Mobile Learning, popularly known as mLearning, is the process of consuming learning materials through electronic gadgets such as tablets and smartphones. Currently, mLearning is being adopted in a big way in most corporate training programs. According to a Google report, mobile-only users outnumber desktop-only users, and the numbers are only growing. In fact, the use of multiple devices has increased manifold and people effortlessly switch between a minimum of 3 devices while going about their lives. Considering all these factors attached to mLearning, it becomes extremely lucrative for organisations to utilize this trend while training their employees. To that extent, we elaborate 3 very thoughtful Mobile Learning strategies that are easy to incorporate into your training programs, and which will provide a higher ROI for your organisations.
- LEVERAGE THE ALLURE OF GAMIFICATION
Organisations can leverage the fact that smartphones and tablets were traditionally used for recreational purposes and gamify their training materials. This will allow employees to feel more engaged and they will be encouraged and interested to continue the training. Not only will they be interested but employers will be able to notice better retention of the training given. The principle being, in order to make learning fun the lesson must be packaged as a game that pulls the employee towards it rather than it being pushed on to the employee.
- INTRODUCE A COMPONENT OF COLLABORATIVE LEARNING
The smartphone, tablets, and phablets are attractive for users to handle because of an element of social communication. It connects them with their friends and colleagues through popular social networking sites and communication apps. Leveraging this factor, organisations can involve a collaborative component by using mobile groups to promote and share training content and various chunks of information. This acts as a way of informal learning, allows knowledge sharing and encourages conversation and debate about the training modules being taught. To add an element of fun, collaborative learning can also have a gamification element for every time an employee shares a learning nugget with their group.
- LEVERAGE THE BENEFITS OF VIDEO-BASED LEARNING
Using visual aids to teach a concept has always been a better way to ensure learning retention. Taking visual aids, a step further, organisations can consider incorporating videos into their training modules to drive across a point. Videos can be used to set a certain context, break down a problem and explain its solution or to simply explain a concept. The visual nature of the learning will help employees retain and recall the lessons well after the training has been completed. Videos can even be administered in a micro learning format in order to not overwhelm the employees with too much information.
According to a survey conducted by Techmark, an average user picks up their mobile device 221 times a day making mLearning a very popular method of training. Employees can access the training and complete it anytime and from anywhere. There is no need for it to be on-site or in the office but instead they can complete it in the comfort of their homes. Smartphone users now use their phones as a general learning device and therefore it is extremely easy for organisations to harness the advantages of this behavioural pattern to administer a corporate training module. The ease of access to information and flexibility that the mobile device offers its users makes mLearning worthwhile in training. While we have illustrated three must-consider mLearning strategies for corporate training, it is always beneficial to adopt new and specific strategies based on the training objectives and goals of your organisations.
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