Learning Management Success in 2016 and a Sneak Peak into 2017

2017 will be the year of xAPI, User Interface, and Informal Learning

As technology develops, more robust methods to track different learning styles, from independent research to class participation, are becoming available. It’s important to stay on top of the latest methods of tracking and allocating continuing medical education (CME) credits.  One such development is xAPI, though still in the beginning stages of widespread acceptance, it’s a useful tool quickly gaining popularity.

xAPI promises to yield tremendous results for continuing medical education. The xAPI update in October 2016, is one of the best learning management successes of the year.

What’s in store for 2017? How will xAPI influence instructional and user interface designs for learning management systems?

Learning Management Trends for 2017

In recent years, it’s become clear that CME data tracking systems need to be able to track informal learning methods as well as formal ones. That’s why xAPI was developed in the first place – as a way to collect data and track learning that takes place outside of the LMS (such as informal, on the job, or classroom learning.) From participation in social media groups to use of mobile apps, informal learning is a tool that continues to grow in popularity.

In  2017, expect  learning management systems to show a tremendous change in instructional and course design. Since xAPI tracks learning experiences both inside and outside the LMS, the instructional designer must consider how these learning activities can be tracked, as well as how to capture the data from outside of the LMS.

This data will provide insights into how learners actually learn. With this valuable information, the course design becomes more intuitive to the learner, and learning activities can become more personalized. xAPI also provides tremendous benefit to CME, by aiding in the data collection of performance practice.

In a similar vein, user interface design will be more important than ever. Personalization and customization are continually being developed as a way to improve learner retention. For CME administrators, this means developing a user interface design to optimize your learners’ retention of critical medical information.

When learners interact with virtual learning environments, the design should enhance the learning, not constrain it. Instructional designers need to observe and carefully consider how learners interact with the virtual learning environments. In 2017, subpar user interface design is unacceptable.

This next year is going to be exciting! Aided by a tremendous boost in the use of xAPI, 2017 will be filled with innovations on course design and user interface. The CME field has a lot to look forward to in LMS advancements.

EthosCE is the industry-leading, SCORM-compliant learning management system designed to automate and modernize the delivery of continuing education in the health professions. We work closely with leading medical association, academic centers, and health system to optimize their technology infrastructure and create an easy-to-use and intuitive environment for learners and CME administrators alike. For more information about EthosCE, please contact us at 267-234-7401.