Here at XLPro, while I interact with different clients from across the sectors and geographies,I am often asked “Do you create responsive e-learning”?
And my answer always is an undeniable YES not only because the market demands it but because that’s what is shaping up the future of e-learning.
As you may be aware that the traditional elearning modules followed the fixed design layouts which were neat and clear on any PC and laptops, etc. but were probably incompatible with any mobile device. This was solved to a big extent with the arrival of responsive design, where the content could automatically adjust with the screen size thus allowing the learners to enjoy the same learning experience “anywhere on any device”.
You can know more about responsive design, in one of my previous blogs.
So what are those five undeniable factors that are defining responsive e-learning? Let’s explore:
1.Increased mobile penetration
The number of mobile phone users in the world is expected to pass the five billion mark by 2019. This is strongly supported by the technological advancements in terms of better mobile connectivity and strong networks.
With the present day learners now owning multiple devices like smartphones, tablets, and iPad etc. the learner can start learning on the PC and can easily shift to any other devices like a smartphone or a tab without compromising on the learning process and experience.
The responsive learning allows the organizations to provide the learners the same learning experience across the devices.
The present-day authoring tools and new LMS also have the capability to adapt to responsive learning which is a strong driving force or a reason for making your learning responsive.
While the future is getting ready to embrace responsive learning, the organization are moving to adapt the responsive learning approach.
2. Bring Your Own Device (BYOD Policy)
While traditional elearning through the desktops and laptops was still being continued in many organizations, the learning community saw a visible shift in many organizations. As per a study, 59% of organizations allow employees to use their own devices for work purposes, which is further strengthening the trend of BYOD.
Since employees are using their personal devices for work purposes, organizations are seeing this as an opportunity to provide learning onto this devices.
3. Millennials comprise a majority of the organizational workforce
With the millennials, comprising at least 50% of the global workforce by 2020. m-learning is not going to remain as an option but will become a necessity for organizations as millennials prefer using mobile devices more than desktop and laptops. For learning to be accessible on any of these devices it has to be responsive.
4.Responsive design is future-proof
The growing number of smartphone devices in the market is a clear evidence towards a bright future for responsive design approach. With millennials spending more time in mobile smartphones than on desktop and PC, it is definite that the learning will take place in the multimedia devices.
The present market of authoring tools and LMS too are increasingly highlighting the feature of the responsive design approach which makes the responsive learning future proof
5.Today’s learners demand seamless user experience.
83% of mobile users say that a seamless experience across all devices is very important for them. This can be ensured with the responsive design approach as the course can be viewed and enjoyed the devices without losing the learning experience.
The above mentioned five points are the driving factors for the visible shift from the traditional elearning to the responsive learning. In my opinion with the expansive technology, the responsive learning is here to stay and will better evolve to support the new upcoming devices and create an unmatchable user experience.
