Are you thinking to make mobile learning more engaging for learners? Known as the world’s first Smartphone, Simon Personal Communicator made its debut on November 23, 1992, which had features of a modern-day smartphone like a handheld device, personal digital assistant (PDA), touch screen cellular phone, making and receiving calls, sending and receiving faxes, emails, calendar, clock, address book, calculator, appointment scheduler, etc., In 2022, when we are celebrating Simon’s 30th anniversary, we already have a mobile-native generation of people (viz., Gen Z ) younger generation, who have grown up with this technology.
Mobile learning (or m-learning), mean learning on a portable device such as Smartphone, tablet, etc., They provide a platform for content distribution among learners. In other words, m-learning helps to increase support and diversification in the learning process. They include videos, apps, podcasts, quizzes, etc., Learners are provided with instant access to small and independent chunks of information which are known as micro-learning, enabling learners to digest the content easily.
In Mobile learning, ‘mobile’ refers not only to the device but also to the learners themselves. You can use m-learning to manage the training needs of the formal sector, informal learning, instant training aids, self-directed learning, and social and collaborative learning.
It is best suited for providing refresher courses to brush up on the knowledge and skills of the learners. In contrast, e-learning provides in-depth fundamental knowledge of the subject. In other words, it provides an alternative to classroom learning. For instance, in teaching English in a comprehensive and structured way by providing a holistic view of the subject, e-learning is preferred.
M-learning is implemented in corporate training during employee hire induction programs and onboarding, providing product knowledge training, etc., M-Learning today is imperative for rapid upskilling/reskilling at speed. Mobile Learning offers an opportunity to reach employees who work remotely, those who want to take their training outside their work hours, or employees who are frequently on the go. After creating the content, you can share it with your learners through email, social media or forums, etc., who can access the materials using their mobile devices. While m-learning may not be the best option to teach anything right from scratch, it can build into the workflow by providing additional support to the learners whenever they require them. Contents developed for mobile devices should be broken down into smaller units that can be easily accessible on a Smartphone. As technology is constantly evolving, and with the digital transformation taking place at a faster pace, organizations should adapt themselves to new innovative methods to maintain a competitive advantage over their competitors. With Gen Z’s younger generation getting into the workforce, they expect access to online resources anytime and anyplace. M-learning helps provide speedy learning whenever required.
Benefits of Mobile learning:
– For the Learners:
- Training is provided on the go at diversified locations.
- Access to the training resource from anywhere, anytime.
- Enable learners to learn at their own pace.
- Consume information in small chunks ie micro-learning
- Higher Knowledge Retention.
- Personalization, the module that each individual takes, can be based on their needs.
– For the Organization:
- Address remote learners and geographically spread out audiences.
- Provide higher engagement and participation.
- Lower Cost
- Facilitate Leadership Development Skills.
- Better Business results
The components of Mobile learning are:
- a) An authoring tool: that allows you to create courses, video lectures, presentations, and assignments that you want your learners to study.
- b) A Learning Management System (LMS): Here we upload training content, assign it to learners, monitor their performance, create reports, etc.,
- c) An App: ensure a smooth learning experience for learners. Learners can install the app on their devices and use the contents.
To make mobile learning engaging you can apply these techniques:
- a) Microlearning: This approach takes a large block of information and converts it into bite-sized lessons that are easy to digest which are usually for a short duration of time. This helps retain information better.
- b) Gamification: This approach helps teachers inject the gaming aspects into their learning program, for making the learning process more fun and engaging. It includes gaming elements like sequencing, matching, quizzes, leaderboards, prizes, etc.,
- c) Leverage the power of Video-Based Learning: Videos can be part of the learning process and can be used to explain concepts in a better way.
Tips on how to create an effective and impactful mobile training strategy:
- Make your content responsive so as to adjust the Smartphone screen width and height, as well as the size of the desktop screen accordingly.
- Provide bit-sized shorter content for better knowledge retention.
- Encourage continuous learning by suggesting new and innovative ways to upskill and boost performance.
- Ensure that the learning content is designed around the needs of the workforce to work efficiently, fostering higher productivity and driving better business results.
- Ensure that m-Learning training becomes part of your workforce culture.
- Build on the knowledge base from customer reviews and feedback to improve customer satisfaction.
Advantages of Mobile Learning:
- Provide Micro-Learning Content for better memory retention.
- It is more accessible:
- it is more engaging:
- it is cost-effective:
- Demonstrate better completion rates
- Real-time feedback.
- Diversification
- Flexibility in learning
- Quick Training
- Better business results
- Provide Multi-device support
- Promote both social and collaborative learning.
- Supplement Formal Learning
- Utilize the blended learning approach (ie hybrid approach)
- A learning Management System (LMS) assists in providing learning content to learners, tracking learning activities, making assessments, providing scores, storing learning resources, etc
Disadvantages:
- Distraction:
- Tech barriers & Internet connectivity issues
- Small screen size
As we are moving into an era of smartphones, which are now at the center of our lives, all aspects in our lives are increasingly revolving around mobile devices, and learning is no exception. Google has now prioritized its mobile pages over desktop pages and will rank your site based on whether your site is optimized for mobile or not. Of course, there is never a “one-size-fits-all” solution when it comes to teaching and learning, thus, it is essential to explore various options while making informed decisions. We need to adapt our learning strategy to include m-learning content and create a course that complements mobile learning.
eduJournal is the leading eLearning and mobile training platform, giving learners seamless access to engaging and informative learning content right at the point of need. At eduJournal, we are proud to offer various courses in Abacus, Spoken English, Coding, Entrepreneurship, Procurement, and Supply Chain, catering to learners needs of all ages, and enabling the students to realize their dreams after completing their studies. Contact eduJournal (www.edujournal.com) to learn more about our course, and how to optimize your mobile learning strategy.
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