Introduction to Mobile Learning
Traditional classroom-style training, while once the predominant method, is no longer the sole practical approach for employee development. A study, “Research on the effectiveness of online learning compared to traditional classroom-style training”, has shown that online learning can be equally effective in knowledge transfer and skill development, if not more so. This makes Mobile Learning’s future pretty bright.
Additionally, researchers by independent scholars Siemens G., Jurowski A., & Baker E. demonstrate that AI-powered personalized learning experiences can significantly enhance learner engagement and outcomes. This explains why dedicated mobile LMSs are so popular and effective. After all, by leveraging the devices we carry in our pockets every day, companies can deliver engaging, accessible, and effective learning experiences to their employees anytime, anywhere.
Benefits of Mobile Accessibility
Judging from my own experience, the unmatched accessibility of mobile learning is one of its biggest benefits. Luckily for all sides, the days of requiring staff members to physically attend training sessions or be tethered to their workstations in order to acquire new skills are long gone. I hope you are one of those who have yet to see them, as traditional training used to take a lot of time. These days, any part of the globe can become a classroom thanks to mobile learning. The only requirements are relatively modern devices and internet connectivity.
Mobile learning benefits mostly come through the provision of training materials on smartphones and tablets. Thus, companies guarantee that their staff members have access to vital information at all times and locations. Talking about those who benefit the most from it:
- Field workers who may not have regular access to PCs
- Employees bind to frequent travels
- Remote workers spread across different time zones
- Staff members with busy schedules
The simplest example here will be an imaginable technician who can obtain troubleshooting tips while on the job site or a sales representative who might swiftly examine product information before meeting with a client. Instant access to knowledge greatly increases employee confidence and autonomy, resulting in boosted job performance.
Increased Engagement and Participation
Let’s face it: traditional training methods can sometimes be a bit, well, boring. To say the least! Mobile training engagement, on the other hand, offers a fresh and interactive approach that resonates with today’s workforce. This is especially true for younger generations who’ve grown up with technology at their fingertips.
I frequently included various gamification features, such as leaderboards, incentive programs, and quizzes, in the learning courses and academies. They make learning more interesting and enjoyable. Your gamified strategy must encourage staff members to take a more active role in their own growth by appealing to our innate competitiveness and drive for success to be effective.
Furthermore, the bite-sized format of mobile learning content, also known as microlearning, is ideal for our attention spans. I bet you have already noticed it by yourself. Even despite my best efforts to keep this article informative and at the same time interesting, you have already had to regain your attention while reading it. The same happens to the learners. By dividing intricate subjects into digestible portions, mobile learning facilitates employees’ assimilation and retention of knowledge.
Flexibility and Convenience
Flexible mobile learning addresses this issue head-on by allowing employees to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule.
Employees can maximize their free time with mobile learning, whether on a commute, lunch break, or even while standing in line at the coffee shop. This adaptability is especially useful for:
- Parents trying to find a work-life balance
- Employees working irregular shifts
- Individuals with different learning styles and preferences
By providing this degree of ease, companies show their dedication to work-life harmony and provide their staff members the freedom to direct their own education.
Cost Efficiency
Even though a mobile learning platform may seem like a big initial expenditure, there may be considerable long-term cost reductions. Cost-efficient mobile LMS (Learning Management Systems) eliminate many of the expenses associated with traditional training methods, such as:
- Venue rentals for in-person training sessions
- Travel and accommodation costs
- Printing and distribution of physical training materials
- Lost productivity due to employees being away from their work
Moreover, it is simple to update and disseminate mobile learning content, guaranteeing that all staff members have access to the most recent knowledge. Yep, no need for expensive reprints or retraining sessions.
Enhanced Learning Experience
Employees’Mobile learning transforms employees’ learning and alters when and where they study. By utilizing mobile devices’ distinct features, you can design multimedia-rich educational experiences that accommodate diverse learning preferences.
For example:
- Visual learners can benefit from infographics and video tutorials
- Auditory learners can listen to podcasts or audio lessons
- Kinesthetic learners can engage in interactive simulations and hands-on exercises
A multi-modal approach ensures that a diverse workforce will comprehend and retain the training material more effectively.
Real-Time Updates and Feedback
Real-time mobile learning enables businesses to rapidly send all staff members important updates, policy changes, or information about new products. Furthermore, mobile learning platforms frequently provide tools for instant evaluation and feedback. This feedback loop in real-time allows for the following:
- Employees to track their progress and continue to improve
- Managers to monitor team performance and provide timely support
- L&D teams to gauge the effectiveness of training programs and make necessary adjustments
Integrating with Existing Systems
How mobile learning will integrate into an organization’s current training infrastructure is a typical worry when implementing it. The good news is that integration is a priority in the design of contemporary mobile learning products. Integrating mobile learning with your current LMS or HRIS can create a seamless learning ecosystem. This integration allows for:
- Single sign-on capabilities for easy access
- Synchronized tracking of employee progress across platforms
- Consistent reporting and analytics
- A unified learner experience that combines mobile and desktop learning
Regardless of your workers’ preferred learning method or device, you can develop a unified learning plan that fulfils the needs of every employee by utilizing these connectors.
Overcoming Challenges in Mobile Learning
Although there are many advantages to mobile learning, there are clear drawbacks that should be recognized and resolved. I want to share the most important of those:
- Device compatibility
- Content design
- Security concerns
- Connectivity issues
- Employee resistance
As you can see, those come of a diverse nature. While you may impact, for example, the last one by motivating your people, it may be impossible for you to ensure that all your workers have stable connections, etc.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
As we look to the future of employee training, it’s clear that employee mobile training will play an increasingly central role. Because mobile learning is accessible, engaging, flexible, and economical, it is a priceless tool for companies trying to develop a workforce that is knowledgeable and flexible.
In the upcoming years, mobile learning experiences should become even more immersive and productive thanks to the development of mobile technology, which includes advances in AR and VR. The potential for rich, interactive mobile learning content will increase dramatically with the proliferation of 5G networks.
In an increasingly competitive employment market, organizations that use mobile LMS and integrate them into their learning and development strategy will be well-positioned to draw in, hold on to, and develop top talent. Employers may cultivate a culture of continuous learning that propels creativity and success by giving staff members the resources they require to learn and develop on their own schedule.
