2008 Corporate Learning Factbook Values U.S. Training Market at $58.5B

According to this BNet article referencing a recent Bersin & Associates study, overall corporate spending on training products and services grew from $15.8B in 2006 to $16.38B in 2007. This is as the total market grew slightly from $55.8B to $58.5B

Let’s hear it for eLearning

eLearning’s growth is phenomenal with a 5% increase in one year for self-study / computer based training, attributed mainly to online training adoption by small organizations. All of this is in line with the top technologies I’ve been tracking.

* E-learning has grown dramatically. The use of self-study e-learning now accounts for 20% of student hours, up from last year’s figure of 15%.

This growth is driven largely by an increase in online training among small organizations (100-999 employees), which are acquiring the skills and technology to make online training a reality.

Web 2.0 – Creating conversations and pushing knowledge

Notice within the article about the study the Web 2.0 effect on learning:

* The younger generation of learners is driving changes in learning strategies. This year’s study shows a sharp increase in new web-based and collaborative learning resources, such as podcasts, communities of practice, blogs, and wikis.

Trend alert: More space for consultants, less offshore content developing

According to the article, outside consulting is growing along with content developed and tailored specifically for the company. 

Read the rest of this entry »