Which learning formats were really important for companies in 2020 – and which were less promising? Answers can be found in the latest mmb trend study: We summarize what you need to know about the most important trends in corporate learning and why companies cannot ignore videos!
What is the mmb trend study learning delphi?
Core themes of the study by the mmb Institute are trends in e-learning, related to the next three years. A total of 61 experts from the DACH region participated in an online survey. The study regularly includes current topics, this year for example the evaluation of learning success. The complete study is available as a PDF.
Videos will be the most important learning format in companies
PLACE 3: For years, blended learning has held steady at number 1 among learning formats in companies. In the mmb trend monitor 2019, 97% of respondents agreed that blended learning plays a central role in corporate learning. In the current survey, blended learning has fallen to place 3, but remains relevant with 90% approval.
PLACE 2: The combination of face-to-face and online learning has been surpassed by microlearning: More and more companies are discovering microlearning as an opportunity to motivate employees through small “learning bites” and provide sustainable training. The implementation of microlearning is straightforward and can be quickly realized with suitable software for companies – no wonder that learning in small units becomes more popular every year.
PLACE 1: The most important learning format in companies for the next three years is videos and explanatory films. With 94% approval, the experts almost unanimously agree that videos will significantly shape the future of training in companies. "Video-based learning" is not only the most important learning format but also takes first place in the general trends in corporate learning - a double victory for learning videos!
Why are videos so popular in corporate learning?
Reading tip: We already discussed last year whether training videos are a necessity or a trend in companies – this year, videos finally take place 1, confirming our experience with video content in companies!
The increasing popularity of videos is not surprising to us. Videos offer corporate training managers unique advantages and opportunities:
1. Videos make training diverse
Videos are not a rigid method in training but rather a diverse medium: You can easily implement a wide variety of learning content in videos and design employee training engagingly. By the way, according to a recent study by TechSmith, the ideal length for training videos is a maximum of 3-6 minutes.
2. Videos are versatile
Another point in favor of videos in companies is the wide range of different video formats: In addition to technical explanatory videos as screencasts and personal training videos, there are many ideas for using learning videos.
Thematically, videos are also flexible: According to the trend monitor, “user training”, “product training,” and “occupational safety” are among the focuses of digital learning – all three areas can be very effectively represented through videos. Especially in the area of product training, training videos offer opportunities to show products “in action” and to convey operation or application easily.
TOP 5 topics of digital learning in the next three years
Place 1: Data protection policies
Place 2: User and customer training
Place 3: Compliance (e.g., regulatory compliance)
Place 4: Product training
Place 5: Occupational safety. Occupational health
(Source: mmb trend monitor 2019/2020)
3. Video production is cost-effective
The mmb trend monitor has shown that especially the learning formats that achieve high reach with low production costs are becoming more popular. This also applies to videos: For simple explanatory videos and video tutorials, expensive equipment is usually not necessary: Training managers, trainers, or even employees can create high-quality videos for corporate learning with minimal expenses. The smallest studio in the world and a smartphone are often sufficient to get started (and often even for the long term).
4. Videos can be flexibly combined
As a medium, explanatory and training videos need a framework. To create such a framework, you can perfectly link videos with other top learning formats! For example, you can use short videos in microlearning or integrate videos into blended learning, for example as an introductory video or video impulse in the online phase.
Reading tip: Streetwear giant SNIPES revealed to us in an interview how onboarding and training works with blended learning and video content in practice.
Learning videos and video tutorials have been a popular method for years to acquire new knowledge.
Conclusion: Companies cannot ignore video content
In summary, the mmb trend monitor confirms what training professionals have long known and applied in practice: Videos are a valuable medium for making digital learning diverse and cost-effective. Furthermore, you can use videos for almost all current trend methods (microlearning, blended learning, mobile learning).
Training videos and video tutorials will likely establish themselves as an essential must for all companies that want to offer modern training and education in the next three years.
If your company has not yet used videos for training, you should take advantage of this long-term trend now. We support you: With the free guide "Creating Good Videos with Your Smartphone," you will learn how to easily produce high-quality videos with your smartphone. Just download the guide and start right away with your own video content for your employees!
