5 Locations to Find Reliable eLearning Statistics and Research for Instructional Design

Uncover the top resources for finding reliable eLearning statistics and research to support your instructional design. From industry reports to reputable research institutions, learn where to access data to validate your strategies, enhance learner engagement, and achieve impactful results.
eLearning statistics

Where to Find e-Learning Statistics and Research that Will Inform Your  Learning Designs and Projects

As a learning designer and project manager, I understand the importance of backing up your instructional strategies with solid evidence. It’s not just about creating engaging courses; it’s about crafting experiences that truly facilitate learning and drive results based on proven methodologies.

To make informed design decisions, learning designers need credible data to validate and improve their eLearning strategies. In a field where trends and learner needs constantly evolve, reliable statistics and research can help with many things such as assessing what methods work best, enhancing learner engagement, and proving ROI. Data can help to pitch your ideas, choose effective instructional techniques, stay aligned with industry benchmarks, and demonstrate the tangible impact of their programs.

But where do you turn to find credible research and statistics to support your design decisions in the vast online information landscape?

Check some resources that I’ve found helpful:

1. Statistics Portals with Data at Your Fingertips

You can also turn into comprehensive paid reports. Here are some statistics portals that cover a wide range of industries, including eLearning. They provide data, charts, and insights on eLearning market size, revenue, user demographics, and other relevant statistics. While reports are paid, they offer free summaries and insights into industry trends, including market forecasts and growth data for the eLearning sector.

2. Research Institutions and Universities

Universities and dedicated research institutions remain the bedrock of credible information. They often house departments or centres specifically focused on educational technology and learning sciences. Their websites and publications can be goldmines for peer-reviewed research, case studies, and white papers that delve into the theoretical foundations of learning design, empirical studies on the effectiveness of various instructional methods, and emerging trends in educational technology.

Some of my go-to websites include:

  • Open-Access Journals: Hubs like the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) (https://doaj.org/) provide peer-reviewed articles free of charge, offering a wealth of knowledge on various educational topics.
  • The Open University: A pioneer in distance learning, they’ve got a wealth of research on online learning and pedagogy. (https://www.open.ac.uk/)
  • Stanford University: Their Graduate School of Education is at the forefront of innovation in learning and technology. (https://ed.stanford.edu/)
  • MIT Media Lab: The fascinating intersection of technology, learning, and design, often pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. (https://www.media.mit.edu/)

3. Industry Associations in Your Professional Network

Industry associations are a valuable source of insights, networking opportunities, and professional development. They often conduct their own research and provide access to industry benchmarks and best practices.

  • The Learning Guild (https://www.learningguild.com/): Offers valuable resources, research reports, and insights on eLearning. They conduct surveys and research studies to provide up-to-date information on industry trends and practices.
  • ATD (Association for Talent Development) (https://www.td.org/): Provides a wealth of resources, conferences, and publications on various aspects of talent development, including eLearning.

Please note that some resources, like The Learning Guild, may require memberships or subscriptions for full access.

4. Government and Non-Profit Organizations

Government agencies and non-profit organizations focused on education regularly publish reports and statistics. This data can shed light on trends, demographics, and even funding opportunities within the eLearning space.

5. Reputable Blogs and Publications

There’s a vibrant online community of eLearning and instructional design enthusiasts sharing their knowledge and insights. Blogs and online publications can be a fantastic source of practical tips, case studies, and thought leadership.

Some of my go-to sources include:

The Challenge – Evaluating Credibility of Sources

With the abundance of online information, it’s crucial to evaluate sources. Consider the following when deciding on sources credibility:

  • Authority: Is the information coming from a reputable institution, expert, or organization?
  • Accuracy: Is the information supported by evidence and citations?
  • Objectivity: Is the information presented in a balanced and unbiased way?
  • Currency: Is the information up-to-date and relevant to current practices?
  • Relevance: Does the info directly address your research question or learning objectives?

By applying these criteria, you can ensure that the research and statistics you use to inform your eLearning designs are reliable and trustworthy.

As learning designers and course creators  we have a responsibility to stay informed and create experiences grounded in evidence. Credible research and statistics,  can improve our designs, enhance learner engagement, and achieve better outcomes.

I hope this curated list of resources empowers you on your eLearning journey. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or want to discuss specific research findings.

Note, that this post provides general information about eLearning statistics.

It is important always to consider the specific context and requirements of your learning projects. If you have any questions or would like to delve deeper into the topic, please email me or book a free online consultation via my contact page.

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Make sure to check out my other posts related to planning online courses, designing and developing learning content and delivering training. I share strategies and tools that you can use and many practical tips. 

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