Table of contents
Overview
The digital landscape has shifted. What started as a tool for communication has evolved into an essential companion for every facet of human life. From entertainment and news to complex financial transactions, the mobile phone is now our primary interface with the world. This evolution has naturally extended into the sphere of professional development. Mobile learning (mLearning) is no longer a futuristic concept; it is a current reality that is redefining how organizations train, engage, and empower their workforce.
Conceptualization
In a nutshell, you have likely inferred the idea I am insinuating. Mobile phones have invaded nearly every existing realm of our everyday lives. Their utility spans across the entire spectrum of our requirements. Right from something as trivial as killing time when bored, to something as prime as making secure bank transactions—we employ mobiles at every other juncture.
In this light, the invasion of mobiles in the e-learning sphere is no longer imminent, but has already transpired and is here to stay and evolve. Mobile learning is rapidly emerging as the best bet available in terms of platforms existing in the e-learning sphere. It can also take the shape of an LMS and assist the learners to perform even better.
Mobile learning offers manifold advantages as compared to its contemporary traditional alternatives. The advantages of mobile learning are aplenty, and I have enlisted and discussed them below.
Key Advantages of Mobile Learning
1. Content in Micro-Chunks
Mobile learning amalgamated with microlearning is undoubtedly the best concoction, which if deployed to completion can revolutionize the e-learning cosmos. Its preliminary praxis in the L&D industry can restructure, refine and redefine the contemporary digital training pedagogy.
With training happening in compact, well-aligned snippets, the training process becomes well structured, better trackable and interesting, all at the same time. Also, it enables the learner/employee to have hands-on in-service training on the knowledge gained before it gets lost in the process of going through that entire never-ending course material.
2. Ease of Access
Mobile phones clearly have a ubiquitous presence and have permeated even the remotest parts of the globe. With almost every employee possessing a mobile, employers can leverage that availability for a double-ended advantage benefiting both them and the employees.
Uploading, assigning and accessing the assigned content can all be managed through the Cloud platform. With the availability of Cloud, we obtain a two-fold advantage:
- Enormous Storage Space: Storage space can never be an impediment in terms of storing content data for both the giving and receiving end users as cloud storage provides you an enormous space to be availed.
- Versatile Accessibility: Accessing content becomes inordinately versatile in the sense that the content can be accessed on any mobile phone provided it falls under the software frameworks that support the content. The familiarity with functioning on mobiles and the comprehensive interface makes the accessibility even simpler.
3. Learn While on the Move
Going by the literal interpretation of mobile learning, we can draw the inference that it is a learning that can be achieved on the move. Employees can train themselves when free or even while traveling, where they just have to log in to attempt a bite-sized course module and test themselves on the same.
Thus training becomes easier, faster, convenient and more interesting. The trainee can train himself/herself in his/her spare time and apply the earned knowledge capital when at the workplace. Also, the maintenance of uniformity with respect to the entire course structure available to all trainees is ensured by the uniformly doled out training content.
4. Engaging Interfaces and Performance Tracking
Assessments can be created in an engaging interface using gamified assessment engines. This renders the assessment modules more interesting and gives it a touch of interactivity.
Another advantageous feature is the smart performance tracker functionality. Employing this feature allows:
- Generation of detailed performance reports.
- Automated discernment of “weak zones” where the trainee needs improvement.
- Mapping performance with specific and apposite competencies to generate targeted improvement zones.
FAQ
Q:How does microlearning on mobile devices improve retention?
A:By breaking down complex topics into “micro-chunks” or bite-sized snippets, learners can absorb information without feeling overwhelmed. This allows for immediate application of knowledge (in-service training) before the details are forgotten in a longer, traditional course.
Q:Is there a limit to how much training material we can host for mobile users?
A:No. By utilizing Cloud-based platforms, organizations have access to enormous storage space. This ensures that neither the employer nor the employee has to worry about data capacity impediments on their physical devices.
Q:Can managers see which employees are struggling with certain topics?
A:Yes. Mobile learning tools come equipped with smart performance trackers. These systems generate reports that identify specific areas where a trainee may need more help, allowing managers to assign targeted training to ensure optimal growth.
Final Thoughts
Training can be assigned and managed based on smart reports, thereby enabling and assuring efficiency and optimal growth with minimal efforts. Mobile learning has ushered in a metamorphosis in the bedrock of Learning & Development, moving away from static classrooms to dynamic, on-the-go interactions.
We, Stratbeans, are the providers of such mobile learning tools apart from a wide range of e-learning solutions. Jump on the bandwagon and we’ll ensure you have the best experience! Register with us for e-learning solutions, free webinars, and product demos. The times they are a-changing come be a part of the revolution!
