New Trend Hunter Report: “Educational Experiences” Explores Evolution of eLearning

December 9, 2021 | TrendHunter.com’s latest free report for Toy Association members looks at the growth of eLearning experiences for kids and adults alike, which presents new opportunities for toymakers with skill-building toys.

“What was once viewed as requirements for helping build necessary skills in school and the workplace, eLearning and virtual educational experiences are now seen as enjoyable, sought-out pastimes for all ages,” said Anne McConnell, senior director of market research & data strategy at The Toy Association. “As our members read through this report, we hope that they see the value in using AR/VR, podcasts, virtual learning classes, and other experiences to enhance their own engagements with consumers.”

The “Educational Experiences” report features the following key consumer insights:

  • eLearning Entertainment – Pre-pandemic, consumers would seek out eLearning mostly to learn necessary skills or increase employability, but now acquiring new skills has become a hobby for many. Paper Source’s exclusive Kids Club subscription box provides members with curated craft projects and access to complementary digital how-to videos, while the ‘Listenable’ app provides its users with bite-sized lessons on a range of topics.
  • Virtual Skill-Building – From language learning to virtual cooking camps, brands are creating virtual services that help children build various skills online. Examples include the new finance app ‘Walo’ which helps kids develop financial literacy, and the ‘Potty Time with Elmo’ app which aims to make toilet training transitions easy.
  • STEM Subscriptions — As STEM (and STEAM) skills are introduced to children at earlier ages, brands are offering subscription boxes with educational toys, visuals, and activities that help build and improve children’s STEM/STEAM skills over time. Kits range from the GIGIL STEM subscription box packed with hands-on activities to Tinker Crate’s STEM-focused kits designed specifically for tweens and teens.
  • AR Edu—Branded educational experiences are using augmented reality to enhance user engagement. The Dr Seuss's ABC - An Amazing AR Alphabet! app is an AR book for Android and iOS users that helps little ones practice the alphabet in an interactive manner. Colgate created hum lowercase? to turn the task of toothbrushing into a fun and rewarding experience that combines its toothbrushes with interactive gameplay.
  • Kid Podcast — Child-friendly podcasts offer a new form of entertainment for kids. Spotify teamed up with Warner Bros. and DC Comics to create a series of exclusive superhero podcasts based on beloved characters like Batman and members of the Justice League.

This report is the latest in a series from Trend Hunter offering in-depth perspectives and trends in various areas related to the toy industry and youth markets to help spark unique ideas. For additional relevant trends, toy companies can click on the report’s consumer insights examples, scroll down, and click the images for further information.

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