Top 10 Learning Trends in 2024 to Focus on While Upskilling
According to the World Economic Forum’s The Future of Jobs Report 2023, there will be a 44% disruption of skills in the next five years. The report further suggests that reskilling and upskilling will be two of the dominant core focuses of Learning and Development (L&D) in the years to come. Before we delve into the matter, let’s first recap the learning trends 2023 had in store, and look into the top learning trends 2024 will bring. This should give you a fair idea of what to learn in 2024 and how to find the right motivation to learn.
In this blog, we will discuss:
- Aggregator of Learning Trends in 2023
- Digital Learning
- Equity and Inclusion
- Experiential Learning
- Cohort-Based Learning
- Skill-Based Hiring
- Learning Trends 2024 Will Focus on
- Immersive Learning
- Gamification Learning
- Microlearning
- Continuous Learning
- Learning Strategy Aligned With Business Strategy
- Data-Driven Learning
- Cross-Industry Learning
- Tailored/Adaptive Learning
- Focus on Soft Skills
- Multimodal Learning
Aggregator of Learning Trends in 2023
Before you focus on what to learn in 2024, let’s quickly go through the most popular learning trends 2023 highlighted. These trends are more likely to grow in 2024 as well as in the coming years.
1. Digital Learning
Online or digital learning is the new norm, especially for working professionals because it enables them to upskill without taking a career break. Moreover, as technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning grow, digital learning will have a profound impact on upskilling. According to the Emeritus Global Workplace Skills Study 2023, online learning is here to stay in 2024 and beyond. In fact, 83% of professionals say that they preferred online or hybrid learning to site-based learning.
2. Equity and Inclusion
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has been one of the top priorities for organizational growth in 2023. Learning and upskilling increase competency and, as a result, boost diversity in organizations.
3. Experiential Learning
This type of learning was among the most popular learning trends 2023 has thrown up. It focuses on a hands-on approach to gain practical learning. Experiential learning enables professionals to learn new skills by focusing on practical experiences, such as working on simulated real-life projects with the help of AI.
4. Cohort-Based Learning
This is one of the top learning trends of 2023 that will continue to rise through 2024. Cohort-based or group learning, especially through online skill-based courses, allows learners to interact and collaborate with other professionals, gain new experiences, and learn new perspectives. Moreover, it helps learners build a professional network that benefits their careers in the long run.
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5. Skill-Based Hiring
The Emeritus Global Workplace Skills Study 2023 has also demonstrated that skill remains the primary factor while hiring. Thus, it reiterates the importance of upskilling in the digital age. What’s more, 80% of professionals believe that continuous learning gives them a competitive advantage and boosts their careers.
Learning Trends 2024: What to Focus on
1. Immersive Learning
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are the top learning trends 2024. Both AR and VR are a more interactive or engaging learning experience for professionals. Immersive learning provides a controlled learning environment similar to real situations faced by professionals. Therefore, it helps learners gain hands-on experience and mitigates the risk of errors in the real world. It also helps bridge the gap between theoretical and practical knowledge.
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2. Gamification Learning
Adding gamification to the L&D program is one of the most popular learning trends 2024 spotlights. It refers to using games in a non-gaming environment to boost engagement and enhance the learning or training experience. A significant advantage of using gamification in L&D is that it provides the motivation to learn by offering a fun experience to the learners. Leaders can, therefore, use gamification to enhance training and upskilling by maintaining a scoreboard and offering rewards to the highest scorers.
3. Microlearning
Another popular trend that makes its way to the top of the learning trends 2024 list is microlearning. The short attention span of people in the digital age makes it difficult for professionals to focus on learning and upskilling for long durations. Hence, e-learning platforms and organizations are using microlearning strategies to help professionals upskill. It breaks down complex topics into simple components, essentially, bite-sized information. This helps learners digest new information easily. Microlearning, as a consequence, is more engaging and personalized.
4. Continuous Learning
Learning is not a one-time endeavor. Organizations as well as professionals are focusing on holistic development in the form of continuous learning. In fact, lifelong or continuous learning is critical to stay relevant in the fast-moving digital market. Society for Human Resource Management and TalentLMS’ 2022 Workplace Learning & Development Trends Report highlights that 76% of professionals are more likely to work with an organization that supports continuous learning. Therefore, as technological advancements increase in 2024, the need for continuous learning will also grow.
5. Learning Strategy Aligned With Business Strategy
According to LinkedIn’s Workplace Learning Report 2023, aligning learning programs to business goals is the topmost priority of organizations. It helps businesses address the skill gap within the organization in a cost-effective manner. Therefore, if you want to secure your career and move up the ladder in your current role, your “what to learn” and upskilling strategy should be tailored as per the business strategy. This concept is similar to Emeritus’ outcome-oriented learning programs in which professional courses are developed with the end goal of the learners in mind. Here, the goal is first defined, and then the course curriculum is designed accordingly to achieve that goal.
6. Data-Driven Learning
As explained above, L&D teams are focusing on offering skills and training to their employees based on organizational goals. Understanding and analyzing these goals requires a data-driven approach. Therefore, data-driven learning is one of the top learning trends 2024 has in store. Organizations must analyze their expertise and available resources to prepare effective learning strategies. This trend offers a more engaging and customized learning experience, helping businesses address specific skills gaps that are hindering growth.
7. Cross-Industry Learning
The immense competition in the market has made it necessary for organizations to think of creative solutions and implement innovative ideas. This requires in-depth industry knowledge. In fact, cross-industry knowledge facilitates better innovation by enabling diverse perspectives and fresh approaches. Thus, organizations will continue to emphasize cross-industry learning in the coming years.
From a career perspective, since AI may make a lot of jobs redundant for manual workers in the next few years, professionals need to focus on cross-industry learning. It is one of the top learning trends of 2024 that will allow professionals to future-proof their careers. Professionals also need to focus on transferable skills like project management, sustainability, data analysis, and creative thinking.
ALSO READ: 5 Trends Driving Corporate Learning and Development in 2023
8. Tailored/Adaptive Learning
Personalized, tailored, or adaptive learning is one of the booming learning trends 2024 will bring to the fore. According to a 2023 Rethink Your Learning Approach report by Deloitte, modern learning is learner-centric and uses personalized and integrated approaches. This enables learners to be in control of their professional development.
9. Focus on Soft Skills
Modern professional learning mainly revolves around enhancing one’s soft skills. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023 states that because of the changing demands of the workforce, organizations focus more on soft skills such as analytical thinking, creativity, leadership, and attention to detail when they look for new recruits. So, professionals who are unsure about what to learn and how to upskill can start by enhancing their soft skills. It remains one of the most significant on the learning trends 2024 shortlist.
10. Multimodal Learning
Multimodal learning is also one of the most important learning trends in 2024. This trend focuses on using multiple modes for teaching new skills and knowledge to learners. The 70:20:10 learning framework is an essential component of multimodal learning. According to the framework, 70% of the learning takes place on the job, 20% happens through collaboration with other professionals, and 10% of the learning is done through formal education or training. Modern learning, therefore, focuses on all three aspects of upskilling.
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The global challenges in the past two to three years have created uncertainty. Consequently, businesses are facing acute skill shortages. The key to organizational growth is hiring and retaining skilled resources. In fact, addressing the skill gap is the top priority for organizations, thus emphasizing the importance of upskilling as a core element of learning trends 2024. If you are planning to take your career to the next level, consider pursuing Emeritus’ online courses. These courses teach you the latest skills and trends as per the relevant industry, enabling you to secure advanced career growth opportunities.
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