Do you remember what life was like before you had a smartphone in your pocket?
Since the introduction of the smartphone, everyday life has changed in so many ways.
From ordering your favourite coffee via an app or looking up when your next train arrives, to researching bigger life decisions such as buying a house, planning an overseas trip or what courses to study all from a mobile device while you’re on the move.
That super computer in your pocket has changed the way you go about life.
So, in what ways has it changed workplace learning and development? Has the smartphone had an impact on how we learn at work and develop our employees?
There is no question that mobile learning (mLearning) calls for adaptability in workplace L&D. mLearning is transforming the evolution of organisations and their learning initiatives.
Reducing reliance on traditional training approaches
Organisations are moving away from more traditional learning methods. Whilst eLearning courses and on-the-job training remain as widely utilised delivery modalities, mLearning is revolutionising the way organisations design learning for their employees.
With large percentages of the workforce now mobile-enabled, designing and delivering learning so it’s effective and meets the ‘mobile’ needs of the learner is now a significant consideration for any business.
Increasing speed of deployment
Providing learners with short chunks of learning is more engaging and effective in assisting them to achieve their learning objectives. Delivered through a mobile device, these smaller modules are not just more effective for learners but they can also enable L&D teams to deploy initiatives that are faster to design and implement, reaching learners in a more timely and relevant manner. In comparison to traditional training approaches, mLearning can be more responsive to business needs and employee performance.
Enabling greater uptake of user-generated content
One of the most effective L&D approaches that has stood the test of time is learning from others; colleagues, peers, mentors etc. Technology has allowed for these collaborations to increase at scale, and mobile devices now make this even easier.
The accessibility of mobile devices allows workforces to connect remotely with ease, encouraging increased team collaboration, communication and the sharing of information. Users can not only access learning modules in just a few taps, but they have increased access to peers, colleagues and learning professionals from all over the world.
This collaboration is often occurring outside the guise of formal L&D programs but including it in your mLearning strategy means you can create more enhanced and relevant learning experiences, piggybacking of this greater integration.
Conclusion
Understanding how to get the most out of mLearning means embracing the capabilities of mobile devices and recognising how people use them.
Whilst organisations are all at different stages of their mobile transformation, significant trends are emerging that mLearning is becoming an essential component.
Fast, easy and instant access to learning via technology available on mobile devices allows for delivery of a truly unique learning experience for your audience.
However, in designing learning content to be delivered via a mobile device, there are some pitfalls to avoid and some further points to consider ensuring that your mLearning is effective and streamlined.
We’ve compiled a free guide to help you design mobile learning that works – download your copy here.