Advances in technology and the rise of mobile devices have paved the way for a new pedagogical training model: mobile learning. This e-learning method provides users with engaging and effective educational resources that foster professional development without the barriers imposed by time or distance.
Mobile learning also offers multiple benefits to companies that decide to incorporate it into their training. In this article we explore them in more detail to help you boost your team’s skills and knowledge.
What is mobile learning?
Mobile learning, as its name suggests, allows users to acquire knowledge and skills through their mobile devices. With 25% of organizations already offering mobile learning and 61% planning to implement it in the coming years, it is an essential consideration for learning and development teams. It also comes with a wealth of benefits, from remote access to increased engagement, which we take a look at below.
Advantages of mobile learning for companies
1. Overcomes challenges of time and distance
Mobile learning allows users to access training content anytime, anywhere, from mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets. This personalizes the learning process and adapts it to each learner’s availability and schedule, giving professionals the power to manage when and where they learn, without the constraints typically associated with in-person training.
2. Time and resource savings
Mobile learning gives companies the opportunity to train their employees without the challenges of in-person training, such as travel, renting space, meals, and accommodation.
It also allows for better use of time, both for training managers and professionals who can consume content in microdoses in their free time or even during their commute to work.
This is possible because mobile learning and microlearning go hand in hand. Thanks to microlearning, users can enjoy short-form content on the go.
3. Enhances digital skills
Mobile learning comes in various different formats from audio to video and images. It also expands the academic offering and leverages technology as a key ally. Other forms of e-learning do the same thing but mobile learning takes this one step further by eliminating the need for a computer.
Meanwhile, professionals improve their skills and knowledge, as well as their digital competencies, as they discover multiple ways to navigate and interact with content.
4. Adapted to the modern learner
The modern learner already sees the use of smartphones as the easiest and most convenient way to access information. It is increasingly common to consult videos, tutorials, or quickly search the internet to complete a task or solve a question.
In this sense, mobile learning meets the needs of the modern learner, who seeks relevant information in the shortest possible time and in small doses.
5. Facilitates communication and interaction
Instant messaging apps are used daily in personal settings because they are effective, fast, and easy to use. Mobile learning has drawn inspiration from them to incorporate chats, forums, and various other methods of interaction into training apps.
Thus, mobile learning promotes communication between training providers and employees, and provides the opportunity to establish a collaborative environment among colleagues, reducing distance, response time, and allowing them to resolve doubts in real-time, which is especially necessary for frontline workers.
6. Promotes social learning
In line with these ideas, m-learning promotes social or collaborative learning because it takes place through internet-connected mobile devices, providing a safe space for interactions, participation, and collaboration.
Mobile learning allows students to share their training experience with other classmates, encouraging involvement, competitiveness, creativity and interest.
7. Motivation
Mobile learning utilizes engaging resources to captivate users, such as videos, infographics, or podcasts, all through mobile devices they are already familiar with.
As a result, the content is presented as both entertaining and educational, which hooks users and breaks the mold of traditional teaching. Furthermore, m-learning encourages the use of gamification since mobile devices lend themselves to games and apps that promote enjoyable and fun learning experiences which aid knowledge retention.
8. Improves management and results
Through mobile learning, users complete courses 45% faster without compromising effectiveness. In fact, studies suggest that higher retention rates can be achieved within a shorter period of time.
The use of this methodology for employee training also increases the productivity and competitiveness of the organization, reduces employee turnover and facilitates learning management, because employees can consult the material at any time, adapting learning to their own pace and allowing them to pick up where they left off.
How to introduce mobile learning in employee training
To introduce mobile learning in your company, it is essential to create a strategy. Below are some key steps to consider.
- Establish objectives
Once you have identified the need for mobile training in your organization, the next step is to outline its objectives and ensure that your employees have access to the mobile devices they need to participate.
Choose your tools
You must also choose the tools and software to create the training itself. This will enable you to develop effective content that aligns with the skill gaps in your workforce.
Communicate with your employees
Once your training is ready to launch, communication is key. Be sure to describe why you are implementing this new strategy, your objectives, and what your employees can expect from the training process.
Seek feedback
Your strategy should not end when your training begins. Feedback is crucial for evaluating the success of your new program and improving it in the future.
All the knowledge your employees need in the palm of their hand with isEazy Engage
If you’re unsure where to begin with your mobile training plan, we make it easy for you with isEazy Engage, the training app from isEazy. Take advantage of training that accompanies your professionals in their day-to-day activities, no matter where they are.
Increase knowledge retention and engagement through effective microcontent formats from audios to videos and infographics. Additionally, thanks to the use of gamification and its social and collaborative features, isEazy Engage allows you to create a unique learning experience to engage employees. Try isEazy Engage now and enjoy all the benefits of mobile learning.
