DEV Community: Edly

Why Online Learners Drop Out?

Edly — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 12:28:26 +0000

Online learning has come a long way. It’s more flexible, more accessible, and often more affordable than traditional classrooms. But despite all the potential, there’s one problem that continues to haunt online educators and course creators: dropout rates.

We’re not talking about a minor dip in engagement we’re talking about serious numbers. Studies show that between 40% to 80% of students drop out of online courses, and in the case of MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses), that number skyrockets to over 90%. That means out of every 10 learners who start a course, only one might make it to the end.

Why is this happening? The reasons are often layered and personal, but there are clear patterns that show up again and again. Some learners struggle to adjust to the online environment itself it’s a big shift from the structure of a physical classroom. Others find that the course content doesn’t match what they were expecting. Some run into frustrating technical issues that disrupt their flow and cause them to give up altogether. And many simply lose motivation midway through, especially when there’s no instructor interaction, no peer support, and no real sense of connection.

There’s also the issue of flexibility. While being able to learn anytime sounds like a huge benefit, it often comes without the structure and accountability that many students need. Without set deadlines or check-ins, it becomes far too easy to fall behind. And once a learner falls behind, the chances of catching up start to shrink quickly.

Of course, there are life events illnesses, job changes, family responsibilities that can pull learners away from their studies. But in many cases, dropout is preventable. The key lies in spotting the early signs before a student completely disengages.

Think about this: how often do you notice when a student stops logging in? Most platforms track activity, but unless you’re actively monitoring it, that red flag might get missed. A sudden drop in login frequency especially from someone who was previously consistent is one of the first signs that something’s not right. It could mean the student is struggling, overwhelmed, or has simply lost motivation.

Another major clue is incomplete assignments or low participation. Maybe a student starts skipping quizzes or doesn’t submit weekly tasks. Maybe they stop responding in forums or disappear from group chats. These subtle signs often point to a deeper issue, whether it’s confusion, a lack of clarity, or personal challenges that are taking priority over learning.

Video behavior can tell you a lot, too. If you see learners starting videos but not finishing them or skipping them entirely that’s another sign of disengagement. Sometimes it’s because the videos are too long or too dense. Sometimes the content isn’t connecting with them. Either way, it’s a clear indicator that something needs to change.

And let’s not forget academic performance. When quiz scores drop consistently or a previously active learner suddenly starts underperforming, it’s time to intervene. They might not ask for help directly, but that decline in performance is their way of showing they’re struggling.

The good news is, these problems are not impossible to solve. In fact, many of them can be addressed with simple, intentional strategies.

For example, a well-timed nudge whether through email, SMS, or an in-app message can do wonders. Something as simple as “Hey Alex, you’ve already completed 70% of the course. You’re so close just three more lessons to go!” can reignite that spark and make a learner feel seen and supported.

Another effective approach is rethinking how your content is delivered. If long videos are causing students to drop off, try breaking them into smaller, bite-sized chunks. A 6-minute lesson followed by a short quiz is far more manageable and far more engaging than a 45-minute video that demands full attention.

Clarity is also essential. Sometimes students disengage not because they’re lazy or unmotivated, but because they genuinely don’t understand what’s being asked of them. Clear instructions, visual guides, and even short walkthrough videos can make a big difference in helping learners stay on track.

It’s also worth exploring ways to build more human interaction into your courses. Whether that’s through discussion forums, virtual office hours, or even anonymous feedback forms, students need spaces where they feel safe to ask questions, share frustrations, and stay connected.

And finally, once you’ve identified which students are at risk, don’t wait. Be proactive. Reach out before they fall too far behind. A quick message, a check-in call, or a supportive email can make a struggling student feel like someone cares and that can be enough to bring them back.

At Edly, we know how critical it is to catch these early signals. That’s why our LMS includes powerful analytics under the Edly Insights tab. You can easily track login activity, assignment submissions, video progress, and quiz scores; giving you a clear picture of who’s thriving and who might need extra support.

Because in the end, reducing dropout rates isn’t just about better tools it’s about being more responsive, more attentive, and more human in how we support learners.

Read the full blog to dig deeper into the early signs and proven strategies to reduce online dropout rates?

The Psychology of Learning Online: What Every Course Creator Should Know

Edly — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 15:38:14 +0000

In today’s world, where learners are juggling distractions, deadlines, and digital fatigue, course creators face a new challenge: how do you keep online learners engaged, motivated, and actually learning?

The truth is, online learning isn’t just a digital version of the classroom it’s an entirely different experience. Learners are on their own, surrounded by distractions, and often driven by internal motivation rather than external accountability. That means if your course doesn’t take into account how people learn online, it’s likely to be abandoned no matter how good your content is.

In our latest blog, we explore the psychological principles behind how people absorb information online and what you, as a course creator, can do to design experiences that stick.

Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll discover:
How to reduce mental overload by structuring lessons into short, digestible chunks

Ways to boost learner motivation using goal-setting, rewards, and early wins

Tips to hold attention in a world full of distractions (hint: short formats, stories, and frequent interactivity help!)

Memory-enhancing techniques like spaced learning and self-explanation

Strategies for building emotional safety and helping learners feel confident and supported

The importance of social learning, even in solo environments — and how to foster peer interaction

How to personalize the learning journey, allowing learners to move at their own pace and style

Why results matter more than course completion — and how to measure real success

Whether you’re creating a course for professionals, students, or lifelong learners, understanding the psychology of online learning can dramatically improve outcomes for your learners and your business.

This article is packed with actionable advice, real-world examples, and design tips you can apply right away. Ready to level up your course design with proven psychological strategies?

Read the full article: The Psychology of Learning Online: What Every Course Creator Should Know(https://tinyurl.com/ua2vntd)

10 Tips for Creating Assessments That Actually Measure Learning

Edly — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 09:57:22 +0000

Creating assessments isn’t just about testing what students remember. It’s about helping them grow, think deeper, and apply what they’ve learned in real life. In this blog, we’ll share 5 powerful tips that can completely change the way you assess learning — and if you want the rest, we’ve got that too.

Let’s get started:

Start with Clear, Measurable Learning Objectives
Before you write a single question, think about what the learner should be able to do by the end of the lesson or course. Clear objectives serve as the foundation for both teaching and assessment. If your goal is unclear, your test might not reflect what was taught or could miss key skills. The best objectives are action-oriented, specific, and measurable. Instead of saying “Understand ecosystems,” a better objective would be “Compare different types of ecosystems and describe how they support life.” Once you have these clear goals, your assessments will naturally align with what learners need to achieve.
Choose the Right Assessment Type for the Learning Goal
Not all assessments are created equal. The type you use should reflect the kind of learning you’re trying to measure. If you’re checking progress during a course, you might use quick quizzes or discussions — these are formative assessments. To evaluate learning at the end of a unit, summative tools like exams or final projects work well. If you want to see how learners perform in real situations, ask them to complete tasks like presentations or problem-solving — this is performance-based assessment. Self and peer assessments are also valuable when learners evaluate their own or others’ work. Choosing the right type of assessment ensures you’re capturing learning in the most effective way.
Use Bloom’s Taxonomy to Go Beyond Memorization
Bloom’s Taxonomy is a framework that helps you design assessments to test different levels of thinking. It starts with simple recall and builds up to complex tasks like evaluating or creating. The six levels include remembering, understanding, applying, analyzing, evaluating, and creating. For example, a basic question might ask students to list facts, while a deeper one might require them to compare ideas or design a solution. Good assessments should include a variety of these levels to get a full picture of what students know and how they think. This way, you’re not just checking memory — you’re measuring real learning.
Write Clear, Simple Questions
Even if your content is solid, poorly written questions can confuse learners and affect their performance. That’s why clarity is key. Use short, straightforward sentences and avoid technical terms that haven’t been explained. Stay away from trick questions and vague answer options like “All of the above” or “None of the above,” which often create more confusion than insight. If there’s any terminology that might be unfamiliar, define it clearly in the question. When your questions are easy to read and understand, learners can focus on showing what they know rather than decoding confusing language.
Make It Relevant to Real Life
Assessments become more meaningful when learners can connect them to real-world situations. If a student can see how a task applies outside the classroom, they’re more likely to engage and do well. You can do this by using practical scenarios, solving everyday problems, or linking questions to real careers or current events. For instance, instead of asking learners to list the features of persuasive writing, have them write a letter convincing the school to offer healthier lunch options. This approach not only tests understanding but also builds practical skills that students can use in real life.

Read the full article to Master All 10 Tips for More Engaging Assessments!

How to Use Feedback Surveys to Improve Your Online Course

Edly — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 09:52:13 +0000

If you’re running an online course, your top priority is helping students succeed. But how do you know what’s really working — and what isn’t? One of the most effective (and often underused) tools is the feedback survey.

When used correctly, surveys can give you real, actionable insights directly from your learners. Whether you’re teaching a few students or managing a large cohort, collecting feedback can help you:

Catch issues early before students drop off
Identify confusing or overwhelming content
Understand whether your course is helping students meet their goals
Make targeted improvements that enhance learning
Turn satisfied learners into promoters through testimonials
And the best part? You don’t need expensive tools or a complex setup. Platforms like Google Forms, Typeform, and SurveyMonkey make it easy to ask the right questions at the right time.

From quick in-lesson polls to end-of-course evaluations, feedback can shine a light on exactly where your course needs improvement. But it only works if you take action whether that means fixing broken videos, simplifying complex lessons, or adding more real-world examples.

To sum up:

Ask for feedback at multiple stages not just at the end
Keep surveys short, focused, and easy to complete
Use accessible tools to create and share your surveys
Review responses for common patterns or problem areas
Act on the feedback to improve your course experience
Use positive responses as testimonials to build credibility
Test changes with small groups before rolling them out fully
Keep the conversation open. The more you listen and improve, the more valuable your course becomes for your students and your business.

Read the full article to create feedback surveys that actually lead to better learning outcomes.

A Deep Dive into Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

Edly — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 11:29:40 +0000

Social emotional learning (SEL) is one of the trendiest topics in education circles today. The focus of SEL is more than just the transfer of knowledge. It is about the holistic development of students and cultivating essential life skills outside of the curriculum and classroom.

But what in the world is social emotional learning or SEL? Let's delve deeper into the fundamentals of SEL and explore the benefits it offers to both students and teachers. We'll also briefly discuss how you can incorporate SEL into your classroom. Keep reading!

TL;DR

Social emotional learning (SEL) is made up of five core competencies: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Responsibl Decision-Making, Relationship Skills, and Social Awareness.
SEL provides students with a solid foundation for holistic development, fostering well-being, academic excellence, and lifelong success.

SEL programs are equally good for teachers. With SEL skills, teaching becomes easier, they can create a welcoming environment for all students, and better manage their own emotions and stress.
To incorporate SEL into your classroom, you can do various things like starting the day with a student check-in, encouraging role-playing, and creating a "calm-down" corner.

What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

Social emotional learning (SEL) refers to an educational methodology that aims to build social and emotional skills among students, helping them to:

Understand and manage their emotions
Foster positive relationships
Make responsible decisions
Exhibit empathy for others
Work toward their personal goals

In general, SEL places equal emphasis on social and emotional skills as it does on other subjects like math and science. It equips students of all ages with the abilities that are crucial for success in school, work, and life.
Let's break it down a bit further.

5 Key Components of Social Emotional Learning

The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) is a leader in the field of social emotional learning (SEL). CASEL has outlined 5 core competencies that constitute SEL:
i) Self-Awareness
ii) Self-Management
iii) Responsible Decision-Making
iv) Relationship Skills
v) Social Awareness

Let's examine each SEL component in more detail.
i) Self-Awareness
Self-awareness is the first pillar of social emotional learning (SEL). It is about helping students identify their emotions, recognize strengths and needs, and develop a growth mindset.

ii) Self-Management
We as humans are born weak. We all experience emotional stress from time to time. So, self-management is about developing such abilities in students that they can regulate their emotions, impulses, and behaviors.

iii) Social Awareness
This is another core component of SEL. It involves being aware of other people's perspectives, acting with empathy, and respecting diversity.

iv) Relationship Skills
Relationship skills include effective communication, cooperation, conflict resolution, and empathy. These skills enable students to develop healthy relationships with people from various backgrounds.

v) Responsible Decision-Making
It includes making caring and ethical choices while being considerate about your own and other people's well-being. When taught these skills, students feel more confident in evaluating their options and making decisions that are consistent with their values and goals.

Why Students Need Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

SEL or social-emotional learning provides students with a solid foundation to succeed in school, life, and careers. Here are the top 4 reasons why SEL is essential for students:

1) Holistic Development
If you prioritize SEL in your school or classroom setting, this ensures your students are participating in lessons and games that help build self-reflection and consideration of others.
The students learn about themselves, appreciate diversity, and become more responsible through projects, discussions, and role-playing activities that foster an inclusive, positive environment for everyone in school.
That's the beauty of social-emotional learning (SEL) programs. These programs provide a holistic approach to teaching and grooming students.

Read the complete article on why students need social-emotional learning and its impact on educators.

Artificial Intelligence in Education: Striking a Balance between Innovation & Privacy

Edly — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 11:00:22 +0000

The world is changing rapidly due to artificial intelligence (AI). Its adoption is skyrocketing in almost every single field. One area where AI is set to make a huge impact, and already has in some cases, is education.

AI in education promises better learning experiences, personalized instruction, and quicker ways to handle administrative tasks. But all the amazing possibilities that AI brings come with a trade-off, as the vast majority of data required for AI to function raises serious privacy concerns.

In this blog, we'll look at the role of artificial intelligence in education and how to find the balance between its innovative promise and the need to protect user data.
Ready? Buckle up!

TL;DR

AI has a lot to offer in education, from personalized instruction to gamified learning, administrative task management, and more.
The AI systems used in education are heavily reliant on data. This raises questions about how data is stored, who may access it, and the potential ways it may be used or abused in the future.
The risk of data breaches, exploitation, and constant surveillance are some of prime examples of privacy concerns associated with AI usage in education.
By focusing on transparency, data encryption, user control, and regular audits, educational institutions can strike the balance between AI and privacy.

What is Artificial Intelligence in Education

Artificial intelligence in education (AIED) refers to the integration of AI technologies in the educational landscape to support educators, improve learning experiences, and streamline administrative work.

AI technologies, such as NLP, machine learning, robotics, and data analytics, enable personalized learning by adjusting content and pacing to meet the unique needs of each student.
Additionally, the use of AI in education automates a number of repetitive administrative tasks. This allows educators to focus more on teaching and student engagement.

Summary: Artificial intelligence in education (AIED) leverages machine learning, NLP, data analytics, and robotics to support teaching and learning.

Benefits of Artificial Intelligence in Education

Using AI in education brings many new opportunities, like learning that fits each student, fun and exciting experiences, better student involvement, and automating tasks to make things easier.

i) AI Personalizes Education
AI provides a great way to tailor learning experiences. It can review the academic history of a student to deliver a curriculum that matches their unique needs, abilities, and pace.

ii) AI Creates Immersive Experiences
AI-powered technologies such as AR, VR, and MR simulate real-world scenarios and make it easy for students to understand abstract concepts that might otherwise be challenging.

iii) AI Gamifies Learning
Modern students have short attention spans. AI-powered gamified learning platforms keep them engaged and motivated through challenges, rewards, leaderboards, etc. This enhances their focus on learning objectives.

iv) AI Automates Various Tasks
Through automation, AI helps educators offload various time-consuming tasks like posting assignments, evaluating student progress, sending emails, identifying learning patterns, and more.

Summary: AI enhances personalized instruction, creates immersive AR/VR experiences, enables gamified learning, and automates educators' tasks.

AI and the Privacy Dilemma

The use of artificial intelligence in education has significant privacy concerns. The AI systems used in education are heavily reliant on data. This often includes collecting sensitive information about students and educators, including their emotions, behaviors, online activities, attendance records, and even details like biometric data.

Not only is this data vast, but it is also very private. It brings up questions about how it's stored, who may access it, and the potential ways it may be used or abused in the future. Thus, there are genuine risks associated with the use of AI in academic settings that we should not ignore.

a) Data Breaches
Educational institutions collect enormous amounts of private information about students and learners, such as financial data, health records, behavioral patterns, and more. As AI applications demand access to this private data, the risk of data breaches is always there if it's not managed properly.
For instance, Proctoru is an online exam proctoring service. When hackers accessed their platform, it led to a data breach that leaked user records for about 444,000 students.

Read the complete article to explore privacy dilemmas and the perfect way to Strike a Balance Between Innovation and Privacy.

Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Learning: Finding the Best Fit for Every Student

Edly — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 11:12:46 +0000

You're a college student juggling assignments, a part-time job, and personal responsibilities. Your friend is in the same course but has a completely different schedule. You watch recorded lectures late at night while they attend live sessions where they can ask questions in real time. This is where synchronous and asynchronous learning comes in - two different yet complementary ways of learning. With so many students and working professionals pursuing education online, it's no wonder these models are changing the way we learn. But which one suits diverse student needs better? Let's break it down with relatable examples, real-life scenarios, and the latest trends.

Two Models

Before we get into which model works better, let's first understand the main difference between the two:

Synchronous Learning: This is like attending a live class but online. Everyone joins at the same time for live sessions like video calls, webinars, or chats. It's like a traditional classroom, just in a digital format.

Asynchronous Learning: Now imagine you have all your course materials available anytime. You can watch recorded lectures, participate in forums, and complete assignments when you want. There's no live interaction so you have full control over your schedule.
Both have their strengths, flexibility, and structure to suit different learning styles and life situations.

Why Does This Matter in Real Life?

These two models aren't just academic concepts - they directly impact how people balance education with their busy lives. Here are a couple of examples:
For the Busy Multi-Tasker
Zoi is a working professional pursuing her master's degree while taking care of her toddler. She has no fixed schedule so attending live classes is impossible. Asynchronous learning is perfect for her. She downloads lectures, studies during nap time, and reviews tough topics multiple times at her own pace.
For the Social Learner
Phineas loves learning with others. He gets energized when brainstorming with classmates or getting quick feedback from teachers. Synchronous learning is for him. He attends live sessions, joins discussions, and sticks to a schedule that helps him stay on track.
These examples show why this matters - education now fits individual needs, not the other way around.

Synchronous Learning: The Energy of Real-Time Interaction

Synchronous learning brings the lively feel of a classroom to online spaces. Picture joining a live video session where your teacher explains a tough topic, and you can ask questions right away. Here's why it's easy and so effective:

Active Engagement
Live interaction lets you get immediate answers and clarification. Whether it's a coding session or a discussion, you're part of the action. Take it as an example: In a live coding class, the teacher can fix a student's code on the spot, helping everyone understand the solution step-by-step.

Routine Brings Focus
A set schedule gives structure to your studies, helping you stay consistent and avoid procrastination.
For instance, weekly live sessions followed by assignments ensure steady progress, so there's no last-minute cramming.

Feeling Connected
Online learning can feel lonely, but synchronous classes create a sense of community. You can join group discussions, breakout sessions, and live Q&As to feel like part of a team.
As an example: During a virtual workshop, students work on a marketing project together, share ideas, and even build lasting professional connections.

Challenges of Synchronous Learning:
Time Conflicts: Fixed schedules can be hard for students juggling work, family, or living in different time zones.
Tech Issues: A reliable internet connection and good devices are essential, which isn't always available to everyone.

Asynchronous Learning: Study Anytime, Anywhere

Asynchronous learning gives complete freedom to learn whenever it fits into your life. You control your pace and schedule. Here's why it stands out:

Ultimate Flexibility
You can study whenever it's most convenient, whether early in the morning or late at night.
Example: A single parent working towards a nursing degree can complete assignments after her kids are asleep without worrying about missing live classes.

Learn at Your Speed
You can pause, rewind, or replay lectures to fully understand a topic without feeling rushed.
Example: A data science student struggling with a concept replays the same lecture multiple times until everything clicks.

Accessible Worldwide
This approach removes time zone issues and rigid schedules, making it ideal for students anywhere.
Example: An entrepreneur in Brazil can enroll in a U.S.-based course and study without worrying about inconvenient class timings.

Challenges of Asynchronous Learning:
Delayed Responses: If you have questions, it might take hours or even days to get an answer from your instructor.
Risk of Procrastination: Without a set routine, it can be harder to stay motivated and consistent.

Explore the complete blog to find out How to Pick the Best Model for You!

Why Mixed Reality (MR) Learning Experiences are the Future

Edly — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 09:06:51 +0000

Mixed reality (MR) is truly having a moment. While technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are quite popular, mixed reality is also growing in popularity, especially in the education sector.

Mixed reality provides immersive and engaging learning experiences by combining the virtual and physical worlds. It makes learning more dynamic by changing how people interact with their surroundings.

In this blog post, we'll be talking about what is mixed reality and how it is shaping the future of education and training.
Let's begin.

TL;DR

Mixed reality (MR) takes learners on virtual trips, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject being studied.
MR headsets are mostly wireless and battery-operated. You can take them anywhere and turn any location into a training facility.
Simulating real-world scenarios, MR enables students to practice surgeries and other high-risk training in safe and controlled environments.

MR brings abstract concepts (such as chemical reactions) to life and makes them more tangible and understandable.
MR-based educational apps make learning enjoyable and keep users engaged throughout the learning process.
Despite challenges like cost and accessibility, mixed reality is set to change the future of learning.

What is Mixed Reality (MR)

Mixed reality is an immersive technology that falls in between virtual and augmented reality. It's not just a fusion of AR and VR but also integrates 3D modeling, 360-degree video capture, and other advanced tools that combine the physical world with digital elements in real-time.

Unlike virtual reality, which creates a fully virtual world, or augmented reality, which creates a partial digital world, mixed reality (MR) seamlessly merges both realms by integrating virtual objects into the physical environments of the learners.
This seamless integration bridges the gap between theoretical concepts and their practical applications by creating a cohesive environment in which learners can engage with both virtual and physical elements.

The Rise of Mixed Reality in Education

If we look at the past few years, education has gone through some remarkable changes. From traditional chalkboards to smartboards, and now to immersive technologies, it has evolved a lot. Mixed reality is the next step in this evolution journey.
Why MR Learning Experiences Are the Future

By bringing together virtual and physical worlds, mixed reality offers a futuristic approach to learning and training. Not only MR addresses the limitations of traditional teaching methods but also opens new doors for creativity and innovation.
Here are five compelling reasons why we think mixed reality learning experiences are set to define the future of education and training:

Virtual Field Trips

Think about the traditional field trips. Aren't they limited by geographical, financial, and logistical constraints? Mixed reality eliminates these constraints to ensure nobody misses out on exploring remarkable locations.
What mixed reality does is, it creates virtual field trips. It enables learners to visit distant planets, witness historical events, or explore different ecosystems, all without leaving their classroom.

Such immersive experiences widen the horizons of students and help create a deeper understanding of the subject being studied. This also supports inclusivity by offering audio and video aids or other interactive prompts that help people with learning disabilities.

Example:
Google Expeditions allows trainers and educators to take their learners on virtual field trips to various locations and natural wonders. Through MR headsets, the learners can explore places like the Great Wall of China and the International Space Station, all while staying within their classrooms.

Bringing Abstract Ideas to Life

Subjects like science and mathematics are loaded with abstract concepts. For instance, teaching students about concepts like waves, energy, and chemical reactions can be tough using traditional methods. Thanks to MR, educators can now put these concepts into visual form, making them more tangible and understandable.

Example:
Elements 4D is a mixed-reality application that helps students visualize complex chemical reactions in 3D. Students can use special blocks that represent different elements and combine them to create new compounds while seeing the chemical reactions happen.

Read the complete blog on why MR Learning Experiences Are the Future.

Top Education Technology Trends to Keep an Eye On for 2025

Edly — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 09:52:08 +0000

Education is changing fast. As we step into 2025, it's clear that some education technology (edtech) trends are set to transform teaching and learning.

If we look at the current edtech industry, it's going through some rapid global expansion. This rapid growth is mainly because schools and other education sectors are adopting and using new technology in exciting ways.

These statistics highlight the increasing demand for the latest edtech solutions, indicating that the next few years will bring significant advancements and new opportunities in the education sector.

Top 5 Education Technology Trends in 2025

Education technology will transform physical and virtual learning environments in 2025 and beyond. With advancements in technologies such as AR and VR, conversational AI, and cloud-based LMS, edtech is and will continue to make learning more accessible and interesting than ever before.
Though the future is always uncertain, we've curated a list of the top 5 education technology trends that are expected to shape the industry in the year 2025.

1) The Rise of AR, VR, & MR in Classrooms
Emerging technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) are already making waves in schools. And this trend is expected to keep growing in 2025 and beyond. The numbers indicate so, too.

"By 2025, spending on advanced technology in education is expected to hit $12.6 billion, up from $1.8 billion in 2018", reports HolonIQ, the global impact intelligence platform.

These numbers suggest that AR, VR, and MR will play a crucial role in how education is delivered in the coming years. These technologies will help educators create immersive learning environments and provide students with an interactive experience.

2) Conversational AI Will Take Center Stage
The education sector ranks among the top five industries that are currently taking advantage of chatbots and conversational AI. This indicates that conversational AI is already well-poised to become one of the leading education technology trends in 2025.
Educational institutions are increasingly using chatbots to manage their day-to-day operations. These AI-powered assistants act like virtual helpdesks and help institutes efficiently handle a wide range of tasks: from answering common student questions about courses, admissions, and deadlines to guiding them about policies, events, and campus life.

Read the complete Top Education Trends here.

Edly: Keeping the Education Sector Ready for 2025

Edly is a leading provider of education technology services. We harness the power of technology to help you design interactive and enjoyable learning experiences. From e-learning technical development and course authoring to custom LMS solutions and data migration, we're here to set you up for success with the right tools and technology.
Ready to prepare your educational institute for 2025 (& beyond)? Get in touch with us today and see how we can bring your innovative ideas to life.

Why Investing in Open edX is a Game-Changer for Educational Institutions

Edly — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 07:12:28 +0000

Online learning is changing the entire education industry. It has transformed the way we learn, when we learn, and where we learn.
The move to digital education is so powerful that over 75% of universities today offer some form of online learning. Wonder how?
The universities generally use a learning management system (LMS) which helps them provide online courses by facilitating content delivery, student engagement, assessment, and more.
That said, if your institute is considering offering online education, you must invest in an LMS platform that would support the entire process.
But which LMS option should you choose?

What is Open edX?

Open edX is a free, open-source learning management system. The platform was created through a collaboration between Harvard University and MIT to power edx.org, the world's reputed online learning portal.

Open edX is used by organizations of all sizes from different sectors worldwide, including educational institutions, governments, nonprofits, and corporations.

It helps these organizations deliver online education and MOOCs (short for Massive Open Online Courses) to diverse audiences.
The platform supports 50+ languages. It has impacted more than 55 million learners all over the world. The highly scalable and flexible nature of Open edX has made it a go-to option for many institutions big and small.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Open edX

Why Educational Institutions Should Invest in Open edX

Open edX has gained widespread adoption across educational institutions. K-12 schools are using it to offer online and blended learning options to students and teachers. Colleges and universities are leveraging Open edX to provide distance learning courses and degree programs. Similarly, vocational training institutes are using the platform to deliver skills development programs and certifications in various domains.

Here are some key reasons why investing in Open edX could be a worthy choice for your educational institute:

1- Open edX is Easy to Integrate
Open edX is very flexible in its nature. It can seamlessly integrate with a variety of services and systems out there.
For instance, if we talk about educational technology standards like LTI, xAPI, and SCORM, Open edX supports all of them. What does it mean for you? This means migrations from any of these open standards will be simple, without any data loss.
Similarly, Open edX has the ability to connect with other external tools such as student information systems, content repositories, learning management systems, and more. As a result, you can continue using Open edX along with the technologies you already use.

2- Open edX is Highly Scalable
In fact, it's built that way. Having a cloud-based infrastructure, Open edX can handle both small and large scale implementations.
Let's say you need to select an Open Source LMS. Definitely you'd want a system that can grow as your business grows. This is where Open edX really thrives because it can scale on demand.
It's interesting to note that Open edX was initially created to support massive open online courses (MOOCs). So by its very design, it can help your institution teach thousands of learners.

These are only a few of the many reasons that make Open edX a strong option for your educational institute. Adopting this LMS solution will equip you to provide engaging and effective online learning experiences like never before.

Read the complete article here to understand why Open edX is a worthy choice for educational institutions!

Enhancing Instructor-Led Training for Modern Learners Through Edtech

Edly — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 07:33:11 +0000

What is Instructor-Led Training

As the name implies, instructor-led training is a training program led by an instructor. In the most traditional sense, this form of training occurs in a classroom setting, office, or any physical facility.

However, instructor-led training (ILT) can also occur online through virtual classrooms where students and instructors are present at the same time.

An ILT can include one of the following training formats based on your specific needs:
a) One-on-One: This training format focuses on individual learners in a one-to-one meeting. The purpose is to give in-depth instructions to each learner with personalized attention.
b) Small Group: In small group training, the number of participants is limited, generally less than 10. Here, the learners get to experience group discussions and peer learning under the supervision of a human instructor.
c) Seminars: Seminar trainings are educational sessions where one or more speakers guide learners on a specific topic. The size of these sessions varies from small groups to huge gatherings.
d) Workshops: This format comprises interactive sessions where the instructor guides learners through group exercises, case studies, and hands-on activities. The focus is to help users develop practical skills by applying information in real-world scenarios.

How to Enhance Instructor-Led Training With Edtech

Edtech, short for "education technology", combines IT tools with educational practices. Integrating edtech provides an excellent way to enhance the effectiveness of your ILT courses and satisfy the ever-evolving needs of modern learners.
Here are 5 ways you can use edtech to make your instructor-led training more engaging and dynamic:

Fill the Gaps with AR/VR

Sometimes, despite all the effort an instructor puts in, the participants find it tough to understand a new concept. This could be due to various reasons, such as the lack of any prior knowledge about the subject. So, they might not fully grasp that new idea unless they experience it themselves.
In such cases, emerging technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) can really step up and fill the learning gaps.

What the AR/VR technologies do is, they bring abstract concepts to life by creating immersive experiences. For instance, VR technology can transport your learners to the Moon, where they can explore its surface and improve their understanding of science and space.
Similarly, AR can help your learners understand machinery operations and repairs by creating 3D visuals of equipment parts and guiding them through complex processes step-by-step.

Read the complete ways to make your instructor-led training more engaging and dynamic, here.

The Complete Learning Management System Evaluation Guide

Edly — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 07:14:51 +0000

With so many learning management system (LMS) types out there, making the right choice often becomes a challenge. You need to pick an LMS that won’t just work for your organization “now”, but in the “future” as well.

Having said that, evaluating an LMS requires thoughtful consideration and a clear plan. Read the complete article here.

What is LMS Evaluation?

In LMS evaluation, you basically analyze and select the perfect learning management system for your organization. This generally involves systematic analysis of various LMS options based on their core features, user experience, overall value, and pricing. Such a process, if followed properly, helps organizations pick a learning management system that meets their training needs and leads to higher ROI.

Why is LMS Evaluation Important?

Before making the purchase decision, your company needs to find out whether an LMS is a good fit for your training goals, your learners, and your team. Otherwise, you’ll end up wasting a lot of money, time, and effort.

i) Effort — Most companies start using an LMS simply because they need to scale their operations or want to improve how they work internally. However, using a learning platform for the first time can be tough based on how user-friendly the software is. After all, you don’t want to waste much of your effort switching between platforms and figuring out how each one works.

ii) Time — Just think about hosting all of your training courses and projects in one comprehensive LMS platform. Eventually, this system will serve as a centralized hub for all your e-learning materials. But setting it up takes enormous time. And if you select the wrong system for your organization, it means all your time goes to waste.

iii) Money — Many all-in-one LMSs in the market offer different pricing tiers and usually require a yearly subscription, especially for enterprise plans. Want access to their “advanced features” list? You might need to pay extra money. And if you’ve selected the wrong one, switching plans or providers can be difficult, especially if you’re locked into a yearly contract.

Important Considerations for LMS Evaluation

Whether you’re selecting an LMS for the first time or looking to improve your existing solution, it’s critical to examine the actual wants and needs of your organization and assess the myriad of LMS systems available on the market.

By following the steps in this guide, you can make sure you look at everything critical when choosing the best learning management system for your institution.

Define Your Objectives and Target Audience
Remember, there’s no such thing as the perfect LMS solution. It all depends on whether a learning management system can meet your specific business needs and expectations.

That said, it’s vital to be clear on what your learning objectives are and who your target audience is going to be.

To understand the objectives, you must take inputs from all the stakeholders, including faculty leaders, technical staff, the finance department, the sales team, and more. This will help you set the right expectations as you would know what’s limiting your teams to perform better.

Similarly, you can get a detailed understanding of your target audience by looking at your organization’s profile. For instance, if you’re a university, your audience would be students. If you’re a company, then the users could be different, like they could be your employees, customers, partners, etc.

Understanding your audience also means how tech-savvy they are, what technology they have access to, and what languages they speak.

So, before you start evaluating an LMS, make sure you’ve clearly laid out your goals, and you know your target audience very well.

LMS Features and Functionality
It’s the most important consideration you need to make. Other factors are also important, but what an LMS solution can or can’t do will make all the difference when it comes to reaching the final decision.

The best practice is to create a detailed list of features you want in your new LMS. Then, you should break it down into must-have features and the nice-to-have extras.

Must-have features are must-haves, and they are non-negotiable. These will help you meet your primary learning objectives. Nice-to-have features, on the other hand, will add extra value and enhance the overall experience.

Usability
Usability is the next big thing you should consider after the functionality an LMS offers. Like, if it’s not user-friendly and nobody knows how to use it, then what good can all those features bring to you?

Since different users would possibly be interacting with your system, make sure it has an intuitive interface with a simple dashboard and easy navigation.

For more factors to consider for LMS Evaluation, read the complete blog here.