The current pandemic situation has forced the world to shift vertically and function remotely. This has pushed organizations and associations to train their workforces online, ensuring their continuous learning isn’t affected by the shift. As they say, “The show must go on,” we believe learning must continue with the top learning management systems (LMS). 2020 was all about adjusting to the new normal, but we are well-equipped to offer a better learning experience to employees, partners, customers, and vendors in 2021 with the 7 latest trends in online learning. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s delve deeper and explore!
Pro Tip: “Read the Latest LMS trends in 2025 in our recent blog: The Future of LMS in 2025: 7 Key Trends You Can’t Ignore.”
Top LMS Trends in 2021:
Online and Offline Learning in a Mobile-First Ecosystem
- Upskilling and personalized training
- Quick employee assessment, onboarding, and induction
- Information sharing on policies and compliance
- Help customers with product and service onboarding
Content Authoring Tools with Content Standard Support
Safety protocols, compliance training, and work processes have evolved alongside online learning. This has called for strict content authoring standards to be incorporated into popular content authoring practices. Leading LMSs support content authoring tools and editors that are compatible with SCORM, AICC, and xAPI standards for flawless and rich content creation across industries.
Note: Content for learners with special needs can be created
Gamified Online Learning
The major difference between in-person learning and offline/online learning is the lack of emotion or interaction. Learners enjoy learning in person as they get to interact with peers and instructors live. The 2021 trends have improved this with gamification for better learner engagement and a happier learning experience. Learners can access training courses and learn with fun in a gamified environment. They can:
- Track their progress
- Earn badges on course completion
- Access Leaderboards
- Get auto-generated certifications and accreditations
- Spend more time learning with fun
Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Personalized Learning and Assessment
AI is rapidly becoming the norm in corporate learning, including online and offline learning platforms. 2021 is bringing in more innovations to the existing benefits of artificial intelligence. AI-powered course progress tracking and upcoming course recommendations based on job role, completed courses, learning interest, course history, etc. AI-integrated LMS also helps in cheat-proof online exams and learner report gathering for improved analytics. Here are the popular AI-based LMS offerings:
- AI-based course and content generation
- Learner segmentation based on courses, industries, and learning preferences
- Better learner engagement
- Automated tasks eliminate manual work pressure from admins/instructors to save time
- AI-based chatbots to interact with learners and answer queries instantly

Train the Trainer
Most instructors are slowly adapting to the online mode of training, be it live classes or recorded sessions through an LMS. Training the instructors and trainers to work efficiently around learning management systems ensures better performance and smoother learning delivery. Out-of-the-box integrations with Salesforce and association management software (AMS) help LMS offer a unified ecosystem for organizations and associations, respectively.
Check out how:
- AMS (Fonteva) or Salesforce integrated LMS ensures Single Sign-On (SSO) for trouble-free login, training, and course access
- An integrated LMS benefits the instructors with a simple interface that a non-technical user can manage effortlessly
- Course progress and attendance tracking, reporting, and preparing content/assessments/tests/quizzes become easier (using content authoring tools)
- Advanced dashboards offer a clear view of learner data and analytics for actionable insights
AR, VR, and Mixed Reality Training
- Faster learning with better communication
- Enhanced interactive learning for a better experience
Big Data Analytics is the New Norm
- Content creation made easy with the right insight to learner data using Big Data analytics
- Personalized content delivery with a clear understanding of learning needs
- Better marketable content with the right analytics input
Conclusion
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