The interest in AI applications like ChatGPT is clearly evident – trust in artificial intelligence has significantly increased. AI applications have also made a big leap forward in further education. This is the conclusion of the trend study "mmb Learning Delphi 2022/2023". Learn more about the top trends of 2023 now!
This is the trend study “mmb Learning Delphi”
Every year, the mmb Institute presents the current trends and developments in digital learning. These reflect the results of a survey of 95 e-learning experts (2023). On the one hand, long-term trends are examined: Which forms of learning will be relevant over the next three years? On the other hand, the study also collects information on current (short-term) trends. Here you can view all the data from the study.
Looking back: These were the trends of the past 5 years
Before we take a look into the future, we want to reflect on the trends of the past: Which trends are lasting and which forms of learning could not establish themselves?
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2018
Results of the trend monitor: Short, simple videos dominate digital learning, blended learning is predicted to be a long-term trend.
2019
Results of the trend monitor: Discussions about the GDPR have also made their mark in the trend monitor. Therefore, the question arises: What significance does data protection have for corporate learning? Learning formats like web-based training are losing importance.
2020
Results of the trend monitor: Videos overtake blended learning and thus become the most important learning form in companies. AI applications are coming into focus for the first time, but are perceived more as side issues.
2021
Results of the trend monitor: Due to the Corona pandemic, blended learning becomes the most important learning form for the next three years. A real long-term trend!
2022
Results of the trend monitor: Explanatory videos and especially “EduTubers” are the number one learning trend. Micro-credentials increase motivation for informal learning. Blended learning is indispensable in modern further education.
You see: Short, concise learning units, explanatory videos, and the blended learning format are clear winners among the long-term trends! But which forms of learning will shape digital further education this year?
These are the trends of this year
Learning trend No. 1: AI in further education
The study results clearly show: AI applications in further education are gaining more and more trust. While the importance of “adaptive learning” fluctuated between 49% and 62% in previous years, adaptive learning was assessed as relevant for the future by 83% of the respondents this year. Therefore, the result of the current trend study is so surprising! The reason for this upturn: On the one hand, the growing trust of professionals in AI applications plays a role. On the other hand, adaptive learning can solve relevant problems in the education system:
Adaptive learning creates individualized learning environments. Thus, learners who exhibit very different learning levels can achieve their learning goals more easily. A learning group, for example, consisting of individuals with different native languages and different learning levels, can better navigate learning paths through AI applications.
Another possible reason for the sudden trust in AI applications is described in the trend study as the “Chat GPT effect.” Because at the time of the survey (December 2022 - January 2023), the chatbot was widely discussed in the media.
Learning trend No. 2: Blended Learning
Blended learning remains the top learning form and has thus been a trend in digital further education for over 10 years! The current trend study shows: 90% of respondents still regard the learning format as relevant – despite the fact that the Corona restrictions are largely over.
Learning trend No. 3: Podcasts
Podcast – this means comedy and true crime for many. However, there are many other topics that pique listeners' interest. The trend study confirms this, as e-learning experts now rate podcasts as a learning form with future potential! The mmb Institute describes the trend as the “renaissance of podcasts.” In the long term, podcasts belong to the older learning forms – but who says they can't become a long-term trend again? At least the surveyed experts see potential, as 57% assess the trend as a “learning application of the future.”
Overview: All trends to read
Did the trend study make you curious, and now you want to learn more about past trends? We have summarized all the important information for you:
2018: The importance of videos in blended learning
2019: What further educators need to know
2020: Videos are the top learning form for companies!
2021: How to achieve corporate e-learning from home
2022: These are the must-haves in corporate learning
When we look at the study results from the past years, we can see that the trends in further education have changed significantly in some areas. A few years ago, the focus was still on e-learning and the digitization of learning content. However, the importance of AI in further education has gained more support. The possibilities that arise from adaptive learning are immense. For example, personalized learning content can be created that aligns with the individual needs and capabilities of the learner. Automatic evaluation of learning progress or predicting learning needs are just a few examples of the use of AI in further education.
One learning format, however, remains the uncontested winner of the long-term trends: blended learning. The trend study clearly shows – virtual learning events are part of normal learning everyday life. Therefore, it will be exciting to observe what developments await us in the coming years and which trends will continue to revolutionize further education!
