This document discusses trends in learning platforms for postsecondary and K-12 education in the future. It notes that the education sector is at an inflection point driven by increased adoption of online and hybrid models due to COVID-19. Learning platforms are categorized into LMS, digital courseware, video conferencing, and auxiliary platforms. Adoption rates, rather than new technologies, are driving trends toward more intuitive design, scalability, reliability, and enabling new academic models. While some temporary changes may revert post-pandemic, online and hybrid elements are expected to remain part of the new normal.

1. What’s Next for Learning
Platforms?
A view of postsecondary and K-12 markets
of the future
December 8, 2020
Slides: http://bit.ly/ltchill20
Images: https://mindwires.com/free-resources/
Phil Hill (@PhilOnEdTech)

2. For more depth on LMS

3. 3

4. Source: https://philonedtech.com/us-higher-ed-set-to-go-fully-online-in-just-four-weeks-due-to-covid-19/

5. Source: https://philonedtech.com/revised-outlook-for-higher-eds-online-response-to-covid-19/

6. Source: https://philonedtech.com/the-covid-fueled-hybridization-of-higher-ed/

9. We are at an inflection point in higher education
driven by mainstream adoption, different
platform designs, moving beyond the digitization
of traditional classroom, and (unfortunately)
Covid-19.
The key driver of trends in learning platforms is
adoption, not technology or pure innovation.
The net effect is leading to increased importance
of intuitive design, scalability & reliability, and
ability to enable revised academic models.
9

10. Learning Platforms: Four categories
10
LMS or VLE
Digital Courseware
Video Conferencing
Auxiliary

11. LMS: The Big Four

13. LMS: Secondary Players
Long-term
13
Medium-term
New(ish) or
not-an-LMS

14. Digital Courseware: Publishing futures
14

15. Video Conferencing: It’s real
15

16. Source: https://tophat.com/blog/adrift-in-a-pandemic-survey-infographic/

18. What Changes Are Going to Stick?
Lasting changes
• New ‘normal’ will have more
online / hybrid elements
• Video conferencing will
remain important
• LMS is not going away
• Learning activities often tied
to content (i.e. courseware)
Temporary changes
• Many instructors will revert
back to F2F status quo,
particularly in K-12
• All-synchronous remote
designs will moderate to a
mix with asynchronous
• Student / parent willingness
to accept “remote” quality
18

19. We are at an inflection point in education driven
by mainstream adoption, different platform
designs, moving beyond the digitization of
traditional classroom, and (unfortunately) Covid-
19.
The key driver of trends in learning platforms is
adoption, not technology or pure innovation.
The net effect is leading to increased importance
of intuitive design, scalability & reliability, and
ability to enable revised academic models.
19

20. phil@mindwires.com
@PhilOnEdTech
philonedtech.com
mindwires.com