We spend just under three hours on our phones per day. That’s nearly the equivalent of running a small marathon. But it's not all bad news. Mobile phone users are now taking a segment of that time to consume captivating knowledge directly from their mobile devices.
Mobile learning is fast becoming a staple in our lives. The benefits are vast and available solutions are powerful and highly engaging. In this article we look into what mobile learning is, its history and all of the benefits. Let’s jump in:
Mobile Learning or m learning is the new way to access information-rich content directly from your phone. Your mobile goes with you everywhere, now so does your learning. It enables learners to consume learning in different formats from wherever you are and at any time.
Typically delivered through a mobile app, learning is optimised to be engaging and mobile user friendly.
For example, mobile learning corporate training is now highly utilised across all industry sectors. 72% of organisations say they are more adaptable to market changes when using mobile education.
Mobile learning was first envisioned by computer scientist Alan Kay in 1968. That’s back when mobile phones weren't invented. He wanted to create what he called a ‘Dynabook’, a portable computer in between a phone and a tablet that could convey learning. Ultimately, the Dynabook was never released however it pinpoints the inception of mobile learning.
Smartphones being launched catapulted mobile learning into the mainstream. LMS providers could easily deliver their learning content directly to users' handsets. Mind you, It was no overnight success. Two years after the app store was launched, only 45% of the top LMS companies had a mobile app meaning that adoption was slow.
LMS organisations and other learning providers initially transferred their desktop content to mobile. Creating a very clunky, unfriendly user experience that didn’t adapt to reduced screen sizes. Since then, learning providers have fully optimised for mobile, creating a seamless user experience.
It now feels strange if we don’t take our phones out of the house. Our smartphones go everywhere we do. As technology improves, so does our dependence on mobile devices. Let's dive into the importance of mobile learning and how technology is improving our efficiency to learn:
Learners can access training content anywhere and at any time. Employees are no longer confined to their work computers during office hours. This allows users to train at a time of their choice reducing office distractions and improving engagement.
Whilst technologies have made our work more productive, a side effect is that we now have less free time. Mobile learning can be induced in many time-saving forms that work around your busy schedule. Ranging from bitesize interactive videos that are typically no more than 5 minutes to short-form podcasts.
Mobile learning courses take 40%-60% less time to complete than conventional in-class training. That’s a pretty powerful tool to unleash in your organisation.
Not many people have the attention span to sit through an hour-long training course anymore. That's why effective elearning training methods such as bitesize learning have become so popular. In addition, gamification, leaderboards and creating competitive environments can also be used in mobile learning. This will also contribute to higher course completion.
Mobile learning leads to a 72% increase in user engagement which is very impressive. LMS providers utilise new technologies to create fun and interactive mobile learning that captivates its users.
The meteoric rise in social media has trained us to consume information through smartphones quickly. We are used to getting short clips of information, mobile learning now caters to this with a wide array of training progams in varying forms that cater to all learning styles.
LMS solutions can now wield the power of collecting extensive user data which can be used to customise learning pathways for department or individual development. LMS systems track who has completed which courses and, if there are upskilling opportunities amongst a plethora of other amazing features.
Learning pathways can respond and adapt to the user's experience, ultimately feeding content in a suitable format for their learning style.
As we alluded to earlier, everyone learns differently. Providers have adapted their learning material to ensure everyone receives the right training for them. Let’s look at the different mobile options available to the end-user:
This comes in the form of online webinars and group learning. Normally instructor-led through a video feed mobile users join using their LMS solution or other live video software. Users can get their questions answered quickly, record the session for later consumption and engage with other people in the online classroom.
Under this umbrella can fall several different methods of delivery. The format can encompass pre-recorded lectures, interactive bitesize videos, workbooks, learning games and much more. Courses are easy to access again and are usually internally stored on your learning management system app.
With pre tailored courses, you are not confined to joining a class at a specific time, allowing for greater flexibility.
Mobile learning serves not to replace in-class training fully, but to complement it. After attending a class, you can top up or refresh your knowledge with a bitesize course on your mobile. Alternatively, trainers can set courses (almost like homework) for you to complete after attending a face to face session. This helps to increase knowledge retention.
There is no doubt about the benefits that come with mobile learning. Whilst the industry already provides a user-friendly and interactive experience, it is always seeking to develop new innovative solutions.
A fast-growing LMS solution for mobile learning is myAko. It’s a powerful, adaptable and engaging mobile-accessible platform that goes with you everywhere. Many of the 2000+ information-dense courses available are in bitesize format to fit around your busy schedule.
Wielding the latest in mobile technology the user-friendly myAko app enables you to quickly access content, consume your organisation's news, attend events and much more. Personalised learning paths are provided so you can make sure users have the best learning experience.
Catering to all learning styles, different content formats are available. From pre tailored interactive courses to hosting live training events, myAko has it all.
Get in touch with one of our team today to get hands-on with this powerful mobile solution.
One of the team is ready to show you how everything works and answer any questions you might have!
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