For years, blended learning and learning videos have been the undisputed top trends in continuing education. The mmb Learning Delphi trend study 2018/19 confirms this once again. We summarize what you need to know as a trainer – and explain why web-based training is the “dinosaur of continuing education.”

Last year, we reported on the results of the mmb Trend Monitor: videos as a source of income for company training were clearly the focus. Below, we show you which top learning trends are really holding up in this year's trend monitor and why pure web-based training is likely to become extinct in the coming years.

What is the mmb Trend Study Learning Delphi?
The core themes of the study by the mmb Institute are trends in e-learning related to the next three years. Last year, a total of 65 experts from the DACH region participated in an online survey. The study regularly includes current topics, such as questions regarding GDPR this year. You can download the complete study here.

Long-term trend: Yes to blended learning, no to WBT

The following graphic shows the top 3 forms of learning for corporate training over the next three years: the comparison to the previous study shows that blended learning, videos, and microlearning are holding stable in the top positions.

The steepest decline in agreement in the current study has been experienced by web-based training (WBTs): pure e-learning has fallen from 70% agreement to only 55%. This development is not new: the downward trend has been ongoing for the fifth consecutive year! In 2009, WBT with 90% agreement was still the leader among learning forms.

This means: in the trend for the next three years, pure e-learning is clearly “out” – but in combination with classroom learning remains stable in first place among learning trends!

Advantages of the TOP-3 Learning Trends

Blended learning combines classroom and online learning: in the classroom seminar, individual support from the trainer is provided. On an online platform, you enable good preparation and sustainable support for the participants with short learning units.
Learn more about blended learning in practice here.

Videos and explanatory films can be created, thanks to modern smartphones, even without expensive equipment, tailored to various content. This brings fun and variety to training and teaching – while effectively conveying knowledge.
Learn more about video shooting for online courses here.

Microlearning imparts comprehensive knowledge in small learning units (“snacks”). This keeps participants' motivation high. At the same time, learning content is reduced to the essentials and conveyed as simply as possible.

All top 3 forms of learning are characterized primarily by high flexibility, location-independent use, and easy, long-term conveyance of content. But why have web-based trainings been the losers of the study for years?

Web-Based Training: Ineffective due to lack of contact

Pure e-learning with WBTs does offer spatial flexibility, as the content is made available online. However, this method has significant disadvantages compared to blended learning: the personal contact with the trainer is missing! This results in further problems:

The questions and issues of the participants often cannot be clarified virtually.
The motivation of the participants suffers from the lack of personal communication.
The personal experiences of the participants cannot be addressed in the training.
The individual learning pace is often not taken into account.

For these reasons, pure e-learnings are likely to be used less and less in professional training in the coming years. For trainers who want to offer effective and sustainable online training, switching to blended learning is therefore recommended.

Are you a trainer, coach, or consultant and want to generate independent income with pure online courses? In this article, you’ll learn why this often doesn’t work: “Money while you sleep?! Why pure online courses aren’t worth it.”

The study also examined the topics that are trending more and more. Here, data protection is in strong focus.

Data Protection will be the most important learning topic

With the introduction of GDPR, not only new regulations regarding data protection have been introduced – this is linked to the necessity to convey these new regulations to all parties involved. In the area of e-learning, this results in two important fields of focus:

• Conveying data protection regulations as a learning topic, particularly for employees in companies.

• Considering the regulations in the context of e-learning and blended learning offerings by continuing educators.

Not only employees and participants must deal with the topic of data protection, but also providers and personnel managers. With digital learning offerings, personal data is always collected and processed – this increasingly leads to uncertainties on the part of companies.

We have already summarized the most important tips for companies:
Learn more about data protection and e-learning here.

According to the mmb trend study, nearly 70% of continuing education experts expect that digital learning will become more complicated in the future – at the same time, however, a great business potential also arises:

The GDPR will be an absolute focus topic in the coming years, which every trainer or personnel manager will have to deal with (inevitably).

The most important learnings for continuing education professionals

Let’s summarize the most important results from the mmb trend monitor – for trainers and coaches as well as for personnel managers in companies:

• Blended learning is not a flash in the pan! Especially in combination with learning videos, blended learning will remain one of the most effective and sustainable learning methods in the coming years.

• Web-based training is a dinosaur! Outdated by better methods like blended learning, pure e-learning no longer represents a good learning form in the long term.

• Data protection is necessary! With the topic of GDPR, not only participants but especially trainers and educational providers must deal with it.

By the way: Getting started with blended learning is not difficult at all. Download our blended learning guide for free and immerse yourself in the learning method of the future in 9 simple steps!