The popularity of eLearning has changed substantially over the last few years, with technology making education and knowledge sharing more accessible than ever. As of 2022, the global eLearning market size was valued at USD 399.3 billion with an anticipated growth rate of 14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between 2023 and 2032. Whether it’s for a mandatory certification, professional upskilling, or exploring personal interests, digital learning has empowered individuals to pursue knowledge and skills at their own pace, tailor their learning experiences to specific needs, and access diverse educational resources from anywhere in the world.
Traditionally, eLearning has been associated with video lectures and modules, often used for continuing education. However, the way eLearning takes place today has evolved significantly. In this report, when we refer to eLearning, we’re referring to the use of digital technology to access educational resources and instruction outside of the traditional classroom setting. Think video modules, online courses, webinars, educational video games, in-app learning (like Duolingo), augmented/virtual reality or even educational content found on social media.
This report will dive into the finer details of how learners prefer to absorb information through eLearning content. We surveyed hundreds of American eLearners to understand how eLearning fits into their life–their goals, preferred formats, investment level, to name a few–and to gain an understanding of how learners like to absorb information.
Hooked on Learning: Nearly 70% of eLearners Make eLearning a Weekly Habit
The digital world has revolutionized our approach to education and knowledge sharing, letting people discover new interests and ideas, and making learning more accessible and convenient. From self-development to mandatory workplace training to learning a new instrument, you can sign up for a course, and learn from the convenience of your own home!
With self-directed and self-paced eLearning being able to conform to the flow of different people’s lives, it has become an integral part of learners’ everyday activities. We asked individuals who had participated in eLearning in the past two years to share insights into how eLearning fit into their daily lives. Nearly 70% of learners said they pursued their learning goals on a daily or weekly basis: 26% engage daily, while 43% participate weekly. 31% pursue their learning goals either monthly or yearly.
Why Do People Learn?
Career development and personal interests are the primary drivers for participating in eLearning. 60% of learners participate in eLearning for upskilling and professional development, while a similar proportion (58%) engage in it to develop personal interests and hobbies. Learners also pursue eLearning for academic purposes (45%), learning new technologies or software (34%), meeting mandatory job requirements or training (33%), and learning new languages (25%).
How Much Do Learners Invest?
In a fast-paced world of digital learning, time and engagement are key. Our survey found that learners favor shorter, more focused eLearning sessions. Just under one-third (30%) of learners prefer eLearning sessions up to 30 minutes long before needing a break, and one-third (33%) of learners prefer sessions to be up to 45 minutes long before needing a break. Keeping eLearning sessions concise and bite-sized allows learners to absorb information efficiently without feeling overwhelmed, and makes it easier to fit learning into busy schedules.
Social Media: More Than Just Scrolling
Some might not consider social media as an eLearning resource, but with so much educational content on social platforms, social media’s contributions to learning are undeniable, with 90% of eLearners acknowledging it as a valuable tool for gaining knowledge. Platforms like YouTube, LinkedIn, and even Instagram provide educational content, ranging from quick tips and tutorials to in-depth discussions and expert-led webinars. The platforms’ algorithms help learners continuously engage with and discover new information in an informal but effective setting.
Half (50%) of learners said they actively seek out educational content on social media, and 40% say they come across and consume educational content on social media, but don’t intentionally search for it. Whether learners hope to keep up with the news, want to learn how to bake bread, or need to learn how to change a tire, it’s clear that social media is an integral part of the modern eLearning landscape.
Game On: Learn by Playing with Interactive eLearning
Thanks to advancements in technology, interactive eLearning is on the rise. 22% of learners said they have participated in interactive eLearning content over the past two years, though this number could be higher. Some people might not even realize that activities like a VR simulation in a museum or maintaining a Duolingo streak are actually forms of eLearning.
Gamified and game-based learning have been around since digital technology entered the classroom. Those who were in elementary school in the late 1990s and early 2000s might remember classes in the computer lab, playing programs like Math Circus, Reader Rabbit, and others. A recently published paper by Najran University found positive effects of game-based learning, finding that game-based learning in early childhood showed signs of enhanced engagement, improved social skills, such as communication and cooperation, and improved emotional development among children.
No matter what age the learner is, game-based learning can help increase the learner’s motivation, knowledge retention, and application of that knowledge. Our survey found that interactive eLearning is more likely to be favored by learners between the ages of 18-29–40% of that age demographic said interactive eLearning is one of their preferred formats, compared to 27% of those between the ages of 45-60.
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Methodology
The survey was conducted by Momentive for Voices from August 13, 2024 to August 14, 2024, among a representative sample of 502 Americans aged 18 or older who had actively participated in eLearning in the last 24 months. The survey’s margin of error is plus or minus 4 percentage points. Responses have been weighted to reflect distribution in US Census data for age and gender. The survey looked at habits and preferences among Americans who have recently participated in eLearning.
About Voices
Voices is the world’s #1 voice marketplace with over 4 million registered users. Since 2005, the biggest and most beloved brands have entrusted Voices to help them find professionals to bring their projects to life. Voices has worked with major clients including Shopify, Microsoft, The History Channel, The Discovery Channel, Hulu, Cisco, the biggest ad agencies and thousands more small businesses.
