides social learning and gamification features to promote learning and knowledge sharing. 

What is Microsoft Teams?

Microsoft (MS) Teams is a business application designed to increase the productivity of teams of people working together. It is a chat-based collaboration application that also provides document sharing, online meetings, calendars, and many business communications tools.

Microsoft has created an ecosystem that enables partner organizations to design and publish apps that complement the functionality of MS Teams. Since more and more teams and professionals are using MS teams for their day-to-day work, MS Teams is a viable and natural platform to deliver valuable business applications and information in the daily workflow.

Learning is one such great example. Learning Management Systems provide an on-going flow of learning resources to users. By integrating an LMS portal within MS Teams, learning can be brought closer to the learner’s attention and easy access.

Especially since the learner experience is via mobile apps or the web. This ease of adoption is the reason why MS Teams is largely adopted in business organizations and academic institutions worldwide.

Related Read:  11 Reasons Why Opting for an LMS is a Smart Decision for Your Organization

How Does MS Team Work?

MS Team is designed to support multiple teams all of which can be accessed through a single interface. While instant messaging is the preferred output, VoIP calls and video conferences are also supported.

As a matter of fact, the video conference feature supports up to 250 simultaneous participants. Members of a team have access to a pool of shared documents that can be opened within the MS Teams interface, downloaded to a PC, or retrieved via a link that can be shared.

How Do Users Benefit from MS Team?

1. Enhanced Communication:

With MS Teams, communication is enhanced as project teams can post their messages in multiple channels organized around projects or departments. To get a colleague’s attention in a conversation channel or chat, type @ followed by their name or an entire team.

2. Ease of Use:

The Microsoft Teams interface is very intuitive and so easy to use that technical expertise is not required to utilize its features. The MS Team is easily customizable and can be personalized to suit even the most unique business need. Accessing vital data is simplified with MS Teams’ interface.

3. Increased Efficiency:

Microsoft Teams enhances employee or student communication, productivity, and teamwork by integrating all forms of collaboration into one single user interface. This way users can easily integrate with apps like Outlook, SharePoint Online, Office Online, YouTube, Google Analytics, and One-note, (among others) which they need to complete their tasks. Seamless integration with third-party apps eliminates the need to exit the app to complete their tasks.

4. Security:

Microsoft Teams come with a variety of authentication protocols like organization-wide two-factor authentication or a single sign-on through Active Directory. These protocols were designed to provide users with cutting-edge security and compliance capabilities that improve the security of their operations.

What are the Key Features of MS Teams?

1.Spaces and channels: These are secure ‘spaces’, where designated team members can view documents and interact. There are separate channels for different topics, themes, or sub-teams.

2. Web conferencing, chat, and calls: These features allow users to schedule multiple video chats, share screens, and record meetings. One-to-one calls and much larger team calls are also supported.

3. Documents and discussions: With MS Teams users can discuss documents in real-time

4. Integrations with other apps: MS Teams features an extensive store of ready-made apps, add-ons, and connectors that facilitate integration with other apps.

5. Team Customisation: This feature allows users to customize the tool to meet specific needs. 

These features are responsible for the popularity of this solution globally. As a matter of fact, MS Teams counted 32 million daily active users of Teams as of March 2020. This figure has since grown to 44 million daily active users in recent times.

Use of MS Teams in Education and Training 

Microsoft Teams can be used by schools or academic institutions to create collaborative classrooms, connect in learning communities, communicate with school staff, and coordinate research across institutions among other things. Its web conferencing feature enables virtual face-to-face connections, assignments, files, and conversations into one single platform that is easily accessible on a mobile device, tablet, PC, or browser.

MS Teams provides the students with an actual feel of a classroom while allowing instructors to create their class, add selected students, share lessons, create assignments, collaborate virtually in real-time, and offer personalized feedback in one platform. The best part about MS Teams’ web conferencing features is that learners can share screens and record calls.

Integrating a Learning Management System with MS Teams. 

Each function of the LMS ranging from a content catalog, video library, assessments, and surveys can be accessed right within the MS Teams interface. MS Teams provides a tab interface to present external applications’ data within MS teams. Learners can receive notifications within the chat experience including reminders for completing the unfinished learning.

With single sign-on where the learners can connect to the LMS features, courses, and learning resources seamlessly within a familiar user interface. Learners can search for courses, enroll, consume all forms of learning content, and view their progress. They can earn points and badges for completing their courses. They can review, comment, and share the learning resources with their peers. 

Conclusion

MS Teams ecosystem will continue to expand with more and more applications, data, and information integrated right into the daily workflow. Learning Management System and MS Teams integration provide an ideal combination that enables learning, collaboration, communication in an integrated environment. 

Instancy Learning Management System MS Teams App brings together the best of team collaboration and eLearning in a single user interface. To discuss how we can help you create a viable blended learning experience, please schedule a free consultation with one of our learning consultant, please click https://stag2023.instancy.com/schedule-meeting.html

Your learning business is unique. We configure the right learning platform solution that fits you like a glove.

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Learning Analytics for Personalized Learning [An Updated Perspective]

Harvey Singh — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 10:09:58 +0000

Information translates to constructive learning when the instructor understands what the learner already knows and then ties it to the new information. When trying to explain the concept of the gearshift for a manual transmission car to a 10-year-old, a great way to drive the concept home would be to link it to the child’s understanding of the gears in his bike.

A one size fits all approach to learning defeats the purpose of effective exchange of information leaving many students lagging in progress, with matters getting worse as more advanced topics are communicated.

"Every learner has unique learning needs. Prior knowledge, speed of learning, and learning styles are different for each learner."

Technology can be used to deliver learning content in a variety of learning modes including video, animation, games, virtual classrooms, discussion forums, and project-based learning. Technology can also be used to reinforce learning through repetition.

With the customization and adaptation of learning techniques, the learning process becomes better suited for individual learners, given their own unique style of learning, background, specific needs, and previous experiences. Where the learner’s personal experience, habits, and knowledge are connected with learning methods, the process of learning is faster, improved, and more impactful.

Personalized learning does precisely this. It enables learners to master one topic or subject before they move on to the next subject. Some learners may learn the same subject at a fast pace whereas some may need more support or guidance and practice to master the subject.

In this article, we explore how modern technology and data analytics can provide the solution that the training and development teams have been looking for.

What is personalized learning?
Why adopt personalized learning?
Will personalized learning help learners master a subject?
Does personalized learning enable learners to progress at their own pace?
The Power of Learning Analytics and Learning Personalization
The Role of Big Data and Data Analytics
What is xAPI?
The Role of Learning Analytics in Personalizing Learning
Conclusion

What is Personalized Learning?

The definition of Personalized learning is quite simple, it uses data analysis and data-driven insights to personalize the learning experience for each learner. It uses elements of data science to customize the learning experience. Personalized learning helps learners learn at a pace that fits their needs.

How do you personalize learning? It may take the form of short or long educational programs which also help each learner learn at a pace that suits their needs.

Why is technology-powered personalized learning an effective way to improve education? Technology-powered personalized learning can help every learner master one subject before moving on to the next.

Why Adopt Personalized Learning?

Personalized learning is useful in high schools, colleges, career colleges, technical training institutes, and for personal enrichment. Personalized learning can be achieved by changing or modifying a student’s learning program to suit their specific learning needs.

Learners learn more effectively when technology assists them. It even improves their learning experience by providing answers to questions or solutions to a problem in a known format, guiding them through an exploration of a topic, and presenting or reviewing interesting material.

Will Personalized Learning Help Learners Master a Subject?

Online learning platforms enable learners to access their course material anytime and anywhere. It allows learners to progress faster and helps them work on unique and individual learning paths.

This form of learning helps learners build a strong interest in a subject. It helps them learn in context. Technology also helps learners manage their time better and learn more in a shorter time frame.

Does Personalized Learning Enable Learners to Progress at their Own Pace?

Technology can deliver courses to individual learners through Wi-Fi-connected computers and other devices. Here, instructions are delivered through a multimedia interface that is available to every learner.

Technology can be used to provide quick remediation to learners who have difficulty mastering a subject. It can also be used by students to take assessments and tests.

For students with reading difficulties, technology can aid them by displaying graphically enhanced text for easy comprehension. It can be used to guide students through assessments and measure their learning. Personalized learning helps with the retention of information and can be used to increase the effectiveness of teaching.

Today, the reality is that students, teachers, and administrators are pushing the limits on technology to deliver the best learning possible for students. As technology evolves, we should expect to see the level of personalization grow and must learn to embrace it.

"Technology has the power to change lives by delivering personalized material that when learned can be useful and relevant to students."

Are you ready to embrace personalization and technology to deliver the best learning for your students? If yes, then it’s time we took a closer look at the power of learning analytics and the role of personalization in learning.

The Power of Learning Analytics and Personalized Learning

Learning analytics (LA) and educational data mining (EDM) can be used to personalize the learning for each learner. The use of Big Data and data analytics technologies is expected to continue to rise. Before analysis, data must be collected about each learning activity.

Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL), a US government initiative, defined a standard way to collect learner activity data called Experience API or xAPI. Collecting learner activity across all devices, tools, content, and blended learning experiences is now possible with this standard protocol.

The large volume of learning activity data, learner profiles, and various forms of content provide a very unique and new opportunity to analyze and visualize that data. Learning analytics can provide many insights about how to personalize learning. For example, pre-test data may be used to identify gaps in prerequisite knowledge.

Learning interventions are provided to the learners before they are presented with the core subject material. Learners are presented with different learning modalities based on data about other learners having similar difficulties Certain learning activities are repeated over time to reinforce knowledge retention when applicable to on-the-job performance over a long time.

The sequence of learning activities may also be altered based on learning preferences or learning progress. Learning analytics (LA) may be combined with job tasks or job performance data to automatically trigger certain learning to be assigned to the learners.

Learner feedback data may be collected and analyzed to improve instruction or provide follow-on learning activities. Data reports and dashboards can be provided to learners, instructors, subject matter experts, and managers about learning goals and progress.

LA is the use of advanced techniques, tools, and platforms to gain insights into the potential impact learning activities have on achievement and outcomes. Learning analytics can help organizations realize their mission by providing actionable insights into their learning needs. Learning analytics aims to make learning processes more successful by identifying patterns in learning practices.

The analytic reports are provided by EDM and the data is stored on a cloud computing platform such as edu-ruler.com. The data is converted into useful actionable reports, dashboards, and analytics for use in decision making, coaching, and strategic alignment. LA for personalization extends beyond a simple assessment and support to learning by attempting to enhance engagement and affect. Learning analytics is a form of analytical technique that is used to gather, organize, cleanse, and analyze learning data and the output.

The Role of Big Data and Data Analytics

The phenomenal rise in the use of technology mediation has led to unprecedented amounts of data in the way an educational institution functions and student participation in learning experiences.

Learning analytics is not a new concept. Big Data has been around for more than a decade but hasn’t been used for the purpose it is now; to teach and train and to facilitate active learning and learning innovation.

Learning analytics provides information that can lead to many exciting new areas of overall enhanced quality of learning. The application of learning analytics is allowing higher education and learning institutions to become more aware of student engagement and learning outcome data.

With this information and intelligence, it is possible to implement proactive strategies and educational interventions to support learning and retention, provide corrective feedback and other interventions, and develop better learning experiences.

The role of big data and data analytics in learning was highlighted in the recent TEDx speech by Andrea Rosenblum of Rutgers University.
According to one study by The George Washington University, nearly one-third of the nation’s students will be jobless within six months of graduation.
“The number of entry-level jobs available in the workforce is not increasing as rapidly as the number of high school graduates, and there is little evidence that the economy is creating new high-skill, high-wage jobs,” Rosenblum said.

What is xAPI?

xAPI was first defined by the Government Learning Initiative (GLI) during their Big Data Challenge in March 2014. The challenge was funded by the United States Department of Education Office of Ed Tech/EduTech. To understand what xAPI is, it is helpful to take a look at what an Experience API is.

An Experience API is a standardized way to collect learner activity data about each learning experience. Before analyzing the xAPI, the data must first be pre-processed. ADL’s xAPI standard includes a self-assessment exercise to help ensure the right data is collected.

Related Read: Benefits of Experience API, xAPI and Tin Can API in eLearning Systems

The Role of Learning Analytics in Personalized Learning

Unstructured Big Data (to include not just EDM data, but also other forms of learning data) can provide an infinite amount of insights into learner performance. Data analytics can be used to understand how learners learn in the context of the learning process, how quickly learners complete a series of tasks, and how much of an impact different subjects have on their performance.

With the vast amount of data available about each learner, learning insights are now readily available to make each learner feel more connected. Learning analytics provides learners with an interactive way to relate with the learning experience. The real-time analytics from the data collected can provide learning insights.

The insights can include every learner in the process of learning. These learning insights can be combined with the role of certain learning activities and job tasks.

As a learning coach or teacher, it is important to know how to create a learning environment that can gather and analyse the learner’s data from their activities and jobs. The data collected by a learner can inform the learning environment as to the optimal way to improve the learner’s performance or to improve the learning experience for them.

A learner may not even know they are learning differently than another learner. Learning analytics and predictive analytics will play a vital role in helping educational institutions and corporations understand student performance and performance improvements.

Conclusion

Learning analytics has shown convincing evidence of transforming the way learning environments are calibrated with respect to impact and outcome. The more the data on our learners, the greater the insights we will be able to gather and use to improve educational experiences.

To explore more how to harness the power of learning analytics for personalizing learning, please schedule a call with learning experts at Instancy.

Your learning business is unique. We configure the right learning platform solution that fits you like a glove.

The post Learning Analytics for Personalized Learning [An Updated Perspective] appeared first on Instancy Learning Platform and Social Learning Network.

Learning Strategies and Design Archives - Instancy Learning Platform and Social Learning Network

Augmented Reality for Training

Virtual Reality vs. Augmented Reality

Benefits of Using Augmented Reality

Employee Recruitment

Enhanced Decision-Making

On-the-Job Performance Support

Ease of Collaboration

Support Soft Skills Training

Reduce Training Time

Learner Engagement

Enhanced Learning

Conclusion

About Micro Credentials : A Snapshot

Table of Contents

What are Micro-Credentials?

What Are Digital Badges and How Do You Get Them?

How Are Badges Different from Micro-Credentials?

How can You Acquire Micro-Credentials?

Benefits of Micro-Credentials

Which Skills Can You Acquire?

Conclusion

Your learning business is unique. We configure the right learning platform solution that fits you like a glove.

The Ultimate Guide to Microlearning

Table of Contents

What is Microlearning?

Principles of Microlearning

Why is Microlearning Important for Delivering Effective Learning?

Mobile Learning and Microlearning: A Natural Combination

Disadvantages of Microlearning

Best Practices for Microlearning

How to Build a Mobile-first Microlearning Content Without Coding?

Web-based Authoring Tool for Creating Mobile Microlearning

Summary

Grow and retain more members with a learning management system that supports courses, instructor lead training, and social learning.

11 Reasons Why an LMS Will Help Make Your Trade Association Successful

Introduction

What is an LMS?

Why Do You Require an LMS for Your Association?

1.Increases Non-Dues Revenue

2.Centralized Repository

3.Flexibility in Learning

4.Enhances Membership Experience

5.Certificates, Credit Tracking and Digital Badges

6.Integration with your existing AMS

7.Aids Social and Collaborative Learning

8.Built-In Authoring

9.Provides Micro and Macro Learning

10.Enables Remote Learning

11.Keeping up with the Latest Trends

A Robust LMS Solution for Associations

Conclusion

Grow and retain more members with a learning management system that supports courses, instructor lead training, and social learning.

How to Create Microlearning Using the Instancy Microlearning Editor

To create content using Microlearning Editor:

To Set-Up A Free Trial Of The Microlearning Authoring Tool, Please Sign Up

eLearning Trends That Will Dominate In 2022

Table of Contents

Introduction

Mobile Learning

Microlearning

Video Learning (VL)

Gamification

Social Learning and User-Generated Content

Artificial Intelligence

Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Metaverse

Adaptive Learning

Cloud-based Next Generation Learning Management System

Learning Experience Platform

Web 3.0 and Blockchain Technology

Big Data and Learning Data Analytics

Conclusion

Your learning business is unique. We configure the right learning platform solution that fits you like a glove.

Using Voice Over for Your eLearning Course​

Your learning business is unique. We configure the right learning platform solution that fits you like a glove.

7 Ways Artificial Intelligence is Changing the Way We Learn

Benefits of AI for Students

Your learning business is unique. We configure the right learning platform solution that fits you like a glove.

Integrating LMS Within Microsoft Teams

Overview

Using Voice Over for Your eLearning Course

Use of MS Teams in Education and Training 

Integrating a Learning Management System with MS Teams. 