Using Mobile Learning to Transform Training for Your Company

Key takeaways

Mobile learning is an accessible way for learners to develop skills, read training material, and study on the go. 

• Mobile learning often uses smartphones, tablets, or other mobile devices to deliver learning content. 

• Some types of mobile learning formats include mobile courses, podcasts, videos, and gamified experiences.

• You can start implementing mobile learning into your e-learning program by aligning the program with your goals, consulting team members, and creating content that fits the format.

Learn more about mobile learning and how your institution can implement it. Then, explore how Coursera for Businesscan help you implement your mobile learning initiatives by offering world-class content for building in-demand skills and earning industry-recognized credentials.

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What is mobile learning (m-learning)?

Mobile learning, or m-learning, describes learning activities you complete using a smartphone, tablet, or other mobile device. One of the unique benefits of this learning strategy is its ability to increase accessibility for learners regardless of their geographic location or time constraints. This opens the door to more learning opportunities and greater sustainability for ongoing training and education outside of a classroom setting. 

Mobile learning solutions for corporate learning

In the workplace, providing mobile learning solutions for corporate learning gives employees the ability to learn from anywhere, at any time. It utilizes microlearning and allows employees to get quick, bite-sized knowledge with a device that is likely already in their hands or close by. Since mobile learning is so flexible, scaling up is a lower-cost learning and development alternative than in-person training, as you onboard new employees or want to upskill your existing workforce. 

Read more: Measuring the Impact of L&D: How the Best Learning Leaders Prove Value at Three Levels

Mobile learning for higher education

In higher education institutions, mobile learning can help create an engaging space that incorporates real-time feedback from instructors and fellow classmates. By creating a social media-like space, the virtual learning environment encourages dialogue, collaboration, and connection. Some ways higher education institutions use mobile learning may include:

• Apps that introduce new students to campus through scavenger hunts

• Online platforms like Kahoot that allow for real-time polling or quizzing 

• Mobile apps like Quizlet and Brainscape that allow studying on the go

Types of mobile learning 

The types of mobile learning available vary widely, from short microlearning options to social learning that encourages engaging with peers. It can come in various formats, including video instruction, audio files, podcasts, and quizzes.

When deciding on the type of mobile learning you want to implement, it’s essential to remember that each format has its own benefits and use cases. For example:

• Mobile courses: You can make these in-house or connect employees with learning platforms like Coursera. Either way, this m-learning option allows learners to review the materials when and where it works best for them. 

• Podcasts: Podcasts can be an excellent option for giving employees resources they can use while on the go. Learners can listen while driving or engaging in other activities. 

• Videos: This format is popular because it allows you to cover a large volume of information relatively quickly through an engaging format.

• Games: Gamification can make learning more fun, embrace healthy competition, increase motivation, and minimize boredom.

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Pros and cons of mobile learning

Mobile learning excels at providing broad access to training materials and creating bite-sized learning moments. As more corporate learning and development strategies move away from classroom-centered models and embrace digital and mobile learning, it's essential to understand the benefits and potential limitations. That way, you'll have realistic expectations when implementing it for your own institution.

Advantages of m-learning

Explore some of the advantages of mobile learning, like flexibility, increased engagement, personalization, and more:

• Flexibility: Mobile learning empowers learners. Everyone no longer needs to gather in one space and sit through a class all together. With m-learning, learners can learn from wherever, whenever, and in the manner that works best for them. 

• Engagement: Mobile learning resonates with modern learners and increases their engagement with the materials. 

• Easier personalization: Personalized learning improves the learning experience. With m-learning, providing these experiences is simpler. 

• Faster, less expensive learning: With m-learning, learners often can get through the materials faster while retaining more of it. Additionally, producing these materials yourself or subscribing to a learning platform is usually less expensive than in-person training.

• Accessibility: Implementing this type of learning makes it possible to put the learner first and increases access to employees, which has become increasingly pivotal with the rise of remote and hybrid work schedules. 

• Complements in-person training: Mobile learning can be just one of the strategies you employ. It complements other approaches, including in-person training, to provide comprehensive learning experiences. 

Limitations of m-learning 

Although it offers substantial benefits, mobile learning does pose a few limitations. For example, it requires a stable internet connection, and learning could be disrupted in the event of any network problems. Additionally, learners must focus and tune out any distractions, which could be more challenging depending on where they engage with the materials. 

How to implement a mobile learning strategy

Like any learning program, creating an m-learning initiative from scratch takes a mix of careful planning and access to the right tools. Some steps to help you as you begin:

1. Assess your objectives to ensure the training program aligns with the company’s overall goals and needs. 

2. Consider how employees will access the training to ensure you optimize training materials for various mobile devices.

3. Gather your team. If you’re creating your own learning content, you’ll need specialists, project managers, course developers, subject matter experts, and other stakeholders to participate.

4. Create training content, including videos, quizzes, and audio. Alternatively, research tools and learning platforms that provide access to ready-to-use content. 

5. Plan the roll-out and identify the metrics you’ll use to monitor employees’ progress and the program’s success. 

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